Prachinburi Flood Exposes Infrastructure Gaps and Industrial Pollution Risks

Key summary

Heavy rains in late September caused severe flooding in Prachinburi, Chachoengsao, and Nakhon Nayok, with water levels exceeding historical records. The National Water Resources Office noted that current basin water volume is approximately 2,100 million cubic meters, surpassing the 2016 peak despite limited dam capacity. Economic losses are estimated at over 10 billion baht. Concurrently, a waste disposal facility operated by Green Enviro Technology Co., Ltd. in Si Mahaphot district leaked oil and chemicals into floodwaters, raising concerns about groundwater contamination. Political scrutiny followed the Prime Minister's brief visit to relief camps compared with his attendance at a birthday event, leading to the rapid transfer of a district official accused of non-cooperation without a formal disciplinary investigation.