Government warns Chao Phraya communities as dam releases rise

BANGKOK — The government has urged people living along the Chao Phraya River to prepare for rising water levels after the Royal Irrigation Department increased water releases from the Chao Phraya Dam to 2,500 cubic metres per second from noon on 30 September.

The increase comes as water flowing towards the dam is expected to reach 3,600–3,700 cubic metres per second in the coming days, with the highest flow at the C.2 monitoring station in Nakhon Sawan forecast at about 3,000 cubic metres per second on 2 October.

The department said an additional 700–750 cubic metres per second is expected to flow into the Chao Phraya from tributaries, while around 550–580 cubic metres per second will be diverted into irrigation systems on both sides of the river.

The higher discharge is expected to require close monitoring of low-lying areas outside flood barriers, particularly along the Chao Phraya and Noi rivers.

The areas under particular watch include parts of Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri and Chai Nat provinces.

In Ayutthaya, the areas include Sena, Phak Hai, Bang Ban, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Bang Pa-in and Bang Sai districts. In Ang Thong, authorities are monitoring Wiset Chai Chan, Pa Mok, Mueang Ang Thong and Chaiyo. In Sing Buri, the watch areas include In Buri, Phrom Buri and Mueang Sing Buri, while Sapphaya district is being monitored in Chai Nat.

The Royal Irrigation Department said the increased discharge is not expected to affect communities located inside flood barriers. People living in low-lying areas outside the barriers and along both rivers, however, have been urged to closely monitor the situation.

Government deputy spokesperson Phatdarasmi Thongsaluaykorn said residents in vulnerable areas should prepare before water levels rise, including moving electrical appliances, important documents and other valuables to higher ground.

Residents in risk areas have also been advised to move vehicles, livestock and farming equipment to safer locations, prepare essential supplies and emergency contact information, and follow official updates on water levels and evacuation warnings.

The government has issued an earlier warning to authorities in 11 provinces along the Chao Phraya basin: Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan and Bangkok.

Officials said the latest warning is intended as advance preparation rather than an indication that communities inside flood barriers are expected to be affected.

The Royal Irrigation Department will continue monitoring rainfall, upstream water volumes and river levels and adjust its water-management plan if conditions change.