Ratchaburi steps up flood preparations as Mae Klong River continues to rise

‘Massive flood’ warning as Mae Klong Dam raises discharge rate

Ratchaburi authorities have placed riverside communities on alert as rising water levels in the Mae Klong River increase the risk of significant flooding in the provincial capital.

Municipal officials have urged residents living near the river to prepare for a possible evacuation. People in vulnerable areas have been advised to move valuables and important belongings to higher locations, while vehicles should be relocated to designated safe parking areas made available by the municipality and Muang police.

The precautionary measures follow a continued increase in the Mae Klong River’s water level. The situation has been affected by higher discharge volumes from the Mae Klong Dam in neighboring Kanchanaburi province, raising concerns that the river could overflow in low-lying areas.

Mayor Sakchai Pisanpol said local authorities are preparing for the possibility of serious flooding. Ratchaburi’s Muang district has not experienced flooding on a comparable scale since 1996, making the current rise in water levels a significant concern for the municipality.

Residents have been encouraged to remain calm, follow official updates and be ready to act if evacuation instructions are issued.

As a preventive measure, municipal schools and childcare centres have also been ordered to remain closed for the week while authorities continue to monitor the situation.

29 September 2026.