Fears grow as major dams near capacity

The Bhumibol Dam could reach full capacity within two days, according to PM's Office Minister Paradorn Prissanananthakul, as concerns of flooding in various areas grow.

- MONGKOL BANGPRAPA APINYA WIPATAYOTIN

The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has been ordered to reduce the rate of discharge from the Sirikit Dam while diverting more water from the Chao Phraya into floodplain areas on both sides of that major river to manage rising water levels.

Mr Paradorn said the government is closely monitoring the situation and preparing additional relief measures, including consideration of a long-term plan to elevate flood-prone homes ("house raising") in provinces such as Ayutthaya and Ang Thong that are repeatedly inundated.

He said the current rate of discharge from Bhumibol Dam on the Ping River, a tributary of the Chao Phraya in northern Tak province, stands at 45-48 million cubic metres per day, far below the estimated inflow of 90 million cubic metres.