Kanchanaburi residents warned of flood risk as dam releases increase
Riverside residents are urged to move belongings to higher ground as Vajiralongkorn Dam prepares to release 42 million cubic metres of water a day.
- The Vajiralongkorn Dam is increasing its water discharge due to heavy rains that have filled its reservoir to 96% capacity.
- The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) will increase daily releases to 30 million cubic metres, with a further increase to 42 million cubic metres planned from September 30 to October 4.
- Residents and business operators in low-lying and riverside areas of Kanchanaburi have been warned of the flood risk and urged to move belongings to higher ground.
Water levels at Kanchanaburi’s town waterfront rose noticeably on Tuesday morning (September 29, 2026) amid flooding in the province, while water from Vajiralongkorn Dam had yet to reach the area.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has announced an increase in daily releases to 30 million cubic metres, with a further increase to 42 million cubic metres planned from September 30 to October 4.
Residents along rivers and in low-lying areas have been urged to move belongings to higher ground and closely monitor water levels.
The situation at Kanchanaburi’s town waterfront was becoming a concern, with water levels visibly higher than on September 28.
Water from Vajiralongkorn Dam had still not reached the area, making close monitoring necessary.
If the volume of water continues to rise, Mae Klong Dam may need to increase discharges later.
EGAT has announced higher releases from Vajiralongkorn Dam, on the Kwai Noi River in Tha Khanun subdistrict, Thong Pha Phum district, Kanchanaburi, after persistent heavy rain in the province caused inflows into the reservoir to keep rising.
Vajiralongkorn Dam’s reservoir held 8,484 million cubic metres of water, equivalent to 96% of its capacity, at 7pm on September 28.
Adjustments to the discharge plan were therefore considered to accommodate further inflows.
The discharge plan is as follows:
- Releases increase from 15 million to 30 million cubic metres per day, or approximately 347 cubic metres per second, on September 29.
- The plan specifies an increase from 15 million to 42 million cubic metres per day, or approximately 486 cubic metres per second, for September 30–October 4.
The increased releases follow a resolution by the working group responsible for weather analysis and water situation forecasting, under the supervision of the Office of the National Water Resources.
They are being implemented in accordance with the water management manual for Vajiralongkorn Dam.
Residents along rivers and in low-lying areas, along with operators of raft businesses and riverside restaurants, should closely monitor water levels and dam releases and prepare to move belongings to higher ground to prevent damage if water levels rise.
