Govt monitors Central Region water flow via Risk Maps

Thairath•Politics•2d ago

Reader Briefing

The Thai government is using Risk Maps to manage water flow into the Central Region and prepare for both flooding and drought.

•Ratchada Thanadirek announced on August 24, 2026, that water levels in the Chao Phraya Basin are currently manageable.
•A Risk Map developed by GISTDA, water agencies, and the Meteorological Department is being used to assess risks in advance.
•September 2026 is identified as the period of highest vigilance for water drainage.
•The government is planning for drought as average rainfall in the Central Region has decreased by approximately 20 percent.

Overview

•Ratchada Thanadirek announced on August 24, 2026, that the government is closely monitoring water levels flowing from the North into the Central Region's Chao Phraya Basin.
•On August 23, 2026, Surasak Pancharoenworakul chaired a meeting of the Committee for the Prevention and Resolution of Floods and Droughts in the Central Region, attended by Pharadon Pritsnanantakul.
•The meeting estimated that water drainage in September 2026 will not exceed 1,200 cubic meters per second, which is lower than the peak of 2,700 cubic meters per second last year.
•GISTDA, water agencies, and the Meteorological Department created a Risk Map to shift the operational model toward advance risk assessment and precise resource allocation.
•Water levels in the Central Region are reported to be at a manageable level, though some flooding in low-lying areas may occur.
•The government is prioritizing drought preparation because average rainfall in the Central Region has dropped by about 20 percent and nationwide by about 8 percent.
•The government is planning to store sufficient water for use in the following year.

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Key Quotes

Ratchada Thanadirek

"Based on the latest information and situation assessment, the central region remains manageable. However, the government is not complacent and has fully prepared data, personnel, tools, and contingency plans in advance to ensure public safety."

จากข้อมูลและการประเมินสถานการณ์ล่าสุด พื้นที่ภาคกลางยังคงบริหารจัดการได้ อย่างไรก็ตาม รัฐบาลไม่ประมาท และได้เตรียมความพร้อมทั้งด้านข้อมูล บุคลากร เครื่องมือ และแผนเผชิญเหตุไว้ล่วงหน้าอย่างครบถ้วนเพื่อดูแลความปลอดภัยของประชาชน

Key Entities

Person

Ratchada Thanadirek(รัชดา ธนาดิเรก)

Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office.

Surasak Pancharoenworakul(สุรศักดิ์ พันธ์เจริญวรกุล)

Minister of Tourism and Sports and Chairman of the Subcommittee for the Prevention and Resolution of Floods and Droughts in the Chao Phraya Basin.

Pharadon Pritsnanantakul(ภราดร ปริศนานันทกุล)

Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and advisor to the subcommittee.

Organization

Committee for the Prevention and Resolution of Floods and Droughts in the Central Region(คณะกรรมการป้องกันและแก้ไขปัญหาอุทกภัยและภัยแล้งในพื้นที่ภาคกลาง)

A committee responsible for managing floods and droughts in the central region.

Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA)(สำนักงานพัฒนาเทคโนโลยีอวกาศและภูมิสารสนเทศ (GISTDA))

The agency that collaborated with water agencies and the Meteorological Department to create the Risk Map.

Meteorological Department(กรมอุตุนิยมวิทยา)

A government department that collaborated on the creation of the Risk Map.

Place

Chao Phraya Basin(ลุ่มเจ้าพระยา)

The river basin area where water management and drainage are being monitored.

Chao Phraya Dam(เขื่อนเจ้าพระยา)ℹ️

The dam used for controlling and draining water in the Chao Phraya Basin.

Central Region(ภาคกลาง)

The region of Thailand experiencing water flow from the north and decreased rainfall.

North(ภาคเหนือ)ℹ️

The region from which water is flowing down into the Central Region.