Nakhon Ratchasima officials are closely monitoring provincial water supplies, as the province’s four major dams currently hold an average of approximately 37% of their total storage capacity. This situation was a key topic at a provincial government meeting on September 21, where authorities reviewed current water levels and discussed potential measures to augment supplies throughout the rainy season.
Lam Takhong Dam in Sikhio District is holding 117 million cubic meters, representing 37% of its 314 million cubic meter capacity. Lam Phra Phloeng Dam in Pak Thong Chai District contains 44 million cubic meters, or 28% of its 155 million cubic meter capacity. Lam Mun Bon Dam in Khon Buri District is at 49 million cubic meters, which is 34% of its 141 million cubic meter capacity. Lastly, Lam Chae Dam, also in Khon Buri District, holds 107 million cubic meters, equating to 38% of its 275 million cubic meter capacity.
Collectively, the province’s 25 medium-sized reservoirs contain around 136.35 million cubic meters of water, equivalent to 40.15% of their combined capacity. Across all 29 mentioned medium-sized dams and reservoirs, the total storage stands at approximately 37.06%.
The situation is more critical in some smaller reservoirs, with ten falling below 30% capacity. Huai Nam Khem Reservoir in Buayai District is particularly affected, holding less than 3% of its capacity. Conversely, three reservoirs are above 80% and are under close observation: Lam Chiang Krai Upper Reservoir is at 94.81%, Lam Chiang Sa Reservoir is at 94.46%, and San Kamphaeng Reservoir is at 101.28%.
In an effort to boost water levels at Lam Takhong Dam, officials are exploring options to increase incoming water, including a proposed project to divert water from Pa Sak Chonlasit Dam in Lopburi Province. This ambitious plan involves constructing a pipeline approximately 40 kilometers long to channel water towards the Lam Takhong system. If implemented, the transfer is projected to add around 58 million cubic meters of water annually during the rainy season. The proposed route would involve pumping water from Pa Sak Chonlasit Dam into a diversion tunnel situated near the end of Lam Takhong Dam. A significant elevation difference of about 200 meters between the two locations is a key consideration in the design.
The project is currently undergoing detailed study in collaboration with consultants, the Royal Irrigation Department, and other relevant agencies. Feasibility studies and engineering designs are being developed to ascertain the most effective implementation under local conditions. The primary objective of this initiative is to increase the water available in Lam Takhong Dam and strengthen the province’s overall water security during periods of low storage. The proposal has a projected long-term scope, with a stated contract end date of May 17, 2028.
Current data indicates a significant disparity in water availability across Nakhon Ratchasima’s reservoirs. While some reservoirs maintain relatively high levels, several are already experiencing low storage, making water management a paramount concern for provincial authorities as the rainy season progresses. Official monitoring data from Thailand’s water resource agencies consistently tracks Lam Takhong and Lam Phra Phloeng among the province’s major water bodies.