Thailand Current Water Situation

June 3, 2016

Sutiwat Prutthiprasert

FLOOD THAILAND

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Thailand Current Water Situation

Summary

The rainy season officially began on May 16th. However, there are remaining water reservoirs yet to be filled, particularly in the northern provinces. Overall, the after effects of drought experienced in the previous months are not yet over in terms of economy, since prices of commodities increased and crop production significantly lowered.

Economic Loss

The total economic loss from drought could reduce Thailand’s GDP by 0.5%, according to the Economic Intelligence Centre of Siam Commercial Bank (EIC), and up to 80 million Baht in economic damage was lost during the first three months of the year alone, mainly from agricultural loss.

Flood Risk in 2016

Thailand would be at risk from flooding during the second half of the year 2016, GISTDA forecasts. Two to three tropical cyclones are expected to head towards Thailand during the rainy season which will lead to floods. Potential affected areas include Prachinburi, Ayutthaya, Suphanburi, and Pitsanulok, of which are lowlands that have experienced major flooding in 2011. Flooding is likely to occur during August until October. The wet season could last as long as 15 months due to La Niña, characterized by lowering temperatures accompanied by more rain in the region. Heavy rain may drag on until 2017. However the extent of the floods should be less severe compared to the Great Flood in 2011, which inundated 90 billion square kilometers of land.

RID news

The Royal Irrigation Department chief Suthep Noipairoj said although the Bhumibol dam has yet to be filled with additional rainwater, three other dams; the Sirikit, the Kwae Noi, and the Pasak Jolasid dams have been slowly filling up from rainwater flowing from the North. For the past week, the three dams have received a total of 72.08 million cubic meters of water.

Dam Water Level: http://www.waterforthai.org/th/dam-report

Despite heavier rainfall, the Bhumibol Dam as yet to be filled. The remaining main dam water levels have slightly increased. Usable storage levels for the Bhumibol, Sirikit, Kwae Noi, and Pasak dams are 2%, 8%, 21%, and 22% respectively.

Precipitation: http://www.arcims.tmd.go.th/dailydata/MonthRain.php

Total monthly rainfall: Throughout May, Thailand’s precipitation levels have increased in for all regions, especially in the South West Coast. Departure from normal: Precipitation in May has increased the amount of rainfall and closing the gap compared to the previous year’s average. However, the current amount of rain is still considered to be slightly lower than the average, deviating by -70mm. Number of rainy days: The number of days rained in May have increased compared to last month’s dry weather.

7 days Forecast: http://www.tmd.go.th/en/7-day_forecast.php

During June2nd-6th, the Northeast, Central and Eastern regions will have more rain. Summer thunderstorms are likely to occur around upper Thailand, with possibilities of hail and strong winds. People in the regions should beware of wind storms and keep away from billboards, trees, and buildings.

Weather forecast: JUNE: http://www.tmd.go.th/monthly_forecast.php

Region	Rainfall	Rainy days	Max. Temperature	Min. Temperature
Northern	130-170 mm	16-19 day	33-35℃	24-26℃
Northeastern	180-220 mm	14-17 day	33-35℃	24-26℃
Central	130-170 mm	14-17 day	34-36℃	25-27℃
Eastern	240-290 mm	15-18 day	32-34℃	25-27℃
Southeastern	90-130 mm	12-15 day	32-34℃	24-26℃
Southwestern	270-320 mm	17-20 day	31-33℃	24-26℃