The Irrigation Department confirms that Bhumibol and Sirikit dams can fully receive northern inflows, while downstream water levels at the Chao Phraya Dam have decreased by 10-15 cm. Warnings issued for Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Samut Sakhon following increased discharge from Mae Klong Dam; close attention urged for the Bang Pakong basin amid tidal surges.
At 10:00 a.m. on 7 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Thawatchai Traiwari, Director of the Water Situation Analysis Division at the Irrigation Department, spoke at a press briefing of the Joint Information Center for Flood Situation (JICC) at the Government House about water management status. Due to rainfall in upper areas such as Chiang Mai and Nan provinces, Bhumibol and Sirikit dams can fully accommodate the water, thus not affecting downstream areas. Discharge downstream is minimized to ensure sufficient water for consumption and agricultural use by the public.
At the Chao Phraya Dam's C2 station in Nakhon Sawan province, water flow is 1,915 cubic meters per second, down from 6 Oct 2026. The situation is improving with balanced water management from the north. Discharge downstream has been reduced from 2,500 to 2,400 cubic meters per second, including reduced outflow through Noi River, Tha Chin River, and Chainat-Pasak canals. Thus, the water situation is starting to improve, with downstream water levels expected to fall by 10-15 centimeters.
Mr. Thawatchai added that in the western region along the Mae Klong basin, the Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rainfall, prompting preparedness to release water ahead of the Mae Klong Dam to accommodate rain. However, heavy rain on the night of 6 October caused some riverbank overflows in Sai Yok district at certain points. Today, discharge from Mae Klong Dam increased to 1,100 cubic meters per second, raising water levels downstream in Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Samut Sakhon provinces by 40-50 centimeters compared to yesterday. However, the incoming water volume is expected to cause less impact than before due to lower rainfall amounts.
In the south, water discharge at Kaeng Krachan Dam is controlled to avoid affecting downstream areas. The water volume at Phetch Dam, which can hold up to 320 cubic meters per second, currently stands at about 160 cubic meters per second, half its capacity. Discharge downstream to Phetchaburi city is 75 cubic meters per second, within the manageable limit of 150 cubic meters per second, so no impacts are expected.
The director further revealed that the eastern region, especially the upper Bang Pakong River basin where Nakhon Nayok and Prachinburi rivers converge, still requires close monitoring. While the upper Nakhon Nayok River situation is improving, the lower area remains stable but slightly affected by tidal levels and Prachinburi River flows.
Regarding the Prachinburi River from Sa Kaeo province, water levels continue to decline but still impact urban areas. Although water levels are trending down slowly, discharged water may affect Chachoengsao province areas including Bang Nam Priao, Bang Khla, Phanom Sarakham, and Mueang districts, causing water levels to remain stable or slightly rise due to tidal influence. Once tides recede, conditions are expected to improve.