Safety
Royal Irrigation Department Issues Flood Warning for Chao Phraya Basin
Authorities have warned residents downstream of the Chao Phraya Dam to prepare for increased water discharge following heavy rainfall in Northern Thailand.
On September 21, 2026, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) issued its fourth official warning regarding the water situation in the Chao Phraya River basin. This alert follows significant rainfall across Northern Thailand, particularly in Phrae, Chiang Rai, Kamphaeng Phet, and Sukhothai, where precipitation levels exceeded 116 millimeters between September 20 and 21.
According to the RID, the influx of water from the north is expected to rise steadily. By September 27, the flow of water passing through Nakhon Sawan is projected to reach between 1,600 and 1,950 cubic meters per second. Consequently, the volume of water arriving at the Chao Phraya Dam is anticipated to climb to between 1,900 and 2,250 cubic meters per second. In response, the department plans to implement a phased increase in water discharge downstream from the dam to manage the reservoir levels.
For residents and travelers in the Chao Phraya basin, this situation necessitates close monitoring of local water levels and official announcements. While the RID is managing the discharge to mitigate impact, those in low-lying areas downstream should remain vigilant for potential flooding. It remains to be confirmed how these discharge adjustments will affect specific riverside communities and whether further rainfall will necessitate more aggressive water management strategies in the coming days.