BANGKOK, THAILAND – Declining rainfall in northern Thailand has led officials to restrain water discharge from major dams, aiming to ease flooding still affecting 15 provinces.
Thai authorities reported on 16 November 2025 that water levels in the Chao Phraya River basin continued to fall after several days of unexpectedly low rainfall, according to the Royal Irrigation Department (RID).
Controlled Release to Prevent Further Flooding
The RID confirmed that the outflow from the Chao Phraya Dam had been reduced to 2,880 cubic metres per second to help lower flood pressures across the basin. Measurements at multiple stations showed similar decreases, with 2,971 cubic metres per second in Nakhon Sawan, 2,880 in Chai Nat, and 2,263 in Pathum Thani.
Officials stated that upstream water volumes were being deliberately retained to prevent levels from exceeding +17.70 metres above sea level, while irrigation in riverside farmland was intensified to slow flows downstream.
Fifteen Provinces Still Under Water
Data from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation confirmed that 15 provinces remained affected, including Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Chai Nat, Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Sing Buri, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Phitsanulok, Ang Thong, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit, Phetchaburi, and Ayutthaya.
Despite improved flow conditions, tides continued to push river water over embankments in several low-lying regions. The heritage city Ayutthaya faced the worst impact, with 11 out of 16 districts partially flooded.
Residents Facing Extended Hardship
Some homes in Ayutthaya had remained submerged for over three months. A local resident, aged 70, told public broadcaster Thai PBS during a live interview:
“I am afraid for my property – and I have no other place to go.”
said Unnamed Resident, Ayutthaya
Outlook and Continuing Risks
The RID projected that reduced outflow rates would bring “significant relief” within the following days. However, the agency warned that rainfall patterns in northern Thailand would remain the decisive factor. Experts cautioned that prolonged dryness could force further adjustments to dam operations.
For Thailand’s central region, where agriculture and rice transport depend on stable water routes, managing flow from the Chao Phraya River remained a key challenge.
- Water levels have decreased throughout the river system.
- 15 provinces continue to face partial flooding.
- Ayutthaya remains the hardest-hit area.
- Future rainfall trends will determine next-stage relief measures.