Phumtham stated his intention to pitch to the cabinet on Tuesday, urging the prioritization of water management with a substantial 200 billion baht budget. This ambitious plan, initially rolled out under the Yingluck Shinawatra administration, was derailed by a coup. The latest drive comes in response to heavy floods in Chiang Rai, Nan, and Phrae, which have resulted in increased water flow into downstream regions like Sukhothai and Phitsanulok.
The Yom River, with its origins in the Phi Pan Nam Range in Pong district, Phayao province, meanders through Phrae and Sukhothai, serving as a vital water source before merging with the Nan River at Chum Saeng district in Nakhon Sawan.
“If all stakeholders concur, we [the government] would revisit the plan to ensure that the Yom River benefits from flood storage areas akin to those of the Ping, Wang, and Nan rivers,” Phumtham articulated. He emphasized the necessity of dialogue with dissenters, encouraging them to engage with those directly impacted by the floods. “The voices of flood victims are invaluable,” he asserted.
In an earlier visit to Nan province, Phumtham assessed flood relief operations and extended aid to victims, reiterating the significance of this water management project as a key agenda item for the incoming government.
Reflecting on the vision of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Phumtham highlighted the importance of embarking on several “megaprojects” to combat the country’s entrenched flooding and drought challenges. Parallelly, ex-deputy prime minister Plodprasop Suraswadi voiced a strong endorsement for the Kaeng Sua Ten Dam in Phrae, advocating its construction as a flood prevention measure for the North.
On social media, Plodprasop detailed how an influx of 500-700 millimeters of rain over five days in Phayao, Nan, and Phrae could accumulate billions of cubic meters of water. This water, surging through the Yom River in Phrae at 1,700 cubic meters per second, poses significant flood risks when reaching Sukhothai. Plodprasop criticized the current approach of erecting soil or concrete barriers along the riverbanks, noting their minimal structural reinforcement, especially at the foundation.
He warned that these barriers, though effective at manageable water levels, could prove catastrophic if overwhelmed by high water volumes. The risk of structural cracks and potential collapses at critical bends in the river is particularly alarming, signaling possible extensive damage and community endangerment.
Plodprasop underscored the urgency of launching a water diversion project via the Had Saphan Chan water gate, extending over 30 kilometers within the coming year, to avert recurring floods next year.
However, not all are in agreement. Hannarong Yaowalers, chairman of the Foundation for Integration of Water Management, raised objections against the dam’s construction. “Advocates for the Kaeng Sua Ten Dam need a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies,” Hannarong asserted, expressing concerns over discrepancies in flooding area forecasts.
While the dam is projected to hold 1,175 million cubic meters of water, feasibility studies predict a potential inundation of 45,625 rai. Nonetheless, research indicates the flooding could extend to 65,625 rai, a notable 20,000-rai difference. Hannarong strongly recommended a refreshed study, given the outdated nature of the data used, which is over three decades old.
As the debate rages on, the call for more equitable and effective water management grows louder, underscoring the need for solutions that balance infrastructure development with environmental and community considerations.
Reviving the 200-billion-baht plan seems like more political grandstanding. Will it actually solve the problem, or is it just another way to funnel money?
I agree, Jane. We’ve seen so many ‘ambitious’ projects come and go without actual results. Skepticism is warranted.
But consider the alternative: doing nothing. The flooding is devastating lives and livelihoods annually.
It’s not just skepticism; it’s also about accountability and transparency. Massive budgets need stringent checks.
Exactly! Without proper oversight, this money could disappear, and we’d still be left with flooding.
As someone directly affected by these floods, I say we need to take action NOW. Enough with the debating!
Quick action is essential, but so is sustainable action. We can’t afford to destroy ecosystems in the process. The Kaeng Sua Ten Dam is not the answer.
SukhothaiResident, it’s critical to make sure the action taken is the right one. A long-term solution is better than a quick fix that might fail.
More comprehensive studies are obviously needed. The outdated data could lead to ineffective or even harmful solutions!
Absolutely. Using three-decade-old data to justify a multibillion project is irresponsible.
Then why isn’t a new study the first step? Seems like a no-brainer but maybe common sense isn’t so common in politics.
Living downstream, I’m terrified of another flood season. All arguments aside, just keep us safe!
People should heed the chairman of the Foundation for Integration of Water Management. You can’t just bulldoze through with outdated information.
True, Hannarong. It’s necessary to redo the feasibility studies to get a clear and current picture.
Yes, new data is crucial. Investment without proper research is a recipe for disaster.
The Kaeng Sua Ten Dam project is contentious for good reason. Many people will be displaced. Where is their voice?
We tried barriers and look where it got us. It’s time for real solutions!
Damming rivers leads to catastrophic environmental consequences. Have we not learned from past mistakes?
Sometimes we need to balance environmental concerns with human safety. It’s complicated.
True, but too often, ‘balance’ means compromising too much, and we end up paying for it in the long run.
Eco-Activist, I see your point, but can you really expect people living in constant fear of floods to prioritize the environment?
If the dam can save countless lives and homes, it’s worth considering. But consultation with affected communities is essential!
Exactly, Aliyah. Communication with the local community can bring up concerns that planners might miss.
Government never listens to environmentalists until it’s too late. Mark my words.
How does this align with the goals of sustainable development? We need comprehensive planning.
It’s a tough balance. On one hand, flood prevention, on the other, ecosystem preservation. True sustainability considers both.
The Kaeng Sua Ten Dam will change our region forever, and not for the better. Alternative solutions exist!
Like what, Anna? All suggestions are welcome if they genuinely solve the problem while causing less harm.
Anna, if you have alternatives, now’s the time to share them. We need solutions pronto!
Human intervention has worsened natural processes. Proper catchment area management could be more effective than massive dams.
GreenThumb, yes! Natural floodplain restoration might be a better path.
Talking and debating is fine, but while you’re doing that, we’re drowning here!