Bangkok: The Pasak Chonlasit Dam is grappling with a severe water crisis, retaining only 13% of its capacity as the nation's water supply dwindles to just 37% usability. The alarming figures highlight the broader water scarcity issues plaguing the country amidst weak monsoon conditions.
According to Thai News Agency, the National Water Resources Office (NWRO) has reported a comprehensive overview of the country's water situation as of July 20, 2026. The report outlines the maximum rainfall situation by region, with Chiang Rai province in the Northern region receiving the highest precipitation at 63 millimeters, followed by Narathiwat province in the Southern region with 67 millimeters. Despite these figures, the southwest monsoon has weakened, resulting in minimal rainfall across Thailand.
Looking forward, from July 21-25, 2026, the forecast indicates increased rainfall with potential heavy downpours, mainly in the North, upper Northeast, and western Central regions. This change is attributed to a low-pressure system over Laos and northern Vietnam, coupled with a strengthening southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand.
The overall reservoir water situation paints a concerning picture, with total water volume at 56% of storage capacity, translating to 44,852 million cubic meters. Of this, only 37% is deemed usable, amounting to 20,729 million cubic meters. Regionally, the Western region fares relatively well with a water volume of 18,577 million cubic meters, or 66% of capacity, while the Central region is critically low at just 28%.
Focusing on the four main dams in the Chao Phraya River basin reveals troubling statistics, notably the Pa Sak Chonlasit Reservoir at a mere 13% capacity, and Khwae Noi Bamrung Dan at 24%. In contrast, Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit National Park dams possess more robust reserves at 53% and 52%, respectively.
Moreover, the NWRO has issued a warning for rising water levels in the Mekong River, with expectations of significant increases in regions like Bung Khla and Bueng Khong Long districts in Bueng Kan province, as well as areas across Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. These areas face risks of flooding due to anticipated water level rises between 0.60 to 1.30 meters.
The current water crisis underscores the need for strategic water management and proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of climate variability on Thailand's water resources.