Government Prepares for Heavy Rain September 23-26
Thai authorities are preparing for heavy rain expected September 23-26 across central and eastern Thailand, with the Chao Phraya Dam increasing water releases to manage rising river levels from previous flooding.
Government minister Phradon Parisnanantakul confirmed at a press briefing on September 22 that the central flood management committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti, held an urgent meeting to coordinate response measures. Weather forecasts for September 23-26 predict heavy rainfall, particularly affecting the eastern region, central Thailand, and parts of the lower north. Heavy accumulation from the previous week in Kamphaengphet, Phitsanulok, Nakhonsawan, Sukhothai, and Uthaithani provinces has raised water levels in the Chao Phraya River, prompting the Royal Irrigation Department to progressively increase discharge rates. The Chao Phraya Dam will boost releases to 1,500 cubic meters per second. Low-lying areas from Ayutthaya, parts of Bang Sai, and the Tha Chin Basin, including Ban Plama and Song Phi Nong districts in Suphanburi Province, may experience some impact, though authorities will attempt to manage discharge to minimize effects. Officials plan to use a fishbone-pattern water distribution strategy, directing flows into harvested agricultural fields in Ayutthaya, Bang Sai, and parts of Lopburi to absorb water and reduce impacts on downstream residents. Phradon confirmed that meteorologists and irrigation officials agree this rainfall event will be the final major surge; conditions will ease through October, allowing the current discharge to be managed. Officials urged residents in affected areas to monitor news closely over the coming week.
