BANGKOK, Thailand – The Flood, Storm, and Landslide Disaster Relief Operations Center has issued a flood warning for Central Thailand as high tides are expected to impact river levels from October 13 to 24. Authorities are advising residents in low-lying areas along the Chao Phraya, Tha Chin, and Mae Klong rivers and communities outside flood barriers to remain on alert. The warning affects Samut Prakan, Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, and Samut Songkhram provinces. Chao Phraya Dam is maintaining its downstream discharge rate at 2,200 cubic meters per second to manage water levels, but the situation could change with the anticipated high tides.
In northern Thailand, Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces continue to manage the influx of floodwaters from upstream regions. While water levels in some parts of Chiang Mai, such as Saraphi district, have begun to stabilize, Lamphun is bracing for possible rises of up to 1.2 meters in certain areas. Local authorities have evacuated vulnerable groups and transferred essential items to safer locations. The Royal Irrigation Department is conducting daily assessments to implement efficient drainage strategies, and a command center has been established to coordinate volunteer efforts.
In Chiang Mai, Deputy Defense Minister Gen. Natthaphon Narkphanit recently visited local officials at the Chiang Mai Operations Command Center to review ongoing relief efforts. He commended the collaborative “Chiang Mai Model” approach and endorsed the creation of a Joint Command Center to streamline operations between agencies. Later, he traveled to Saraphi district to distribute relief supplies and oversee military assistance to residents affected by the flooding.
Meanwhile, Royal Thai Volunteers and the Department of Livestock Development have delivered 37,000 kilograms of donated animal feed to support elephants at the flood-hit Elephant Nature Park in Mae Taeng district. Several elephants have returned to their camps, but some remain in poor health due to dehydration and a lack of fresh food. Veterinary teams are conducting health checks and treating over 400 elephants to ensure their recovery. Residents affected by the flooding are encouraged to contact the emergency hotline at 1784 for support or contact local authorities for assistance. (NNT)
