Yingluck’s 6 trillion baht water project revived to address floods

A massive water management project initially proposed by Yingluck Shinawatra may be revived, aiming to tackle Thailand’s recurring issues of flooding and drought. The initiative, projected to cost around 6 trillion baht, has been deemed a national priority by Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

“The matter was first raised by the Yingluck government. In 2011, a budget of 2 to 3 trillion baht was set aside for the project. Now, it will cost about 5 to 6 trillion to carry out the project.”

Phumtham emphasised that despite the substantial expenditure, the long-term benefits would justify the investment.

During a visit to Nan province, Phumtham inspected flood relief operations and distributed supplies to affected residents. He noted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra‘s concern for flood victims and her frustration over the caretaker government’s limited capacity to assist until a new government is formed.

“The caretaker government is now doing everything in its power to help.”

Once the new government is in place, the water management project will be proposed for consideration. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra recently advocated for several water projects to address the country’s persistent flooding and drought issues.

Persistent floods

As of yesterday, August 25, floods were reported in five northern provinces: Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, Phetchabun, and Phrae, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).

Between August 16 and yesterday, floods claimed the lives of 22 people, with 13 fatalities in Phuket. The inundation has displaced 30,807 families across 22 provinces.

Chaovalit Gunkham, an assistant governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), mentioned that while some northern areas have seen floodwaters recede, EGAT will continue to monitor water levels in major river basins.

The Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit province, one of the main dams in the upper north of Thailand, is currently 70% full and can accommodate an additional 2.9 million cubic metres of runoff. To prevent downstream flooding and conserve water for the dry season, the dam’s discharge rate has been reduced to three million cubic metres per day.

Surasee Kittimonthon, secretary-general of the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR), reported that continuous rainfall has caused water levels along the Mekong River to rise, impacting low-lying areas in the north and northeast.

The ONWR has issued an emergency notice to the Mekong River Commission Secretariat (MRCS), requesting increased flood surveillance and daily reports from water stations in Chiang Rai, Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani.

High waters

In Sukhothai, the Yom River overflowed its banks yesterday, flooding villages and farmland in Sawankhalok, Sri Samrong, Kong Krailat, and Mueang districts with waters up to 50 centimetres deep. Governor Suchart Theekhasuk ordered the establishment of a relief operation centre to assist affected residents.

With more rain expected, relevant authorities in Bangkok have implemented measures to prevent runoff from the north from causing widespread flooding in the capital.

Deputy Governor Wissanu Sapsompol stated that City Hall is closely monitoring water levels along the Chao Phraya River and sharing data with the Royal Irrigation Department, Centre of National Water Administration, and ONWR.

“The flow [of the Chao Phraya River] through Ayutthaya’s Bang Sai district was not at a worrying level today. Run-off from Nan is expected to take about five days to arrive downstream, and we will know [the severity of the situation] two days in advance when the water reaches Bang Sai.”

He also mentioned that officials have reinforced and heightened flood walls along the Chao Phraya with sandbags. Resources, including sandbags and water pumps, have been mobilised to flood-prone areas across Bangkok to ensure a swift response in emergencies, reported Bangkok Post.