Thai authorities are taking steps and revising their plans in response to the potential worsening of the current flood situation across various regions of Thailand, although the Finance Minister has indicated that the situation may not reach the severity of the great flood of 2011.
Pichai Chunhavajira, acting Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, commented on Monday that this year’s floods are expected to have a milder economic impact compared to those in 2011.
He assured that efforts are underway to prevent floodwaters from encroaching on residential and economic areas.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the Finance Ministry plans to request banks to offer assistance to those affected by the floods, including soft loans and options for debt suspension lasting three to six months.
The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) noted on Monday that the Irrigation Department is increasing the discharge rates from dams and water reservoirs in the northern provinces, aiming to manage the accumulated water in Chiang Rai, Phayao, and Phrae provinces.
Additionally, authorities have opened canal gates in Sukhothai province to divert water and prevent it from flooding residential zones as it moves toward the central region.
The office also indicated that key dams in the Chao Phraya basins still have the capacity to manage additional water flow from the north.
As of Monday (August 26), the Bhumibol Dam in Tak province is 45% full, the Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit is 71% full, the Khwae Noi Bamrung Daen Dam in Phitsanulok is 38% full, and the Pa Sak Jolasid Dam in Lopburi is 30% full.
A representative from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives revealed plans to adjust the planting schedule for the off-season rice crop of 2024/2025.
Farmers in the lower Chao Phraya basin are required to start harvesting between September 1 and 15 and are instructed not to plant rice during the period from September 16 to 31.
Farmers in this region, which spans approximately 953,214 rai, are advised to lower water levels in their fields to 30 cm to prepare for the final off-season planting phase from November 1 to December 31, the representative stated.
The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) issued a cautionary statement on Monday to industrial estates across the country, urging them to verify their flood preparedness.
They are advised to maintain their water pumps and related machinery in good condition, keep drainage paths clear, review safety protocols and evacuation plans, and stay informed about the flood risks.
