Chao Phraya Dam increases discharge, raising flood risks in central Thailand

The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has issued flood warnings for several provinces in central Thailand due to rising water levels in the Chao Phraya River. Following heavy rainfall in northern provinces such as Phrae, Chiang Rai, Kamphaeng Phet, and Sukhothai, water inflow to the Chao Phraya Dam has increased significantly.

To manage the inflow, the RID plans to gradually increase the discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam from the current 990 cubic meters per second to between 1,000 and 1,500 cubic meters per second. This increase is expected to cause river water levels downstream to rise by approximately 0.5 to 1.5 meters.

Low-lying areas outside of embankments are at highest risk. In Ayutthaya province, specific districts under alert include Sena, Pak Kret, Bang Ban, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Bang Pa-in, and Bang Sai. Residents in these areas, as well as in parts of Ang Thong province, are advised to move belongings to higher ground and monitor official updates closely. While urban areas within embankments are currently not expected to be affected, the RID has sent warning notices to governors in 11 provinces along the river basin.