Bangkok issues warning as Chao Phraya water levels expected to rise
Higher Chao Phraya Dam discharge could raise river levels in Bangkok by 0.61–1.50 metres, posing flood risks to low-lying areas, riverside communities and other locations.
- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has warned residents along the Chao Phraya River to prepare for rising water levels.
- The rise is caused by an increased discharge rate from the Chao Phraya Dam, which is expected to raise the river by 0.61 to 1.50 meters.
- Higher water levels could cause flooding in low-lying areas, riverside communities, and other at-risk locations outside of flood embankments.
- Officials have advised residents to move belongings to higher ground, check electrical systems, and closely monitor the situation.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has warned people living along both banks of the Chao Phraya River to prepare and closely monitor the water situation.
Water volumes in northern areas and tributaries are expected to continue rising, requiring the discharge rate from the Chao Phraya Dam to be increased.
The additional discharge will directly affect river levels in Bangkok and its metropolitan area.
Reports and statistical data from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) indicate that, over the next one to nine days, run-off from the North and upper Central region, together with flows from tributaries, will increase significantly.
This makes it necessary to manage water flows by increasing discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam to 700–1,000 cubic metres per second.
The higher discharge is expected to cause the Chao Phraya River to “rise from current levels” by about 0.61–1.50 metres.
This could cause water to back up and inundate low-lying areas outside flood embankments, riverside communities and other at-risk locations in Bangkok.
At-risk areas and communities requiring close monitoring
The BMA has urged residents of at-risk areas, particularly communities outside embankments constructed under a royal initiative, as well as shop operators and those at piers or in buildings and homes along the Chao Phraya River, Khlong Bank and tributary waterways, to exercise extra caution and monitor the situation closely.
Preparedness advice
- Move belongings to higher ground: Relocate property, valuables and electrical appliances to prevent damage from flash flooding.
- Check electrical systems: Inspect electrical cables, sockets and devices on ground floors or in low-lying areas. If a risk is identified, switch off the electricity for safety.
- Prepare sandbags: Reinforce flood barriers outside homes or at locations where water could easily enter.
- Follow updates closely: Monitor official warnings and water-level statistics regularly.
Reporting incidents and requesting assistance 24 hours a day
Bangkok residents who encounter flooding or water backing up and surging into their areas, or who need assistance during flash flooding, can report incidents and seek help through the following channels:
- BMA hotline: Call 1555. Staff are available 24 hours a day.
- LINE application: @traffyfondue, for reporting complaints and tracking urban problems.
- BMA flood coordination and response centre: Follow real-time information on drainage and water levels across Bangkok.
