Bangkok: The Pasak Jolasid Dam has announced an increase in water discharge, as the dam's tail is anticipated to overflow its banks in several low-lying areas. This preparation comes in response to the ongoing trend of increased inflows into the dam.
According to Thai News Agency, the Pasak Jolasid Water Supply and Maintenance Project has informed relevant agencies about the necessity to enhance water discharge from the reservoir, which currently holds 743 million cubic meters, marking 77% of its capacity. The inflow into the dam stands at 662 cubic meters per second, equivalent to approximately 57 million cubic meters daily. With the expectation of rising inflows from upstream regions, the Royal Irrigation Department plans to incrementally increase water discharge from 500 to 650 cubic meters per second, starting September 24, 2025.
The adjustment in water drainage is projected to raise the Pa Sak River's water level by approximately 1.50 to 1.80 meters, potentially causing overflow in several low-lying areas. These areas include Ton Tan Floating Market in Ton Tan Subdistrict, Sao Hai District, and Saeng Phan Subdistrict in Wang Muang District, both in Saraburi Province. Additionally, Kaeng Suea Ten Subdistrict and Hin Son Subdistrict in Phatthana Nikhom District, Lop Buri Province, along with Wat Satue Community in Tha Ruea District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, are also at risk.
Meanwhile, the Chao Phraya Dam in Chainat Province is maintaining its discharge rate at 2,200 cubic meters per second. Water management strategies upstream involve holding back water to the north and channeling it into the irrigation systems on both sides, in accordance with canal capacities, to minimize adverse effects.
The Royal Irrigation Department continues to monitor the rainfall situation as predicted by the Meteorological Department, which foresees ongoing rainfall this week, with heavy to very heavy showers in certain areas. At present, water flow at Station C.2 in Mueang District, Nakhon Sawan Province, is measured at 2,316 cubic meters per second, showing an upward trend. Should further rainfall occur, the discharge rate from the Chao Phraya Dam may need to be increased to a maximum of 2,500 cubic meters per second, as advised to the National Water Resources Committee (NWRC).
Residents in areas at risk are advised by the Royal Irrigation Department to stay informed about the water situation and prepare for potential impacts in advance.