Governor Sophon, along with Wichit Sutthaso, the new Chief of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket), and representatives from related agencies convened at the Phuket Provincial Hall to join the nationwide briefing.
The meeting yesterday came as Bang Wad reservoir in Kathu recorded being only 25% full, with 2.51mn cubic metres of water. Bang Wad’s official capacity is 10.2mn cubic metres.
Meanwhile, according to the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR), Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn is currently 45% full, containing 3.48 million cubic metres of water. The reservoir’s official capacity is 7.2mn cubic metres.
Klong Kata reservoir in Chalong is 46% full, with 1.89mn cubic metres of water. Although works have been done to expand Klong Kata’s capacity, the official capacity most recently reported remains 3.49mn cubic metres.
The session yesterday was chaired by the Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul in his capacity as Commander of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
The meeting focused on monitoring current conditions and establishing coordinated drought response strategies across Thailand. Officials were briefed on forecasts, risk assessments, and water management plans by various national agencies.
Updates were delivered by:
- Forecasting Group: The Meteorological Department and the Water Resources Information Institute reported on expected weather trends and water availability.
- Water Management Group: The Office of National Water Resources and Royal Irrigation Department outlined water distribution and conservation measures.
- Water Shortage Resolution Group: Agencies including the Provincial Waterworks Authority, Department of Local Administration, Department of Groundwater Resources, and Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives presented local response strategies.
- Problem Resolution Support Group: The Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department, Ministry of Defense, and armed forces discussed supplemental support measures, including artificial rainmaking.
Officials also reviewed drought risks in key provinces including Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Kanchanaburi and Chonburi, and considered guidance from Privy Councilors to help minimise impacts on the public.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation emphasised the importance of proactive collaboration between agencies. Efforts are underway to strengthen coordination, accelerate resource management, and implement solutions to mitigate water shortages with maximum efficiency, said an official report of the meeting.