Bangkok: Prasert Chantarawongthong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, has directed all relevant agencies to expedite the management of storm water resulting from Tropical Storm Wipha, which has caused significant flooding across various regions in Thailand. The aim is to accelerate water traffic management to ensure efficient drainage into the Chao Phraya River, with a focus on providing comprehensive relief to affected populations and restoring normalcy as swiftly as possible.
According to Thai News Agency, Prasert, acting as Chairman of the National Water Resources Committee (NWRC), highlighted the severity of the flooding situation due to Tropical Storm Wipha, which brought heavy rainfall to the northern and upper northeastern regions of Thailand from July 21 to July 28, 2025. The rainfall peaked on July 23, 2025, with the Nan River Basin in Phu Phiang District, Nan Province, experiencing 400 millimeters of rain. Other affected areas include the Yom River Basin in Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province, and the Mekong River Basin in Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai Province.
The government has expressed deep concern for the affected communities and tasked the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) with collaborating with relevant agencies to establish temporary frontline water management centers in flood-vulnerable areas across four river basins. These centers are set up in Rayong, Chiang Rai, Nong Khai, and Sukhothai provinces to manage water traffic, issue disaster warnings, and support policy decision-making during crises.
Local agencies have been mobilized to provide essential assistance, including deploying large machinery and water pumps to expedite flood drainage and repair infrastructure. Sandbags have been used to protect at-risk areas, and vulnerable groups have been evacuated to temporary shelters. Measures such as the establishment of a royal kitchen and food pantry, and the preparation of rescue equipment, have been implemented to support affected residents.
Flooding remains in Nan, Chiang Rai, Phrae, and Sukhothai provinces. Nan Province recorded the highest accumulated rainfall, while in Chiang Rai Province, recent rainfall caused the Kok and Sai rivers to overflow. In Sukhothai Province, strategies have been employed to control water flow into the Chao Phraya River basin, with efforts to reduce discharge from the Sirikit Dam and manage water levels above the Naresuan Dam.
In Tak Province, the Salween River Basin experienced significant rainfall, leading to rising water levels in the Mae Sai River and subsequent flooding in Mae Sot District. Local agencies are actively monitoring the situation, with improvements expected if no further rainfall occurs in the coming days.
To prevent further impacts, the government has ordered enhanced management of the lower Chao Phraya River basin, coordinating with downstream areas to accommodate future rainfall. Additionally, the Mekong River situation is under close surveillance due to increased water discharge from the Nam Theun 1 Dam in Laos.
The public is encouraged to stay informed through the “Nation Thai Water” application and other digital platforms for real-time updates on the water situation. Preparations are also underway for any potential new storms during the ongoing rainy season, although no new storms have been reported so far.