Deputy Interior Minister Denies Permanent Dam Closure Order

At 9:50 a.m. on September 29, 2569, at Government House, Deputy Interior Minister Pol Peerth Suwannachavee addressed criticism from academics following his order to close the water discharge gates at Khun Dan Prakarnchol Dam in Nakhon Nayok Province.

On September 27, Peerth visited the dam area to attend a provincial coordination meeting with the provincial governor, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, the provincial public health office, and other agencies including the Thai Meteorological Department. He reported that the dam was approximately 97 percent full, with water inflow from Khao Yai representing about 20 percent of the rainwater that fell on September 26.

Peerth stated that upon arriving at the dam, he asked the dam director whether water release could be slowed. The director confirmed it could be done temporarily. "My intention that day was simply this: if water levels in residents' homes were around 30 centimeters, by slowing the dam release we could maintain or reduce water levels. If we increased discharge, levels would rise. That was my only aim," Peerth explained.

"I never said to close it permanently or until it dried up. My intention was not that at all. As for the criticism and analysis, I accept it completely. Even though I am not an engineer or water management specialist, no one would be foolish enough to let a dam burst. When water exceeds 100 percent capacity and causes a breach, it causes far greater harm to the public," he stated.

Peerth clarified that on that day, with all agencies present, he asked questions—not giving orders—about whether the discharge could be slowed or gates closed. Officials confirmed both were possible, and when asked how long closure was feasible, they said two hours. However, before he even returned to Bangkok, the gates were reopened. "There was no order to close the dam. Everyone understands that excessive water pressure would cause a breach, resulting in far greater damage," Peerth said.

He emphasized that September 27 involved only discussion and consultation with all agencies on the ground, reaching mutual agreement. He acknowledged that news headlines reading "Deputy Interior Minister Orders Dam Closed" may have seemed inflammatory, and hoped academics analyzing the situation would also consider the perspective of affected residents.

Peerth announced plans to visit the flooded Khlong Chan apartment complex that afternoon with another deputy minister to assess what each building still lacked. He noted that water levels had remained stable on September 28, raising concerns about potential water quality issues if conditions persisted. "We will assess how we can manage the water and help residents as effectively as possible," he concluded.