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Mae Klong Dam increases discharge rate, warnings issued for four provinces

Today 18:04Key points summarised by AI

The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) increased the Mae Klong Dam's water discharge rate to 2,000m3/s, causing downstream river levels to rise by up to three metres.
Urgent safety warnings were issued for four western and coastal provinces—Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon—due to the heightened flood risk.
The escalated discharge is a direct response to continuously increasing water volumes from the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers, fueled by heavy rainfall and the Vajiralongkorn Dam reaching 96% capacity upstream.
Residents in affected low-lying areas are urged to relocate belongings, monitor vulnerable individuals, prepare evacuation plans, and remain vigilant for sudden flash flooding.

Today 19:02Key points summarised by AI

The Thai Navy faces intense scrutiny for awarding a 16.7-billion-baht frigate contract to South Korean supplier Hanwha Ocean, despite persistent failures of the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) on its existing Hanwha-built frigate, HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The Phalanx CIWS on HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej has been non-functional since 2019, with prolonged, unsuccessful repair attempts revealing it's an obsolete model lacking spare parts, raising questions about the Navy's procurement due diligence.
A dispute over responsibility for the Phalanx failures exists between Hanwha Ocean and the American manufacturer, prompting the House Military Affairs Committee to demand documents and threaten an audit if clarity isn't provided.
The Industry for National Defence and Security Association (INDSA) has requested an Ombudsman investigation into the transparency of the new frigate deal, questioning bidder treatment, lifetime maintenance, and a significant increase in offset value.
This controversy unfolds as the Royal Thai Navy urgently needs new frigates to replace its aging fleet (only four currently, with three being 30+ years old or nearing decommissioning) to protect vast and economically vital maritime interests.