Safety
Thai Government Prepares for Heavy Rainfall and Increased Dam Discharge
Authorities are bracing for heavy rainfall between September 23 and 26, 2026, with plans to increase water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam.
On September 22, 2026, Thai government officials addressed concerns regarding flood preparedness following weather warnings for the period of September 23–26. Paradorn Prissanananthakul, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the government has been proactive in monitoring weather forecasts. A committee led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas has held an urgent meeting to coordinate responses to expected heavy rainfall, which is projected to impact the Eastern, Central, and lower Northern regions of Thailand.
To manage the influx of water, the government has ordered an increase in the discharge rate from the Chao Phraya Dam to 1,500 cubic meters per second. Officials are also implementing a 'fishbone' water diversion strategy to channel excess water into designated catchment areas. Authorities described this as the final major volume of water expected before a drier period begins in October.
For residents and travelers, this situation may lead to localized flooding or travel disruptions in the affected regions. It is advised to monitor local news and official announcements from the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. While the government has outlined its mitigation strategy, the exact impact on specific provinces and the duration of potential flood risks remain subject to real-time weather developments.