Suriya: Agri Ministry Monitors Northern Runoff
Suriya Jungrungreangkit reports dam water release of 2M cubic meters and pushes long-term flood projects to Cabinet on Sep 29, 2026.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- The Ministry of Agriculture closely monitors northern runoff from the Ping and Sakae Krang rivers.
- The Royal Irrigation Department releases 2 million cubic meters of dam water to manage levels.
- The ministry proposes a long-term water management mega-project to the Cabinet.
On September 29, 2026, at Government House, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Suriya Jungrungreangkit addressed the northern water situation, noting that the Royal Irrigation Department reported incoming water from two primary sources: the Ping River and the Sakae Krang River. This surge has driven up water levels ahead of dams, necessitating a controlled discharge of approximately 2 million cubic meters.
Regarding potential impacts on vulnerable areas such as Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Bangkok, Suriya stated that the Royal Irrigation Department and the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) are jointly evaluating measures to minimize disruption and hardship for local residents. Meanwhile, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is actively issuing public alerts in affected regions.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
When asked about concerns regarding current dam capacities versus rainfall forecasts, Suriya acknowledged that the government must maintain constant vigilance, admitting that ongoing rainfall levels exceed normal seasonal averages, requiring a unified response from all agencies.
"It is a matter that the government must monitor closely at all times, and we must admit that the current rainfall is higher than usual, so we must work together."
Suriya Jungrungreangkit
The management of northern water runoff and the Chao Phraya River basin remains a critical challenge for the Thai government during the monsoon season, particularly when cumulative rainfall exceeds seasonal norms. Coordination between the Royal Irrigation Department and the ONWR is essential to regulate water retention and prevent severe flooding similar to past crises. Additionally, long-term flood prevention initiatives spanning Chainat, Pa Sak, and the Gulf of Thailand—having cleared Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reviews—represent vital infrastructure investments aimed at achieving sustainable flood mitigation.
Suriya further revealed that during the Cabinet meeting held on the same day, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives would submit a long-term water management initiative covering the Chainat, Pa Sak, and Gulf of Thailand corridors. The project has already secured EIA approval and is ready for the Cabinet to greenlight implementation immediately.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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