Authorities Warn Four Provinces of Rising Chao Phraya Floodwaters
Thai authorities warned four central provinces of rising Chao Phraya River floodwaters expected to surge up to 2,100 cubic meters per second, potentially raising water levels by up to 1.7 meters in low-lying areas over the next nine days.
On September 24, Theeraphat Katchamat, director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, announced that the department's central command center has received notice from the Irrigation Department regarding the fifth water situation update for the Chao Phraya River basin. Water flow forecasts for the next 1–9 days predict that on September 23 at the C.2 station in Nakhon Sawan municipality, maximum flow will reach approximately 1,800 cubic meters per second, with an additional 300–400 cubic meters per second from tributary streams, bringing total inflow above the Chao Phraya Dam to roughly 2,100–2,200 cubic meters per second. After irrigation demand of 400–450 cubic meters per second from both banks, the dam will need to release 1,500–2,000 cubic meters per second downstream, raising water levels by an estimated 0.70–1.70 meters in low-lying areas outside embankments.
Four provinces are on alert: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (Senah, Phak Hai, Bang Baan, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Bang Pa-in, and Bang Thai districts), Ang Thong (Wichian Chai Chan, Pa Mok, Chai Yo, and Ang Thong districts), Singburi (In Buri and Phrom Buri districts), and Chainat (Sapphaya district).
To prepare and minimize impact on residents, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has ordered its regional centers in Pathum Thani, Suphan Buri, and Chainat to convene war room working groups to monitor weather and water conditions. Emergency machinery, vehicles, and personnel will stand ready 24 hours to support affected provinces. If conditions worsen, rapid response teams and additional equipment will be deployed to provincial command centers in coordination with provincial disaster prevention offices. The department will also establish temporary shelters if needed and coordinate with neighboring regional centers for further support.
Public information campaigns will warn residents in low-lying areas outside embankments to monitor water levels and move valuables to higher ground. Bangkok has been notified to alert relevant agencies, private sector operators on the river (including construction firms, floating restaurants, and riverside residents) to closely watch conditions and prepare for potential rises. Citizens are advised to follow weather forecasts, disaster warnings, water situation updates, and government announcements continuously via the "Thai Disaster Alert" app, the "Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Reception 1784" Line account, and the 24-hour hotline 1784.
