Weather bureau predicts a cold New Year

13 Sept 09:55 Key points summarised by AI

A significant drop in temperatures is forecast across many parts of the country for the New Year, particularly in the North and Northeast.
Air turbulence and a strong cold front will cause temperatures to plunge by 5-8 degrees Celsius in the North/Northeast and 3-5 degrees Celsius in Bangkok, eastern, and central provinces.
Highland areas in the North and Northeast will experience extreme cold (3-13°C) with potential frost, and some regions may face rainstorms.
The southern region is expected to see increased rainfall, while rough seas and high waves in the Gulf prompt a warning for small vessels to stay ashore.

Government to start building Chainat-Pasak-Gulf water diversion canal next year

Today 14:58 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's government will launch the "Chainat-Pasak-Gulf" water diversion canal project in fiscal year 2027, a seven-year mega-infrastructure initiative.
This permanent structural solution aims to mitigate recurrent central plains flooding by diverting water from the Chao Phraya River directly into the Gulf of Thailand, significantly reducing flow to major cities like Ayutthaya and Bangkok.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul justifies the long-term investment as a means to reduce future damages and fiscal burdens, contrasting it with the 40-50 billion baht spent annually on short-term flood relief.
Concurrently, the Prime Minister instructed officials to expand drainage capacity into the Tha Chin River and swiftly remove water hyacinths to improve immediate flood management.