Six provinces on alert as Chao Phraya Dam boosts discharge to 2,900 m³/s

The Department of Highways has instructed six provinces in the Chao Phraya River Basin — Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi — to prepare for possible flooding after the Chao Phraya Dam increased its discharge rate to 2,900 cubic metres per second. 

The department has emphasised safety measures, the establishment of flood diversion routes, and the readiness to install temporary bridges in case of emergencies. The 24-hour hotline 1586 is available for public enquiries and assistance.

Deputy Director-General for Highway Maintenance, Sermsak Naiyanan, has been closely monitoring the flooding situation in Chai Nat Highway District to assess its impact on major routes and to ensure the preparedness of mitigation measures following the Royal Irrigation Department’s announcement of the increased discharge rate.

The discharge level was raised from 2,800 to 2,900 cubic metres per second at 2am on November 10 and will be maintained at that level for the time being. Authorities have described the situation as requiring maximum vigilance, especially for low-lying areas in the Central region that are likely to be affected.

Six provinces on high alert

Sermsak has ordered all highway district offices in at-risk areas — including Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi — to be fully prepared with machinery, safety equipment and personnel stationed at critical points to provide timely assistance and ensure smooth traffic flow.

Flood response measures

The Department of Highways has outlined proactive measures to mitigate the impact and maintain transportation continuity as follows:

• Preparedness: Heavy machinery, safety devices, warning signs and flood diversion route signs have been readied in areas expected to face flooding.
   
• Alternative routes: The department is accelerating the preparation and dissemination of maps showing flood diversion routes, particularly along the Chao Phraya River and its tributaries.
   
• Public communication: Continuous updates on water levels and road conditions will be released in real-time to enable safe travel planning.
   
• Emergency bridge plan: If roads are cut off or bridges are damaged, the department will coordinate with the bridge construction and rehabilitation centre to install temporary steel bridges to restore traffic flow as quickly as possible.
   
• Local coordination: The department will work closely with local authorities and related agencies to assist with evacuations or provide logistical support in flood-affected areas.

Assurance from the Department of Highways

Sermsak reaffirmed that all district offices are closely monitoring water conditions and implementing emergency protocols to ensure public safety and uninterrupted travel. 

He assured the public that the department is fully committed to minimising the impact of flooding and maintaining safe transportation networks throughout the affected regions.

Members of the public requiring information or assistance regarding flooded highways can contact the department hotline 1586 (free, 24 hours) or visit the disaster management system website: https://hdms.doh.go.th/.