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Farmers advised again to skip a rice crop cycle after harvest in October

26 Sept 23:27 Key points summarised by AI

The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) strongly advises rice farmers to skip planting a crop after the October/November harvest due to severe water shortages from an intensifying El Niño expected to last until early next year.
Water levels in major reservoirs are critically low, with the four main Chao Phraya basin reservoirs at only 44% capacity, making water insufficient for thirsty rice cultivation despite potential temptations from increased rice prices.

Yesterday 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.