Editorial – Super El Niño
Thailand's government has launched preparations for an anticipated "Super El Niño" phenomenon expected in 2026, with the Prime Minister ordering drought-response measures across water, agriculture, and industry sectors to protect citizens a
Following a recent cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Anuthim Charnvirakul has ordered preparations to combat drought and the impending El Niño phenomenon. He has delegated responsibilities to the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Industry, the National Water Resources Office, and related agencies to prioritize protecting and caring for people affected by drought.
The Prime Minister stressed that citizens must have access to clean and sufficient drinking water, farmers must implement agricultural practices suited to climate conditions with reasonable income, and the industrial sector must maintain adequate water access. All sectors must minimize impacts from drought and the El Niño phenomenon.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit has ordered proactive measures to address drought and below-normal rainfall that could damage agricultural areas widely. Four strategies will be employed: strict water conservation and management in main reservoirs, water supplementation through royal rain-making operations, switching to short-season water-efficient crops, and monitoring through early warning systems and relief efforts.
A special task force will be established to closely monitor conditions, communicate with farmers to prepare them, and enhance volunteer participation. Weather and water data will be integrated with meteorological and irrigation agencies to plan efficient water management during the El Niño period.
El Niño is an oceanographic phenomenon where Pacific Ocean water temperatures rise rapidly, increasing Earth's surface temperature. The World Meteorological Organization has issued global warnings, and this could be severe enough to be classified as "Super El Niño." Thailand's Meteorological Department predicts it will occur between May and July 2026, resulting in below-normal rainfall across many Thai regions. The government must prepare and plan early by mobilizing all relevant agencies managing water resources to work in unified coordination, particularly to support the agricultural sector, which is crucial to driving the economy and society through this phenomenon.
