Even though it’s currently the monsoon season in Thailand, the weather forecast predicts no rain for the majority of July, with rainfall expected to resume in August.
The Royal Irrigation Department has directed its officials to revise their water management plans with the aim of achieving optimal water utilization while maximizing reservoir storage capacity.
Thaweesak Thanadachopol, the deputy director-general of the Royal Irrigation Department, stated that Thailand’s four primary reservoirs, specifically behind the Bhumibol, Pasak Jolasid, Sirikit, and Kwae Noi Bumrung Dan dams, only hold 45% of their maximum capacity.
This amount is equivalent to 11.301 billion cubic metres of water, but the Pasak Jolasid reservoir stands at a starkly low capacity of just 15%.
Currently, reservoirs of all sizes across the nation collectively contain 39.869 billion cubic metres of water, averaging 52% of their total capacities.
According to the Meteorological Department’s prediction, the south-western monsoon is likely to weaken until Sunday, leading to a decrease in rainfall in the northern regions of Thailand, while isolated heavy showers might occur in the southern provinces.
Even though the water level in Pasak Jolasid reservoir is sufficient for consumption and ecological preservation, it is insufficient for agricultural purposes.
As a result, farmers have been advised to rely on rainfall for rice cultivation.
However, Sermchai Khiewsirithavorn, director of Regional Irrigation Office 10, remains steadfastly optimistic about the situation
He believes that by November, sufficient rainfall will replenish the Pasak Jolasid reservoir, ensuring enough water supply until the next dry spell, based on predictions from the Meteorological Department.
