Bangkok: Mr. Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), has addressed concerns about this year’s water management situation, indicating that the current water levels are not as concerning as those in 2011. He highlighted that two major dams still have capacity for additional water storage and that ongoing rainfall will be closely monitored on October 7-8 to potentially adjust water releases.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Danucha explained that recent rainfall in the northern region has been higher than usual, increasing water flows into significant economic dams. Discussions with relevant agencies have led to a decision to potentially adjust water discharges at the Sirikit and Bhumibol Dams. While last week’s combined discharge rate from these dams was capped at 30 million cubic meters per second, the unusually heavy rainfall has necessitated an increase to 40-50 million cubic meters per second. Future adjustments will be made to ensure the Chao Phraya Dam maintains a flow rate of 2,500 cubic meters per second without exceeding a level of 17 meters. Initial conversations with the Royal Irrigation Department will set the water level, with reassessment expected within two days.

Mr. Danucha emphasized the importance of accurate rainfall estimation, noting its current uncertainty and the need for continuous monitoring. He assured that a report on the situation will be presented at a meeting today. Comparing the current water situation to 2011, he noted that the figures are lower, and the amount of water stored in dams is greater, suggesting that the situation is less critical than it was in 2011.

For Bangkok, areas outside the embankments are recognized as flood-prone. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, together with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, is actively preparing and implementing precautionary measures to address potential flooding issues.