Agriculture Minister Orders Close Monitoring of Heavy Rains, Flood Response
Thailand's agriculture minister has ordered close monitoring of water levels and weather as heavy rains sweep the north and southern regions, with national reservoirs at 69 percent capacity and authorities preparing flood defenses across vu
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has instructed the Royal Irrigation Department's Smart Water Operation Centre (SWOC) to monitor water conditions and weather closely following warnings of heavy rainfall in Thailand's north and southern regions. Northern Thailand continues to experience heavy rains in some areas due to a monsoon trough crossing the north and upper northeast, while the southwest monsoon is moderately covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand.
As of September 8, 2026, national water storage data shows that 496 large and medium-sized reservoirs nationwide hold approximately 52,993 million cubic meters (69 percent of total capacity), with capacity to accommodate over 23,673 million cubic meters more. The four main Chao Phraya basin dams—Bhumibol, Sirikit, Kwae Noi Bamrung Daen, and Pasak Chollasit—hold over 15,800 million cubic meters (64 percent of capacity), with room for another 8,900 million cubic meters.
Chao Phraya basin water flow data at 6 a.m. showed 617 cubic meters per second passing through station C.2 in Muang District, Nakhon Sawan, while Chao Phraya Dam registered 200 cubic meters per second.
The Royal Irrigation Department continues to coordinate water discharge with upstream flow and rainfall, preparing machinery and pumping equipment to manage current rainfall and reduce impacts on residents, particularly in areas at risk of flash floods, mountain runoff, and low-lying zones.
Over the next seven days (September 8–13, 2026), the Thai Meteorological Department forecasts thunderstorms in 60–80 percent of the north and upper northeast with heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas, especially September 8–10. Central, eastern regions, and Bangkok and vicinity will see increased rain September 10–13 with heavy to very heavy falls in some areas. The south will experience increased rain September 10–13, particularly the west coast with thunderstorms covering 60–80 percent of the area.
Authorities urge residents in at-risk areas to monitor official water status updates and announcements closely. Irrigation projects nationwide are advised to manage water resources fully to prevent and minimize impacts from heavy rainfall.
