The government spokesperson revealed that the Chao Phraya Dam is releasing water at 2,300 cubic meters per second in a stepped manner. The water mass is expected to reach Ayutthaya on 3 October. Meanwhile, the Pasak Jolasid Dam has exceeded 100% capacity, urging riverside residents to move belongings to higher ground and evacuate to safe areas.
At 10:00 a.m. on 1 October 2026, at the Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Center under the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Mr. Ekaphop Pianpiset, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, held a joint press conference on the flood situation information center (JICC) together with Mr. Thanaroj Waratrprasert, Director of the National Water Command Center, Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), and Mrs. Lalida Pertwiwatana, deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, along with representatives from Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
Mr. Ekaphop stated that there is a warning of increased rainfall during 4-8 October, marking the seasonal change rains, not continuous heavy rain. Meanwhile, weather forecasts for 6-7 October predict above-normal rainfall in Kanchanaburi and western provinces. In Bangkok, the seasonal change rains are expected on 7-8 October, so vigilance and regular updates are necessary for further alerts.
Mr. Ekaphop reported that the water level from the Ping River has begun to decrease in the past two days, reaching Nakhon Sawan Province. Currently, the water level is at its peak and will be directed to the Chao Phraya Dam before entering the Sakae Krang River in Uthai Thani Province, where water is being held back to reduce inflow to the Chao Phraya River. On 30 September, the Chao Phraya Dam released water at 2,200 cubic meters per second. Following approval by the National Water Committee, the release increased stepwise to 2,300 cubic meters per second on the morning of 1 October, with a cap at 2,500 cubic meters per second. Meanwhile, the Pasak Jolasid Dam has exceeded 100% capacity, releasing water toward Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Residents, especially those in riverside and low-lying areas, are urged to stay alert, evacuate, and move belongings to higher ground.
Mr. Ekaphop added that on the western side, the issue is in Kanchanaburi Province where water is discharged into the Mae Klong River. Currently, the Vajiralongkorn Dam water level has risen due to reservoir retention over the past two days, but inflow has not increased since rainfall has decreased. The dam has begun releasing water. The National Water Policy Committee has ordered an increase in discharge to 500 cubic meters per second to reduce reservoir levels. The previous discharge flows were spaced apart sufficiently to minimize impact on residents. The Mae Klong Dam currently releases 2,200 cubic meters per second, managing water to prevent harm both upstream and downstream. This water will flow through Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram Provinces, where residents have been warned to evacuate and move belongings to higher ground while closely monitoring the situation. In Samut Songkhram, water is being pumped out to prevent simultaneous inflows. Residents are urged to follow announcements and monitor the situation closely.
The spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office stated that on the eastern side, water levels from Prachinburi and Nakhon Nayok Provinces have stabilized and declined after reaching peak levels. The water converges into the Bang Pakong River and lowland areas of Chachoengsao Province at Bang Khla District, Khlong Khuean, and Bang Nam Priao, where residents have been warned to relocate belongings to higher ground. Vulnerable groups such as bedridden patients and the elderly are advised to evacuate to designated provincial shelters. Emphasis is placed on central regions, especially Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Nonthaburi, and Pathum Thani Provinces, to closely monitor water levels and evacuate to shelters if levels rise to ensure safety.
Mr. Ekaphop also conveyed the Prime Minister's directives from the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command meeting to prioritize assistance to those in urgent need, establishing clear priority levels. Teams are to be organized for accessing hard-to-reach areas with deep flooding, ensuring delivery of drinking water, food, medicine, and essential supplies. Communication systems will be coordinated to provide consistent, localized information. Additionally, preparations are underway for new rainfall expected between 4-5 October in alerted areas.
The spokesperson noted that the meeting also discussed flood risk areas identified by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), which calculates water inflow, rainfall, and dam releases by province. This data guides decision-making and aid deployment. Furthermore, resource inventories of personnel and machinery will be maintained to enable rapid cross-provincial deployment, ensuring swift assistance to affected areas.
The spokesperson further stated that in the two banks of the Chao Phraya, Tha Chin, and Mae Klong Rivers, residents will be warned through all channels. Provincial governors are instructed to closely oversee the welfare and livelihoods of residents in all aspects. Governors, deputy governors, and relevant officials must remain in their provinces at all times. Areas where water has receded should expedite pumping to restore normal living conditions promptly.
