Bangkok Safe from 2011-Style Floods, Vows Deputy PM
Bangkok will not face the catastrophic floods of 2011 this year, Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Saram assures. Improved dam management and early water releases are at the heart of this promise.
Lessons from Bangkok’s 2011 Flood Disaster
The memory of 2011 still haunts Bangkok. Streets turned into rivers for weeks, damage soared into the billions, and the disaster became a political crisis for then-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
Sophon Saram points to a key mistake from that year. “The government expected a long dry spell and ordered water to be kept in the big dams,” he says. But when heavy storms hit, the dams had to release huge amounts of water at once, flooding downstream communities with devastating results.
New Dam Management Protects Bangkok
This year, the approach is different, Sophon insists. “We release water early to make room for new rainfall,” he explains. The Bhumibol and Sirikit dams, which together hold 50 million cubic meters, are under close watch.
Rainfall has exceeded forecasts from the Meteorological Department, but officials say the situation remains under control. Staggered water releases aim to keep the Chao Phraya River within its banks and protect Bangkok from major flooding.
Temporary Flooding Possible, But No Repeat of 2011
Some Bangkok neighborhoods may still see brief flooding, Sophon admits. But unlike 2011, these waters should drain quickly. “If there’s no extreme rain beyond the city’s capacity, Bangkok will not flood,” he says.
Drainage systems have been upgraded, and all agencies are working together. Early warning systems and coordinated action are in place to prevent another disaster.
Faster Relief for Partially Flooded Areas
Sophon also announces a key legal change. In the past, only areas declared “completely destroyed” could get government aid. Now, partially damaged zones will also qualify.
“This allows faster and more flexible help for flooded communities,” the deputy PM says. Disaster relief groups call it a long-overdue step.
Rainy Season Still a Challenge for Bangkok
Despite the reassurances, another storm is expected in the coming days and could bring more rain. The government says there is enough buffer in the dams to handle it.
The shadow of 2011 lingers over the city. As the rainy season peaks, all eyes are on whether Sophon Saram’s promise will hold.
