Chulabhorn Dam

Chulabhorn Dam (เขื่อนจุฬาภรณ์) is a dam in Tambon Thung Lui Lai, Khon San District, Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand. It impounds the Phrom River, a tributary of the Mekong. The dam has diverted the Nam Phrong River. As water leaves its turbines, it empties into the Choen River. The dam is named after Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand.

Chulabhorn Dam
Location of Chulabhorn Dam in Thailand
Official nameChulabhorn Dam
CountryThailand
LocationKhon San, Chaiyaphum
Coordinates16°32′10.56″N 101°39′0.13″E
Construction began1970
Opening date1972
Owner(s)Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand
Dam and spillways
ImpoundsNam Phrom River
Height70 m (230 ft)
Length700 m (2,300 ft)
Reservoir
CreatesChulabhorn Dam Reservoir
Total capacity165,000,000 m3 (5.8×109 cu ft)
Catchment area545 km2 (210 sq mi)
Surface area31 km2 (12 sq mi)
Power Station
Operator(s)Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand
Installed capacity40 MW
Annual generation59 GWh

Description

Typical of Thai dams, the Chulabhorn Dam is an earth core rockfill dam. Its function is to generate electricity and to irrigate riparian agriculture, except when irrigation is prohibited during droughts.[1] The dam is 700 m (2,300 ft) long and 70 m (230 ft) high. Its reservoir covers 31 km2 (12 sq mi).[2]

Power house

The power house is at the dam and contains two turbines, each with a capacity of 20,000 KW. Total annual energy production is 59 Gwh.[2]

Controversies

Like the Pak Mun Dam downstream, the Chulabhorn has not been without its share of controversies. These have principally been over the way in which water is allocated for irrigation vis-à-vis power generation; and over the diversion of water from the Nam Phong to the Choen River, depriving downstream communities along the Choen.

Downstream of the Chulabhorn Dam, along the Choen River, lie three districts: Kaset Sombun, Ban Thaen and Phu Khieo. The reduced flows of the Choen has caused villagers to come together and try to persuade EGAT to increase the amount of water. This protest started in 1973, and has earned these villagers the title of the "water beggars of the Northeast".[3]

Of interest
  • The Replica of Phra Phutthasiri Sakkharat (Luangpho Chet Kasat) (พระพุทธสิริสัคคราชจำลอง (หลวงพ่อเจ็ดกษัตริย์)) is a Buddha image enshrined on the left side of the dam, opposite Chulabhorn Dam Park.
  • Chulabhorn Dam Park (สวนเขื่อนจุฬาภรณ์) covers an area of approximately 41 rai, a preserved forest with various kinds of plants.
  • The 325-Million-Years Ancient Plants (พืชโบราณ 325 ล้านปี) Are grasses of two main species, Son Sam Roi Yot (Lycopodium) and Son Hang Ma or Ya Thot Plong (Horsetail or Equisetum).

References
  1. "Water restrictions in effect". Bangkok Post. 26 December 2019. Retrieved 26 December 2019.
  2. "Renovation of Small Hydropower Plants by Hydropower Construction Division in 2005". Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. Archived from the original on 2010-01-14. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
  3. "EGAT dam denying people water". Bangkok Post. 2000-03-13. Archived from the original on 2011-07-20. Retrieved 2011-01-31.
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