Lam Phra Phloeng Dam

The Lam Phra Phloeng Dam (Thai: เขื่อนลำพระเพลิง, RTGS: Khuean Lam Phra Phloeng, pronounced [kʰɯ̀a̯n lām pʰráʔ pʰlɤ̄ːŋ]), is a dam on the Lam Phra Phloeng River, part of the Mun River catchment, in the Pak Thong Chai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. Construction of the dam was completed in 1963, and its reservoir has suffered from very high levels of sedimentation resulting from erosion within its catchment area. Its function is mainly irrigation water supply, although it generates electricity as well.

Lam Phra Phloeng Dam
Location of Lam Phra Phloeng Dam in Thailand
Official name	Lam Phra Phloeng Dam
Country	Thailand
Location	Pak Thong Chai, Nakhon Ratchasima
Coordinates	14°30′19″N 101°46′50″E
Construction began	1967
Owner(s)	Royal Irrigation Department
Dam and spillways
Impounds	Lam Phra Phloeng River
Length	11 m (36 ft)
Reservoir
Creates	Lam Phra Phloeng Dam Reservoir
Total capacity	1.965 km3 (1,593,000 acre⋅ft)

Siltation

The land is tilled after harvesting and has become sensitive to sheet erosion. The area suffers periodically from floods and droughts. Increased erosion since forest clearance has led to the increase of sediment load in rivers draining into the reservoir. As a result, sediment deposition in the dam gradually decreased the water storage capacity from 150 million m³ in 1970 to 121 and 108 million m³ in 1983 and 1991 respectively. The suspended sediments in the water bodies also affect water quality and cause pollution because of various agrochemicals adsorbed by the sediments into the catchments.

The sedimentation rates decreased gradually from the upstream to the crest of the dam. The high sedimentation rate may be due to the inflow from the tributary as well as eroded materials that come from the upland area to the dam.