In response to the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)’s concept to develop countries in the Southeast Asia region, the Coordinating Committee for Lower Mekong Survey was established. The government at that time was advised to build the Ubol Ratana Dam for electricity generation, irrigation, consumption, industry, flood prevention, fishery, and tourism.

Ubol Ratana Dam, formerly known as “Phong Neeb,” is the second multipurpose dam of the country and the first large hydropower plant in the Northeast under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Boonrod Bintson, the first Governor of the Northern Electricity Authority. The construction of Ubol Ratana Dam started in 1964 and was completed in 1966. The reservoir area covers 12,000 km² with three main rivers discharging water stored in the reservoir which are the Phong River and the Chern River, with their water source from the Phetchabun Mountain Range, and the Pha Niang River with its water source from Phu Phan Mountain Range in Nong Bua Lam Phu Province.

Electricity generation: The power plant is installed with 3 generators, each of 8.4 MW with an annual average generated electricity of 26 million kWh which can replace the use of diesel oil in a thermal power plant of approximately 15.42 million liters per year.

Agriculture: The dam can supply water to the irrigation areas in Muang, Nam Phong, and Kranuan Districts in Khon Kaen Province, and Chiang Yuen and Kosum Phisai Districts in Maha Sarakham Province for agriculture in the rainy season in the areas of 264,000 rai and in the dry season in the areas of 170,000 rai.

Downstream environmental protection: The downstream water quality is maintained at a good level for use and consumption.

Upstream water use:  There are 53 pumping stations supplying water to irrigation areas of 124,000 rai. The dam also helps to alleviate floods in the rainy season.

Fishery and tourism: The dam serves as a source for fish breeding and fishery in the reservoir with the fish catch per year of about 1 million kilograms. Villagers around the reservoir and nearby have more income from processed fish products, well-known local products of Ubol Ratana Dam. Moreover, the dam is one of the tourist attractions in Khon Kaen Province.  

In order to increase the dam’s safety dam and efficiency in alleviating floods, EGAT has reinforced the dam crest to be at the level of 188.10 meters and extended the rear dam to 125 meters. The improvement work started at the end of 1984 and was completed in 1987.

On March 14, 1966, Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, accompanied by Princess Ubol Ratana, performed the opening ceremony of the dam.