Bangkok:Mr. Decharat Sukkamnerd, Director of the Center for Future Policy and Chairman of the Water Situation Monitoring Working Group of the People’s Party, has raised concerns about the increased release of water from dams, which could impact communities living along rivers. The situation arises as many dams and reservoirs in the central and western regions are nearing or exceeding capacity, prompting the release of water to manage levels, despite a decrease in rainfall.
According to Thai News Agency, the Chao Phraya River is experiencing a rise in water volume upstream of the Chao Phraya Dam, reaching 2,564 cubic meters per second. This has led to an increase in the water level upstream to 17.66 meters above mean sea level, affecting areas in Chai Nat and Uthai Thani provinces. The dam currently releases water downstream at 2,000 cubic meters per second, with expectations of an increase to 2,200 cubic meters per second, impacting areas in Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, and Nonthaburi.
The Pa Sak Chonlasit Dam has exceeded its capacity, releasing water initially at 25 cubic meters per second, with plans to increase to 115 cubic meters on September 30, and further to 230 cubic meters from October 1, reaching 400 cubic meters by October 2. Downstream of the Phra Ram VI Dam, discharge is set to rise to 600-700 cubic meters per second, raising water levels by up to 1.20 meters, posing risks to Saraburi, Ayutthaya, and Pathum Thani provinces.
The Tha Chin River is currently receiving water from the Chao Phraya River and the Mae Klong River, exceeding its discharge capacity and causing flooding in areas such as Bang Len and Nakhon Chai Si in Nakhon Pathom province. Meanwhile, the Mae Klong River’s dam discharge may increase from 1,666 to 2,000 cubic meters per second, possibly affecting communities in Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi provinces, though widespread flooding is not anticipated.
The Kaeng Krachan and Phetchaburi Dams are also releasing water, with the Phetchaburi Dam maintaining levels below the riverbanks in the city. Mr. Decharat emphasized the interconnected nature of the drainage systems and called for the National Water Resources Office to provide regular updates on the situation. The People’s Party urges residents in affected areas to stay informed and ready to respond over the next three days, offering assistance through local party teams.