The Office of National Water Resources reports that the water mass will reach Ayutthaya on 3 October.
Mr. Thanaroj Waratrprasert, Director of the National Water Command Center, Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) and deputy spokesperson, described the Chao Phraya Basin situation: Water from the Ping River increased recently by 1,000 cubic meters per second, reaching Nakhon Sawan Province and expected to arrive at the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat Province the next day. In the Sakae Krang Basin of Uthai Thani Province, upstream water flow toward Wang Rom Klao Dam is at peak levels, and discharge there will be maintained to slow inflow from Nakhon Sawan. Consequently, water passing the Chao Phraya Dam will be capped at 2,500 cubic meters per second. On 30 September, discharge increased to 2,300 cubic meters per second and will rise by 100 cubic meters per second daily. This will slightly raise upstream water levels but remain below provincial flood defenses. The water passing the dam will converge in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, reaching there on 3 October with rising levels.
Mr. Thanaroj stated that additional water comes from the Pasak Basin, with an increased release of 200 cubic meters per second from the Pasak Jolasid Dam. Morning assessments show inflow to the dam has decreased to 100 cubic meters per second. The release plan aims to keep discharge from Pasak Jolasid Dam under 300 cubic meters per second to avoid impacting downstream areas. The Rama VI Dam will also increase releases but not exceed 300 cubic meters per second. This water will merge with the Chao Phraya River flow in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Overall, total water flow is expected to remain under 3,000 cubic meters per second, moving through Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Bangkok, and onward to Samut Prakan.
Mr. Thanaroj explained that the critical assessment in Bangkok expects flow volumes around 3,000 cubic meters per second, which would raise water levels in the capital to approximately 2 to 2.25 meters—about 40 centimeters below the BMA flood protection embankments. Compared to 1968, when maximum discharge was 2,900 cubic meters per second and current releases stand at 2,500 cubic meters per second, this year's levels are lower, resulting in less water than in the past.
Mr. Thanaroj added that in the Mae Klong Basin, water levels have begun to decrease. On 30 September, the Kwae Noi River fell by 2.5 meters, with 2,200 cubic meters per second already passed through the Mae Klong Dam. Discussions today concluded that the maximum flow through the dam remains manageable, and gate openings may be reduced in line with upstream inflows. This water will continue to Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram Provinces, particularly Amphawa District, where water levels are rising but are not expected to worsen due to scattered rainfall. The Vajiralongkorn Dam has been used to hold back water but now approaches full capacity, necessitating water release starting today at 40 million cubic meters or 500 cubic meters per second. This discharge will gradually replenish the Mae Klong Dam over 2-3 days without increasing its water level.
Government warns of five high-flood points in Bangkok, advising residents to avoid these areas; recovery efforts underway at Khlong Chan and Romklao housing estates.
Ms. Lalida Pertwiwatana, deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, reported on Bangkok's flood situation, identifying five high-water areas to avoid: 1. Bangkok-Kritha Road from Soi 9 to 25 and Soi 37 to 55, with 20-30 cm water depth; 2. Luang Paeng Road, Lat Krabang near Lotus Lat Krabang, Wat Pholmani intersection, Phahonyothin Road; 3. Lat Krabang Road near Lat Krabang-Romklao Royal Golf intersection, Suk Samarn intersection; 4. Chalong Krung Road at Chaokhun Thahan intersection, connecting to Lat Krabang Road near the railway technology intersection; 5. Suwinthawong Road at Hathairat-Ratuthit intersection.
Ms. Lalida said that recovery at Khlong Chan housing estate in Bang Kapi has progressed, with water levels dropping to 30 centimeters. Water on Seri Thai Road decreased to 30-40 centimeters, and Sri Burapha Road is now passable. Pumping equipment is being mobilized to expedite water removal from communities into Khlong Saen Saeb Canal. The BMA has begun clearing areas, repairing water pumps for water supply, cleaning after water recedes, and engineers will inspect structural damages.
Ms. Lalida further noted recovery progress at Romklao housing estate in Lat Krabang, where water levels have dropped by 20 centimeters. Authorities installed water push boats along Khlong Prawet Burirom and are accelerating water drainage toward Samut Prakan. Once water levels along Khlong Prawet Burirom recede enough to reveal embankments, efforts to restore the Lat Krabang housing community will intensify using internal pumping systems and additional pumps.
