Suriya revealed that the Irrigation Department has reduced the water release from the Chao Phraya Dam to 700 cubic meters per second, easing water levels in the Chao Phraya River. The department director stated that rainfall in the south is beginning to ease but continuous monitoring remains necessary.
On 30 October 2026, Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, reported receiving updates from Mr. Wittaya Kaewmee, Director-General of the Irrigation Department, that the water situation in the Chao Phraya basin is improving. The department has been gradually reducing the water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam, recently lowering it from 800 to 700 cubic meters per second at 6:00 a.m. on 30 October. This level will be maintained as it prevents the river downstream from overflowing its banks into low-lying areas outside flood barriers. Consequently, water levels at the port area are receding to the riverbanks, improving the efficiency of pumping out still-flooded lowlands into the river. The Minister has instructed the Irrigation Department to mobilize pumps and machinery to accelerate drainage, alleviating public hardship and enabling farmers to resume planting quickly. Water management will ensure some residual moisture in fields to support farmers preparing for new planting cycles.
Mr. Wittaya Kaewmee, Director-General of the Irrigation Department, said the department is executing the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives' directives by rapidly deploying pumps and machinery to assist flooded areas. They are closely monitoring nationwide rainfall and water conditions, especially in the south where heavy rain has recently lessened but still occurs in parts of Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phuket provinces. According to the Hydro-Informatics Institute's 24-hour rainfall data on 30 October, Prachuap Khiri Khan recorded a maximum of 143 millimeters at Ban Sai Khu Station in Bang Saphan District, while Phuket measured up to 124 millimeters at Saphan Damrong Station in Mueang Phuket District. The ongoing southern rain results from residual wind and moisture influenced by a low-pressure area that has moved into the Andaman Sea, causing the heavy rain situation to ease. However, increased rain is forecast around 5-6 November, especially on the Gulf of Thailand side. The Irrigation Department will maintain close observation of rainfall, water levels, and reservoir volumes, adjusting water management plans for maximum efficiency tailored to each area to minimize impacts on residents and agriculture, particularly in the south where vigilance will continue until the rainy season ends.