กองวิจัย พัฒนา และอุทกวิทยา

Research Development and Hydrology Division

Interesting fact – Water bridges

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Why is Suvarnabhumi Airport and the surrounding low-lying areas rarely flooded?

"Elevated water bridge, Suvarnabhumi drainage canal"

	Many people may not know or have never seen it before: Thailand's first and only elevated water bridge, a project initiated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX).
	Thailand's first and only elevated aqueduct, serving to directly channel water from canals to the sea. This drainage project at Suvarnabhumi Airport, initiated under the royal patronage of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), features the country's longest elevated aqueduct. It was constructed based on this royal initiative in 2003, which he granted to relevant agencies to collaboratively address the area's drainage problems. The lower eastern part of the Chao Phraya River basin, a low-lying area, has experienced urban expansion, reducing its water catchment capacity and making it more difficult to drain water into the Gulf of Thailand.
	This elevated water bridge is over 10 kilometers long and resembles a drainage canal, built as a raised bridge above Sukhumvit Road. Approximately 6 meters wide, crossing the coastal canal and Sukhumvit Road, it helps drain water from Khlong Samrong at a maximum rate of 100 cubic meters per second!!! There were four water pumps used to push the water out to sea. This project was put into operation in late 2009 and during the 2011 floods. It helped drain up to 560 million cubic meters of water, even during high tide!!! This successfully and decisively protected Suvarnabhumi Airport and its surrounding area of 140 square kilometers from damage. It prevented water from flowing back into the drainage canals during high tide, which could have caused damage to the surrounding communities and residents, as was the case during the 2011 floods. This project is considered a key point that can drain up to 560 million cubic meters of water, equivalent to more than half the capacity of the Pa Sak Chonlasit Dam!!!
	Furthermore, during the dry season, the Suvarnabhumi drainage canal can store 2 million cubic meters of water for agricultural purposes and to maintain the ecosystem in the area.

	This waterway bridge, built based on the royal initiative of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), has brought immense benefits to the country and continues to receive... Continuing, preserving, and expanding this project initiated by His Majesty the King for the ongoing benefit and well-being of the people.
	(CR – Image and data from the Royal Irrigation Department, Wachiraphan Chansomboon)