Bangkok: The National Water Resources Management Committee (NWRC) has issued a warning to 17 provinces to remain vigilant against impending flooding and flash floods. Mae Hong Son faces a critical situation with a bridge collapse, while Nakhon Phanom reports that 90,000 rai of farmland is submerged.
According to Thai News Agency, the National Water Resources Office (NWRO) has released a report summarizing the water situation in Thailand, cautioning residents in high-risk areas to prepare for heavy to very heavy rainfall between August 19-21, 2026. This is attributed to a monsoon trough over the upper northern and northeastern regions, alongside a strong southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The NWRO has issued a flood watch for potential flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and river overflows in 17 high-risk provinces, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Phanom.
Over the past 24 hours, significant rainfall was recorded in Trat Province (97 mm), Phang Nga Province (69 mm), Tak Province (68 mm), and Bangkok (59 mm). Nationwide, reservoirs are at 60% capacity, with 43% being usable water. The western region has the highest water level at 70%, while the central region is at 34%. The Marine Department is expediting the dredging of U-Tapao Canal in Songkhla Province, costing over 1.5 million baht, to enhance drainage ahead of the rainy season.
In Mae Hong Son, flash floods have damaged a Bailey bridge near Ban Huai Pong, disrupting traffic on a vital route. The Mae Hong Son Highway Division, along with the Bridge Construction and Rehabilitation Center No. 1 (Phichit), is working on repairs. In Nakhon Phanom, the Provincial Agricultural Office reported flooding affecting 11 districts, with over 12,538 farmers impacted. The estimated damage covers 90,781 rai of agricultural land, including rice paddies and other crops. Officials are assessing the damage and advising farmers to remain alert.