Thailand: Water from the North Raises Flood Risk Around Bangkok
Written by the editors of theo-courant.com, your reference guide to Thailand and South-East Asia - based in Bangkok, at the heart of Thai culture.
Thailand is entering a new phase of the current flood situation as water flowing down from the North continues to enter the Chao Phraya river system. Authorities are gradually increasing releases from the Chao Phraya Dam, while six downstream provinces have been placed under close watch.
Water from the North is moving towards central Thailand
At the C.2 monitoring station in Nakhon Sawan, river flow reached around 2,610 cubic metres per second on October 1. Authorities expect further inflows from upstream areas.
The Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat is therefore increasing its discharge gradually. The release reached 2,300 cubic metres per second on October 1, with a maximum limit of 2,500 cubic metres per second.
The additional water will then move downstream towards Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Bangkok.
According to the authorities, the water released from the dam is expected to reach Ayutthaya around October 3.
Six provinces are on alert
The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) has called for increased monitoring in six provinces. River levels could rise by around 20 to 60 centimetres in the affected areas, particularly in low-lying communities outside flood embankments.
| Province | Areas under particular watch |
|---|---|
| Chai Nat | Sapphaya |
| Sing Buri | In Buri, Mueang Sing Buri, Phrom Buri |
| Ang Thong | Chaiyo, Mueang Ang Thong, Wiset Chai Chan, Pa Mok |
| Ayutthaya | Phak Hai, Bang Ban, Sena, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Bang Pa-in, Bang Sai |
| Pathum Thani | Sam Khok, Mueang Pathum Thani |
| Nonthaburi | Pak Kret, Mueang Nonthaburi, Bang Kruai |
Authorities have advised people living along the river and in low-lying areas to follow official warnings and move belongings to higher ground if necessary.
What does this mean for Bangkok?
Bangkok lies further downstream in the Chao Phraya river system. Authorities are therefore closely monitoring the flow through Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi before it reaches the capital.
To reduce the risk of further flooding, water levels in several canals (khlong) have also been kept low. We were able to see this for ourselves this afternoon in the canals around the Grand Palace, where water levels were noticeably low.
This precaution is particularly relevant in this part of Bangkok, where buildings and facilities are currently being prepared for the royal cremation ceremonies of Her Majesty Queen Mother Sirikit. Construction of the royal crematorium and associated structures is currently taking place at Sanam Luang.
Authorities are also continuing to monitor water levels in the Chao Phraya and the canal network, particularly in low-lying communities and areas close to waterways.
The situation will need monitoring over the coming days
The situation remains dependent on incoming water from northern Thailand as well as further rainfall. Authorities have instructed the provinces concerned to inspect flood barriers, prepare pumps and emergency equipment, and maintain continuous monitoring.
For travellers, Bangkok and the main tourist areas should not be considered generally flooded. Local conditions can nevertheless change, particularly in riverside areas along the Chao Phraya.
Travellers should check official local announcements for any specific restrictions or disruptions.
