Agriculture Ministry Monitors Northern Water Crisis, Plans Long-Term Flood Control
Thailand's Agriculture Ministry is releasing 2 million cubic meters of water from northern dams due to rising river levels, with potential impacts on central provinces. The government plans an 8-year, 165-billion-baht flood control project
On 29 September 2025 at Government House, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit discussed the water situation in the North, noting that water from the Ping and Sakgrang Rivers has increased dam water levels, necessitating the release of approximately 2 million cubic meters of water.
An assessment is underway to determine whether this will affect Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok provinces. Suriya said the Irrigation Department, working with the National Water Resources Office, is evaluating how to minimize public impact from the water release.
Regarding public warnings, Suriya confirmed that the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is already issuing alerts. When asked about concerns regarding current dam levels and rainfall forecasts, he stated that the government must monitor the situation closely, acknowledging that rainfall has been above normal and collective action is needed.
Suriya revealed that at today's Cabinet meeting, the Agriculture Ministry will propose a long-term water management project for Chainat, Phichit, and the Gulf of Thailand to prevent flooding. Once completed, this project is expected to reduce annual flood damage by 17 billion baht. The project will take 8 years to complete with a budget of 165 billion baht, partly financed by foreign loans. Since the project has already passed environmental impact assessment, Cabinet approval will allow immediate implementation beginning in fiscal year 2570.
