The European Union announced new financial support for Thailand's Lower East Chao Phraya irrigation system, including a €12 million grant to be combined with financing from the French Development Agency and the Asian Development Bank.
The project will modernise flood forecasting, water monitoring and decision-support systems, helping authorities coordinate water management and provide earlier warnings to communities exposed to flooding.
According to the European Commission, the work covers 22 major irrigation canals extending approximately 460 kilometres and 23 water-control structures. Once completed, it is expected to reduce flood damage by approximately 10 billion Thai baht annually and improve water storage for dry-season consumption.
The investment forms part of the EU's Global Gateway approach and Thailand's longer-term Chao Phraya flood risk management programme.
