Bangkok: The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has reported an improvement in the water situation within the Chao Phraya Basin, attributing it to the reduced water discharges from major dams upstream. In an effort to alleviate the impact of recent flooding, the Cabinet has sanctioned an increase in compensation for affected areas, raising the original 9,000 baht support to up to 20,000 baht for prolonged inundations lasting four months or more.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Paitoon Kengkarnchang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), emphasized that the Royal Irrigation Department's Smart Water Operations Center has planned a reduction in water discharge rates from the Chao Phraya Dam between November 20-24, 2025, to 2,400-2,700 cubic meters per second. The discharge rate for today stands at 2,637 cubic meters per second, marking a decrease from the previous day. This reduction aligns with the decreased rainfall and reduced discharges from the Bhumibol, Sirikit, Kwae Noi Bamrung Daen, and Pa Sak Jolasid dams. The decrease in water levels by 40-75 centimeters is further facilitated by the Khlong Lat Pho Royal Initiative Floodgate Project, which aids in expediting water discharge into the Gulf of Thailand during low tide.
The Cabinet's recent decision outlines the disbursement of relief aid using a budget framework from the 2026 fiscal year budget, including the central budget and the emergency reserve fund amounting to 6,169,986,000 baht. This decision, approved on October 21, 2025, mandates the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to distribute funds to flood victims via the Government Savings Bank. The disbursement process will adhere to the subsidy budget, allowing inter-provincial distribution as proposed by the Ministry of Interior.
Given the extensive damage caused by the flooding, the Prime Minister has directed a study to explore assistance measures for those affected. The Ministry of Interior recommended initial relief funds based on the duration of flooding affecting regular residences, which commenced on May 15, 2025. Assistance ranges from 5,000 baht for 31-60 days of flooding to 20,000 baht for those affected for 121 days or more. This initiative targets 171,302 households across 22 provinces, including Chachoengsao, Chainat, Nakhon Sawan, and Ubon Ratchathani, among others. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is working with these provinces to verify victim data for comprehensive relief distribution.
Despite improvements, heavy rainfall and river overflows continue to affect several areas, particularly in the central Chao Phraya River basin, causing damage to homes and farmlands. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, alongside related agencies, remains vigilant, providing ongoing support. While rainfall decreases in the northern and central regions, the southern provinces, such as Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat, brace for heavy rain moving towards Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala.
The Department of Mineral Resources has issued alerts for potential landslides and flash floods in provinces including Chumphon, Phang Nga, and Pattani until November 21, 2025. The Geological Disaster Operations Center will continue monitoring these threats closely, ensuring readiness to respond to emergencies effectively.