BANGKOK, Thailand – The Minister of Agriculture has directed the Royal Irrigation Department to ensure effective water management during the dry season, guaranteeing adequate water for consumption and reserving supply for the upcoming planting season.
Professor Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, confirmed that the Royal Irrigation Department is following its water management plan to support all sectors, including household consumption, ecosystem conservation, agriculture, and industry. According to reports, water supply for drinking and daily use will be sufficient until the end of the dry season on April 30.
The Smart Water Operation Center (SWOC) of the Royal Irrigation Department reported that the country’s large and medium-sized reservoirs currently hold a total of 52.67 billion cubic meters of water, accounting for 69% of their combined capacity—1.099 billion cubic meters more than last year. The usable water volume stands at 28.73 billion cubic meters. In the Chao Phraya River Basin, the four major dams—Bhumibol, Sirikit, Kwae Noi Bamrung Dan, and Pasak Jolasid—contain a total of 16.78 billion cubic meters of water (67% of capacity), with 10.08 billion cubic meters available for use.
As of now, 18.4 billion cubic meters of water (63% of the seasonal allocation plan) have been distributed nationwide, with 6.209 billion cubic meters allocated to the Chao Phraya Basin (69% of the plan).
For the 2024/25 dry-season rice cultivation, farmers have already planted 9.14 million rai of off-season rice nationwide, representing 91% of the target. In the Chao Phraya Basin alone, 6.33 million rai have been cultivated, aligning with the planned schedule. The Royal Irrigation Department has managed water distribution in line with the adjusted planting calendar to ensure that farmers can harvest their crops before the rainy season’s water management cycle begins in 2025.
Additionally, the department has installed water pumps nationwide to assist farmers and has been actively clearing weeds and obstructions in waterways to maintain water quality and enhance drainage efficiency.
