Royal Irrigation Department Continues Water Situation Monitoring Ahead of 2025 Monsoon Season
Thailand's Royal Irrigation Department reports major reservoirs at 57% capacity as of May 19, ahead of the upcoming monsoon season, with rainfall running 27% below normal nationwide.
The Smart Water Operations Center (SWOC) under the Royal Irrigation Department reported that as of May 19, 2025, major and medium-sized reservoirs nationwide contain approximately 43,621 million cubic meters of water—57% of their total capacity—with additional storage capacity of 33,133 million cubic meters available. The four key dams in the Chao Phraya River Basin (Bhumibol, Sirikit, Khwae Noi Bhumrung Dam, and Pasak Cholasit dams) hold 13,483 million cubic meters of water, representing 54% of combined capacity, with 11,388 million cubic meters of additional capacity remaining.
As of 6 a.m. on the reporting date, water flow at the C.2 measurement station in Nakhon Sawan reached 563 cubic meters per second. Combined with flows from the Sakae Krang River and tributary streams, the total water volume managed above Chao Phraya Dam stands at 577 cubic meters per second, distributed to various irrigation systems as follows: Eastern region receives 189 cubic meters per second (69%) and Western region receives 258 cubic meters per second (55%).
The remaining water released through Chao Phraya Dam maintains a continuous rate of 130 cubic meters per second with no adverse impact on downstream areas. Current rainfall monitoring shows that from January 1 to May 17, 2025, the nation received 212.4 millimeters of rain—78.8 millimeters below normal, representing a 27% deficit. Multiple regions experienced below-normal rainfall, particularly the Eastern Southern region (49% below normal) and Central region (41% below normal). To prepare for potential impacts on residents and farmers, the Royal Irrigation Department continues closely monitoring rainfall and water flow, implementing comprehensive water management plans to maximize benefits while adapting to changing weather and rainfall patterns throughout the season. The department is readying machinery and equipment to assist flood-prone areas during the monsoon and strictly implementing 2025 monsoon season preparedness measures as directed by Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suryya Juengrungruangkit to minimize impacts on communities.
