People living downstream of the Chao Phraya dam, in Pak Hai and Sena districts of the central province of Ayutthaya, have been warned to brace for heavy flooding from September 29^th to October 2^nd, due to water runoff from the Chao Phraya River.

According to the The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) , water levels in low-lying areas of Ban Krathum, in the Hua Wiang sub-district of Sena district and Tha Dindaeng sub-district, in the Pak Hai district of Ayutthaya province, may rise by a metre during that period.

NWRO Deputy Secretary-General Samroeng Sangphuwong said that more rain is forecast during the period, resulting in more water in the upper Chao Phraya river basin and an increased flow through the Chao Phraya dam, estimated at about 2,000 cubic metres per second on September 29^th.

A monsoon trough across Thailand’s lower northern, central, north-eastern and eastern regions, compounded by strong southwestern monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, will bring more rain and isolated heavy showers to Thailand until Friday. Over this weekend, a strong low pressure cell over the South China Sea is expected to make landfall in central Vietnam and this will cause more rain and isolated heavy showers to fall in northern parts of Thailand.

Mr. Samroeng said that officials have been on standby to cope with the situation and people living along both banks of the Chao Phraya and Noi rivers have been advised to prepare for flooding.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan visited Ayutthaya province today (Wednesday) to inspect water management and flood prevention preparations in the lower Chao Phraya river basin, being carried out by the Royal Irrigation Department.