Thai Air Force Uses Golf Course as Flood Buffer
The Royal Thai Air Force is intentionally flooding a 625-rai golf course near Bangkok to absorb up to 1.2 million cubic meters of water, protecting surrounding residential areas while sacrificing the facility and displacing over 500 workers
On September 29, the Royal Thai Air Force disclosed that the Thupatemee Golf Course near Phahonyothin Road and behind the Air Force sports facilities is functioning as a critical water retention and buffer zone amid heavy rainfall and rising water levels. The 625-rai course, situated in low-lying terrain connected to large communities in Ku Khot Subdistrict, Lamluang District, Pathum Thani, and parts of Sai Mai and Don Muang districts in Bangkok, can absorb approximately 1.2 million cubic meters of floodwater before overflow threatens surrounding residential areas.
By deliberately allowing water to flood the golf course, the Air Force is using it as a "buffer zone" between the water mass and populated areas. This approach slows water flow, reduces the force of floodwaters, and provides residents critical time to move assets, prepare defenses, and evacuate vulnerable people including patients, the elderly, and children. Although trees, grass, facilities, and structures within the course may suffer damage, officials contend this is far outweighed by the protection afforded to homes, private property, and government installations in surrounding neighborhoods.
The flood-response mission has affected over 500 workers employed at the golf course, who face work suspensions and income loss as operations cease. The Air Force has acknowledged this hardship and stated it will consider appropriate support and compensation measures for affected workers. Officials emphasized that in crisis situations, every area and every moment devoted to absorbing floodwaters serves the critical mission of reducing overall damage and protecting the public.
