On November 6, Dr. Surasi Kitimonton, Secretary-General of Thailand’s Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR), chaired a water situation analysis meeting with related agencies to address increasing rainfall in Southern Thailand. The meeting highlighted coordinated efforts to monitor and respond to severe weather patterns, including establishing temporary and permanent evacuation centers across the region. Enhanced rainfall, driven by a monsoon trough and low-pressure systems, is expected to impact southern provinces on the Gulf of Thailand, prompting a close watch on areas prone to flash floods, mudslides, and heavy downpours.

Key measures include setting up 12 permanent and 3,033 temporary shelters and adjusting dam discharge rates to manage high water levels. Specifically, Bang Lang Dam is releasing 12 million cubic meters of water daily to mitigate flooding risks through early 2024.

The ONWR also reviewed water management lessons from Northern and Northeastern Thailand, focusing on forecast accuracy, public awareness, equipment preparedness, and improved communication strategies. These insights will support flood management in the South, integrating water resources management across various basins. Concurrently, Western Thailand may experience increased rainfall and gusty winds in areas such as Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai over the next 1-2 days.

Despite favorable national water levels at 82% of reservoir capacity, drought risk remains in areas like Lower Northeastern Thailand, where rainfall is lower than usual, especially in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Major reservoirs here, such as Lam Chae and Lam Takhong, are only at 50% and 33% capacity, respectively. Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Chantharawongthong recently outlined water management policies in drought-affected regions to mitigate water shortages, emphasizing coordinated regional responses.