BANGKOK, Thailand – The Flood, Storm, and Landslide Disaster Relief Operations Center has issued a flood warning for 11 provinces along the Chao Phraya River, including Bangkok and its surrounding areas, as Chao Phraya Dam increased its downstream discharge to 2,250 cubic meters per second. The affected provinces are Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Uthai Thani, Lop Buri, Ayutthaya, Bangkok, and Samut Prakan. Local authorities have been alerted to prepare for potential flooding, and residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to move belongings to higher ground and stay updated on the situation.
High-risk areas include Phong Pheng Canal, Bang Ban Canal, the Noi River, and low-lying regions outside flood protection embankments. In Chai Nat, Sapphaya, and Wat Sing districts are particularly vulnerable, while Sing Buri’s Phrom Buri and In Buri districts, and Ang Thong’s Pa Mok and Chaiyo districts, are also at risk. In Ayutthaya, the most affected areas include Bang Ban, Phak Hai, and Sena districts. Other areas at risk include Sam Khok district in Pathum Thani, and Pak Kret district in Nonthaburi.
The Government Savings Bank has been working to expedite financial aid payments to flood-affected households following approval from the Cabinet. As of October 4, a total of 84,224 households from 52 provinces had applied for assistance. Verified data for 10,978 households has been forwarded to the bank, with 43.987 million baht already transferred to 8,787 households in four separate installments on September 27, 30, and October 2 and 4. The fifth and final round of payments, totaling 10.957 million baht, is scheduled for completion by October 8. Residents seeking assistance or information about the aid program can contact the DDPM’s Disaster Relief Division at 0-2637-3508–12, 089-600-6777, and 084-874-7387, or visit the online application system at t.ly/1hx4g. Technical support is available through the DDPM’s Information Technology and Communications Center at 0-2637-3604–06 and 089-968-1232.
In Chiang Mai, water levels have begun to recede, providing some relief to affected areas. As of 10:00 a.m. today, the water level at Measurement Point P1 near Nawarat Bridge had dropped to 4.90 meters. If there is no additional rainfall, water levels are expected to stabilize and gradually return to normal. The Royal Irrigation Department has set up transportation services along several routes to assist residents. Residents can contact the Chiang Mai Flood Emergency Operations Center at hotlines 1567 and 1786.
Meanwhile, restoration efforts are being accelerated in Chiang Rai. The Ministry of Defense, Royal Irrigation Department, and the Friends in Need (of “PA”) Volunteers Foundation have deployed personnel to restore infrastructure and assist residents. The Provincial Waterworks Authority prioritizes water supply restoration in affected communities, while the Provincial Electricity Authority is set to inspect and restore power between October 7 and 9. In Mae Sai district, 140 military engineering cadets will be deployed on October 8 to support recovery operations and assist residents in clearing mud and rehabilitating the area.
The Cabinet is set to review a proposal from the Ministry of Interior to provide additional relief funds at its upcoming meeting on October 8. The plan includes an allocation of 9,000 baht per household to those affected by flood damage, landslides, flash floods, forest runoff, or prolonged flooding exceeding seven days. This measure aims to provide immediate financial assistance to families impacted by the recent disasters.
As the situation continues to develop, residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions. The DDPM has set up several channels for guidance and assistance, and residents are encouraged to reach out to the relevant agencies for support in restoring their communities. (NNT)
