Chulabhorn Dam is a major water-retention structure located on the Nam Phrom River in northeastern Thailand. It stands within Tambon Thung Lui Lai, Amphur Kon San in Chaiyaphum Province and forms an expansive reservoir used by surrounding communities. The dam and its impoundment are an important element of regional water management in Thailand.

The facility bears the name of Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, reflecting its national significance and commemorative dedication. Local officials and national agencies oversee the dam’s operation, which supports agricultural activities and seasonal water regulation for nearby districts.

Physical characteristics

The structure is notable for its size and storage capacity. Key measures include:

  • Length: approximately 700 metres along the crest.
  • Height: around 70 metres from foundation to crest.
  • Reservoir area: roughly 31 square kilometres when at typical full supply level.

These dimensions make the dam a significant landscape feature and a sizeable freshwater body for the province. The reservoir’s shoreline and catchment influence land use, fisheries and local microclimates.

Purposes and uses

Like many multipurpose dams, Chulabhorn Dam serves several practical roles. Its primary functions include water storage for irrigation, helping to moderate seasonal variability in river flows, and providing some flood mitigation for downstream communities. The impoundment also supports local fisheries, recreation and tourism activities such as boating and sightseeing. Depending on project design and local infrastructure, reservoirs of this type can be used for municipal water supply and, in some cases, small-scale hydroelectric generation.

Management balances human needs with environmental concerns: reservoir operation affects river ecology, sediment transport and riparian habitats. Ongoing monitoring and adaptive management seek to reduce negative impacts while maintaining the dam’s benefits for agriculture and local livelihoods. For official project descriptions and management details, see project sources.