Royal Irrigation Department Reports Successful Dry Season Water Management, Prepares for Monsoon Season
Thailand's Royal Irrigation Department successfully managed dry season water supplies and is now preparing for the monsoon with reservoirs at 59 percent capacity to handle anticipated rains.
The Royal Irrigation Department reports that water distribution during the past dry season proceeded according to plan, with preparations underway for the monsoon season under measures approved by the National Water Resources Committee, emphasizing balanced water management.
According to the Smart Water Operation Center of the Royal Irrigation Department, water management results for the 2568/69 dry season (November 1, 2568 – April 30, 2569) show that water allocation followed the established plan and adequately supported domestic consumption, ecosystem preservation, agriculture, and industry.
As of April 30, 2569, water usage during the past dry season totaled over 31,600 million cubic meters, representing 94 percent of the planned allocation. This reflects water management that aligned with projections, leaving increased water reserves for the beginning of the May monsoon season.
Regarding rice cultivation nationwide, over 10 million rai of summer rice has been planted according to plan, with harvests progressing continuously. The department recommends farmers planning to plant their main crop rice wait for the Meteorological Department to officially announce the monsoon's arrival and sufficient rainfall before planting to minimize crop damage from irregular rainfall patterns.
Current water levels in large and medium-sized reservoirs nationwide total 45,357 million cubic meters, representing 59 percent of total capacity, with sufficient space to accommodate the approaching monsoon rains.
The Royal Irrigation Department has prepared to manage the 2569 monsoon season under the National Water Resources Committee's nine approved measures, covering weather forecasting and early warnings for at-risk areas, water management criteria review, equipment and personnel readiness, drainage efficiency improvements, and monitoring and evaluation with adaptive measures to minimize impacts on the public.
