The Royal Irrigation Department is warning people along waterways in the lower Chao Phraya River basin, including those in Greater Bangkok, of possible flooding due to deluges from the North, heavy rains and high seas later this month.

The department said on Sunday that due to water from the North, the discharge rate of the Chao Phraya barrage – which regulates the flow of the Chao Phraya River in Chai Nat province – would be raised this week.

The faster discharge will affect areas next to the river from Sapphaya district of Chai Nat downstream to Greater Bangkok, leading to possible overflow and deeper flood levels this week.

Low-lying areas to be affected include:

•     In Buri, Muang and Phrom Buri districts of Sing Buri
•     Muang and Pa Mok districts of Ang Thong
•     vast areas near Phong Pheng and Bang Ban canals and the Noi River in Ayutthaya
•     Muang and Sam Khok districts in Pathum Thani
•     about 30 riverside communities in Muang and Pak Kret districts of Nonthaburi
•     thirty-two flood-prone areas in Bangkok including Song Wat area

Greater Bangkok could face flooding if there were high tides and heavy rains this month because the levels of waterways would already be high and obstruct the drainage of rainwater. High tides will occur from Oct 18 to 22.