BANGKOK – Water management experts have projected that widespread flooding across Thailand’s central plains will begin to subside by the end of November, once the final major volume of water from Sukhothai passes through the Chao Phraya River basin. According to Mr. Chawalit Chantararat of the Consulting Engineers Association of Thailand, drainage efforts have been hampered by residual rainfall from Tropical Storm Kalmaegi and high sea tides, necessitating the continued high discharge rate of 2,900 cubic meters per second from the Chao Phraya Dam.

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Despite the cautiously optimistic forecast, several provinces remain in crisis. Sukhothai is still grappling with severe inundation affecting more than 540 households. In Ang Thong, a breached dike caused sudden high-level flooding around Pa Mok Hospital, described as the area’s worst flood in 36 years, forcing the evacuation of elderly and bedridden patients. The province has reported over 5,000 affected households.

Heavy rainfall has pushed many of Thailand's large dams and reservoirs past their full capacity, with some now overflowing. The Royal Irrigation Department is regulating discharges to ensure safety and manage downstream flow. The Chao Phraya Dam has increased its release rate,… pic.twitter.com/sfpKAdjlb6

— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) November 11, 2025

Tensions have also risen in Ayutthaya, where residents living upstream of the Bang Ban sluice gate staged a protest after enduring four months of flooding.

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The demonstration prompted Deputy Agriculture Minister Nares Thamrongthipyakun, during a field inspection, to order an immediate review of the gate’s operation to alleviate the prolonged suffering in the region.

-Thailand News (TN)