Former Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow, seen second from right, addressed officials at the Regional Irrigation Office 12 in Sapphaya district, Chai Nat, on Sunday. Joining him were his brother and Deputy Minister Akara Prompow, Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat, and Deputy Minister Itthi Sirilattthayakorn. (Photo: Regional Irrigation Office 12)
This past weekend saw the newly sworn-in Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat taking a hands-on approach to reviewing water management practices in the Chao Phraya River basin. Under the keen supervision of her predecessor and notable rebel faction leader, Thamanat Prompow, the minister evaluated the current state of affairs. Accompanied by Capt. Thamanat, his brother Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Akara Prompow, and another deputy minister, Itthi Sirilattthayakorn, they conducted inspections in the provinces of Chai Nat and Ayutthaya.
In Chai Nat, the team assessed the water management strategies at the Chao Phraya river barrage dam. Later in the day, their journey took them to Ayutthaya, where they closely monitored the flood conditions affecting Bang Ban district. The focus was crystal clear: ensuring that the region is prepared for any water-related challenges that may arise.
Minister Narumon provided an update, stating that the water levels at the Chao Phraya barrage are currently under control. However, she also noted the need for caution, as the discharge rate is expected to ramp up to 1,700 cubic meters per second over the coming three days, due to anticipated inflow from the North. On Sunday, the inflow at the barrage was observed to be steady at 1,474 cubic meters per second, while the discharge rate stood at 1,500 cubic meters per second.
Capt. Thamanat, who leads a significant rebel faction within the Palang Pracharat Party, has recently taken the reins from the former deputy prime minister Prawit Wongsuwon, solidifying his position of influence. This power shift adds a layer of intrigue to the already complex political landscape.
Minister Narumon herself is no stranger to the political arena. She previously served as the government spokeswoman and held the role of Deputy Labour Minister under former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Her appointment to the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry marks another chapter in her dynamic career.
As the inspection concluded, the atmosphere was charged with the understanding that managing the water levels and ensuring adequate flood control measures are paramount for the well-being of the regions in question. The proactive approach taken by Minister Narumon and her team promises a vigilant oversight of the Chao Phraya River basin’s water management, embodying the spirit of responsible governance and public service.
It’s good to see proactive measures being taken for water management in the Chao Phraya River basin. Hope they continue this diligence!
Absolutely, but I still think they could do more. We need sustainable solutions, not just temporary fixes.
Sustainability is key. What about introducing more catchment areas and reforestation?
I agree, EcoGeorge. But can we trust the government to implement such long-term plans?
Minister Narumon’s appointment is just political maneuvering. She lacks real experience in water management.
Do you think Thamanat’s involvement helps or hinders her effectiveness?
Thamanat might bring experience, but his controversial past could overshadow their efforts.
Maybe this political maneuvering is what it takes to get things done? She’s already been effective elsewhere.
The discharge rate increasing to 1,700 cubic meters per second worries me. Can the infrastructure handle it?
Our infrastructure is outdated. The government needs to invest heavily to modernize it.
Modernizing is expensive, where will the funds come from? More taxes?
Better to pay more now than to deal with disastrous floods later. It’s about priorities.
Why are we only hearing about inspections when the situation gets critical? This should be a regular practice.
Crisis management seems to be the norm rather than actual preemptive strategies.
Can someone explain how they manage the water levels? It always seems so complicated.
In short, they use dams, barrages, and monitoring systems to regulate inflow and outflow.
The real story is Thamanat’s influence. This isn’t just about water management, it’s about power balance.
Pretty tired of these political games. Can we just focus on solving the actual problems?
The team looks solid, mixing experienced and new perspectives. Hopefully, they’ll balance their strengths well.
I have high hopes for Minister Narumon. She’s shown she’s capable in the past.
With the climate changing so rapidly, does anyone believe these measures are enough?
Certainly not, climate resilience requires continuous adaptation and innovation.
True, but at least this is a step in the right direction.
Maybe this is nature’s way of telling us we’re doing something wrong. We should consider how our actions impact the environment.
The focus on Chai Nat and Ayutthaya is good but what about the other regions? They need attention too.
Regions like Bang Ban have been neglected for too long. Hopefully, this will change with the new oversight.
Fingers crossed. They need to expand their focus if they want long-term success.
More focus on local involvement would help. Who better to inform water management than the locals?
It’s great to see a woman taking charge in such a critical ministry. Narumon is a role model for many.
Absolutely! Her leadership can inspire young girls everywhere to pursue politics and governance.
What happens if this discharge inflow gets out of hand? Are there contingency plans?
They need to disclose these plans to the public to ensure everyone is prepared.
Transparency is crucial. Hiding plans only leads to panic when things go south.
Governments always talk big during inspections, but real action is rarely seen. Prove us wrong, Narumon.
It’s not just about talk, it’s about sustained commitment and follow-through.
This all seems like political theater more than genuine concern for the people. What’s next, a photo-op?
Flood management is vital, especially with the unpredictable weather patterns. Better late than never to address these issues.