Central Thailand Floods: Relief Expected by End of November

SUKHOTHAI, Nov 11 (TNA) - Flooding across Thailand's central plains is anticipated to ease by the end of November after the final major water mass from Sukhothai passes through the Chao Phraya basin, according to water experts.

Mr. Chawalit Chantararat, of the Consulting Engineers Association of Thailand, noted that drainage is complicated by recent Tropical Storm Kalmaegi rains below the dams and high tides from November 9-15. Authorities must maintain a high discharge rate of 2,900 cubic metres per second to manage the total inflow.

Though the overall situation is expected to improve, Sukhothai remains severely flooded with over 540 households affected.

 Meanwhile, residents upstream of the Bang Ban sluice gate in Ayutthaya protested, having been inundated for four months, prompting Deputy Agriculture Minister Nares Thamrongthipyakun who was taking a field trip to affected areas to order an immediate review of opening the gate. 

In Ang Thong, a dike breach caused renewed, high-level flooding around Pa Mok Hospital, forcing the evacuation of elderly and bedridden patients in what is the worst flood in the area in 36 years. 

The Chao Phraya Dam currently maintains its discharge rate, with Ang Thong reporting over 5,000 affected households. - 819 (TNA)