An urgent budget of 126 million baht was approved for flood recovery and response in 17 northern provinces, with an additional 30 million baht allocated to restore Nan province. The Irrigation Department was ordered to alert downstream residents and vulnerable points in advance ahead of plans to adjust water discharge at the Chao Phraya Dam to 2,500 cubic meters per second.
On 30 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Yotsanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, chaired the Flood and Drought Management Committee meeting for northern Thailand at Government House Building 1. The meeting monitored water conditions and prepared disaster response in 17 northern provinces, approving an urgent budget of 126 million baht—96 million baht for the 17 provinces and an additional 30 million baht for restoring flood-damaged areas in Nan province.
The 96 million baht budget will be used to repair check dams, embankments, and original water retention areas that have deteriorated; to fix damaged water gauge stations and pumps; to dredge canals and remove waterway obstructions; and to establish flood detention systems with pump installations at vulnerable points. This covers 17 provinces: Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Lamphun, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, Phrae, Tak, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit, Uthai Thani, and Phetchabun. Residents can find more project details atthe website thaiwaterplan.com.
Mr. Yotsanan added, “Water gauge stations are the first line of our warning system. If data is inaccurate or missing, we will assess situations slower than needed. Repairing damaged water gauge stations and pumps must proceed alongside restoring flood defense structures to ensure every province is prepared for both current floods and upcoming droughts.”
The additional 30 million baht for Nan province focuses on restoring severely affected areas by repairing damaged riverbanks, building new homes for displaced families, and fixing damaged community water supply systems to help residents return to normal life as soon as possible.
“Flood management does not end when water recedes. Many families in Nan lost their homes, and community water systems were damaged. The government therefore places equal importance on recovery efforts as on immediate response,” he said.
The meeting also reviewed urgent matters regarding water conditions above the Chao Phraya Dam. The Ping River’s water levels have risen in some areas above the riverbanks, while the Wang River in Lampang and the Yom River in Sukhothai remain at normal levels. Some spots in Nakhon Sawan province have started to experience water overflow.
Given this situation, the Royal Irrigation Department proposed increasing water discharge downstream of the Chao Phraya Dam from 2,200 to 2,500 cubic meters per second in a stepped manner, adjusting flow rates to match water volume. Mr. Yotsanan ordered the Irrigation Department and related agencies to urgently and thoroughly alert residents downstream and in high-risk areas in advance.