Deputy Prime Minister Chatchai Sarikulya Thursday ordered relevant agencies to devise preventive measures against flooding which will be proposed to the prime minister this month.
Speaking on this year's measures against flooding at the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) Thursday, Gen Chatchai said agencies were required to submit their initial plans to tackle inundation to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who chairs the National Water Board, by May 21.
After approval, all plans would be implemented within this month to handle different periods of possible flooding in each area, he said.
Gen Chatchai said Nan, Phrae, Phetchabun, Prachin Buri, Chanthaburi and Phangnga could face flooding in June; Chiang Mai and Ubon Ratchathani from June-July; Lampang and Phitsanulok from July-August; and Phrae, Sukhothai, Nakhon Sawan and Uthai Thani from August-September.
Also, Phrae, Sukhothai, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong and Ayutthaya could experience flooding from September-October; Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Songkhla and Bangkok from October-November; and Songkhla and Nakhon Sri Thammarat from November-December.
Gen Chatchai said this year was the first year that no drought-affected area has been announced as a result of the government's well-integrated water management plan.
This year's rainwater level was also expected to be similar to that in 2014, he said.
Somkiat Prajamwong, secretary-general of the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR), said Thursday the office has instructed all agencies to speed up preventive measures against flooding.
He said proper water management plans must be devised for each dam and reservoir so they will have a room to store rainwater during the rainy season while water levels in over 10,000 small-scale reservoirs must be closely monitored.
According to the ONWR, more than 60 reservoirs in the East and Northeast currently hold water volumes of over 80% of their total capacity.
Mr Somkiat said the agencies must create understanding on how to divert water into 13 paddy fields which can hold around two billion cubic metres of water to avoid flooding in the lower part of Central Plains.
Authorities must examine structures which obstruct water flow while necessary equipment including water pumps and boats must be put on standby, he said.
Commenting on flooding, RID director-general Thongplew Kongchan said seasonal rainfall was forecasted this year by The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD).
Rainfall will temporarily cease for around two weeks in June and resume again in July, August, September and October, he said.
To prevent flooding, large dams must discharge water properly to make room for upcoming rainwater, while medium-sized reservoirs should lower water storage levels to 60%-80% of their total capacity. Local authorities must remain vigilant and monitor water levels.
Mr Thongplew said water level would be gradually decreased so not to affect agricultural farmland.