Thai MP Demands Action on Ayutthaya Floods
A Thai MP pressed the government on escalating dam releases causing floods in Ayutthaya, demanding clarification on long-term water management strategy as discharge rates nearly doubled in one week despite earlier forecasts of manageable co
During a parliamentary session on September 24, 2025, Padith Sangkhachai, a Thai MP representing Ayutthaya Province from the Pheu Thai Party, raised an urgent question to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul about persistent flooding in the province. The prime minister delegated the response to Deputy Prime Minister Paradorn Parisunanon.
Padith noted that Ayutthaya has suffered chronic flooding for decades, with water authorities forecasting earlier this year that 2025 would see manageable water volumes and possibly no major floods. However, heavy rains have now forced continuous increases in dam releases. Beginning September 17 at 900 cubic meters per second, the Chao Phraya Dam increased discharges to 1,200 cubic meters per second by September 20, rising progressively to 1,750 cubic meters per second by September 23-24, raising water levels in affected areas by nearly 1.5 meters in just one week.
Padith questioned the irrigation department's rationale for the sharp escalation and asked what long-term management strategy the government would employ, particularly to prevent further harm to residents. He urged the authorities to divert water into flood-retention areas rather than increase dam releases further, and pressed the government to outline its future water-management approach for the Chao Phraya basin and any compensation measures for affected communities.
Paradorn acknowledged that he himself resides in Ang Thong Province and faces similar impacts, so he had also questioned water officials about the dramatic increase in releases. Both speakers sought clarity on how the government would manage future flooding crises if water stockpiles, storm frequency, or rainfall intensity increase in coming years.
