Bangkok: The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) has issued a warning about the likelihood of severe rainfall from August through October, highlighting an increased risk of flooding across 54 Thai provinces. Dr. Surasee Kittimondol, Secretary-General of ONWR, emphasized the potential for tropical storms, particularly affecting the North and Northeast regions of Thailand. There is a significant concern for flash floods, forest runoff, and overflowing rivers in these areas, prompting the ONWR to implement comprehensive response plans including early warnings, water management preparations, and the establishment of temporary shelters nationwide.
According to Thai News Agency, the Meteorological Department forecasts intense rainfalls in the eastern region and along the western coast of the southern region, attributed to a strengthening southwest monsoon and potential tropical storm activity, typically averaging 1-2 storms annually. The ONWR has proactively analyzed flood-prone areas and identified escalating risks as the rainy season progresses.
In July 2025, 18 provinces face flood risks; by August, this number jumps to 29 provinces. The risk continues to rise in September, affecting 50 provinces, with October seeing the peak risk across 54 provinces. The ONWR's measures to address these threats include advance forecasting, reservoir management reviews, structural checks on dams and embankments, and extensive canal and pipeline dredging operations. Furthermore, frontline water management centers are being set up in high-risk areas, while over 10,000 temporary shelters are prepared nationwide.
The ONWR has engaged in proactive operations by visiting 32 provinces, focusing on reviewing and adapting water management plans, particularly in regions like the Upper and Northeastern Mekong Basin. Efforts are underway to accelerate water discharge from reservoirs to maintain capacities below 80%, thus mitigating downstream flood risks as heavy rains loom.