River runs deep: Thai minister dives into Chao Phraya water woes

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat took centre stage yesterday as she inspected water management in the Chao Phraya River basin. In a high-stakes visit, she was joined yesterday, September 8, by her no-nonsense predecessor Thamanat Prompow, Deputy Minister Akara Prompow, and Deputy Minister Itthi Sirilattthayakorn.

The power-packed team first swooped into Chai Nat, where they meticulously reviewed operations at the Chao Phraya River barrage dam. From there, they moved to Ayutthaya, assessing the escalating flood situation in the beleaguered Bang Ban district.

Narumon delivered a crucial update, revealing that, for now, the water level at the Chao Phraya barrage remains under control. However, with the discharge rate set to surge to 1,700 cubic metres per second in the next three days due to incoming flow from the north, the real test of their water management mettle is just around the corner, Narumon said.

“The inflow at the barrage is stable at 1,474 cubic metres per second, with a discharge rate of 1,500 cubic metres per second.”

Thamanat leads a significant faction within the Palang Pracharat Party and has taken control from party leader and former deputy prime minister Prawit Wongsuwon.

Previously, Narumon served as the government spokeswoman and a deputy labour minister under former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced that the Chao Phraya River embankment is ready to handle the first surge of northern floodwaters, with an additional capacity of 1.75 metres. Officials are ordering drainage in canals and warning 17 communities outside the embankment to prepare for potential flooding.

Chadchart, alongside Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon and the Drainage and Sewerage Department, inspected the Chao Phraya River embankment from Wat Soi Thong in Bang Sue district to Thewet Pier in Phra Nakhon district.

The 58 year old Bangkok chief explained that the area near Wat Soi Thong in Bang Sue district borders Nonthaburi province. On September 3, the water level rose by 25 centimetres, reaching a height of 1.75 metres above mean sea level, up from 1.50 metres the day before. The embankment stands at 3.5 metres high, sufficient to handle more water, but caution remains crucial.