Attakorn urges the government to create a real-time map of dams nationwide, pointing out inaccuracies in the Meteorological Department's forecasts and the need to improve warning systems, along with calling for immediate disaster declarations once flooding occurs to expedite relief efforts and public assistance.
At 14:40 on 30 Sep 2026 GMT+7, at the Parliament during a session chaired by Speaker Sophon Sarum, the House of Representatives considered an urgent verbal motion proposed by members from various political parties regarding comprehensive water management strategies, flood crisis response, and measures for recovery and assistance to affected citizens, to be submitted for government consideration.
Attakorn Sirilattayakorn, Member of Parliament for Chachoengsao from the Kla Party, stated that the recent flooding crisis in several areas is an unwanted situation, especially in Chachoengsao province. His constituency has received water from multiple sources including the Sri Sawat, Naruebodin, and Khun Dan Prakarn Chon dams, as well as runoff from Bangkok, causing the Bang Pakong River to overflow and unable to drain into the sea quickly, compounded by tidal influences, resulting in widespread distress among residents.
Attakorn noted that although natural patterns have changed, the government's water management system may not have adapted accordingly. From his experience working with the Royal Irrigation Department, water management is based on controlling reservoir levels according to a curve principle that sets limits to avoid levels being too high or too low.
However, he questioned why, despite having such management principles and monitoring systems, the Khun Dan Prakarn Chon dam's water level recently reached about 97%, even exceeding 100% at times. He called on relevant agencies to explain the water management and pre-release processes in detail.
Attakorn also commented on the Meteorological Department's role, emphasizing its essential function in providing advance weather forecasts. However, based on recent events, he believes forecast accuracy remains an issue needing improvement to build public trust.
He proposed that beyond weather forecasting, the government should create a "real-time nationwide map of dams and reservoirs" accessible to the public daily, allowing residents to check water levels at each dam themselves, enabling them to assess risks and prepare in advance.
"If I live near the Sri Iam dam and check the website to find today's water level at 79%, I would start to be cautious. If it’s only around 10%, then we should conserve water. This kind of information empowers the public to make decisions," Attakorn said.
Additionally, Attakorn urged the government to promptly improve the warning system after discovering some people receive mobile alerts while others in the same area do not. Citing his own and his brother's experiences of receiving alerts at different times, he requested relevant agencies to inspect and resolve data transmission issues to ensure comprehensive public reach.
On disaster declaration criteria, Attakorn stated that any area experiencing flooding should have the situation declared on the day it occurs, without waiting for prolonged conditions. Delays increase the financial burden and hardships for affected residents.
"Flooding should be declared from day one, whether it lasts one, five, ten, or thirty days. The costs and burdens fall on the affected people from the start," Attakorn said.
Regarding damage assessments, he urged the government to collect comprehensive data covering homes, farmland, orchards, cash crops like mangoes and coconuts, as well as livestock and aquatic animals such as cattle, pigs, chickens, fish, shrimp, and crabs to ensure full and timely compensation without omissions or delays.
Attakorn also highlighted problems in Phanom Sarakham, Bang Khla, and Khlong Khuean districts of Chachoengsao, where water supply systems malfunctioned, failing to provide normal water access to residents, forcing them to seek alternative sources. Meanwhile, essential flood supplies like sandbags have become scarce and have surged in price several times over.
He therefore called on the Office of the Consumer Protection Board to conduct field inspections of prices for essential flood-related goods and equipment to prevent exploitation and protect citizens from inflated costs during the crisis.
Attakorn emphasized that effective flood management requires a systemic approach, covering forecasting and warnings, reservoir management, real-time data communication, timely disaster declarations, damage assessments, and public relief measures to improve future flood response efficiency.