Background

Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam is an important project of water source development in the North. The dam was the cooperation between EGAT and the Royal Irrigation Department. The Royal Irrigation Department was responsible for the construction of the dam and appurtenant structure, whereas EGAT was responsible for the construction of power plant and transmission system.

Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam is a multipurpose dam under the royal initiative of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. Formerly known as “Mae Ngat Dam,” its large reservoir gives benefits in many areas such as irrigation, electricity generation from hydropower, flood mitigation in the planting areas downstream of the reservoir, fishery, as well as tourism. The project was jointly implemented by the Royal Irrigation Department, EGAT, and relevant government agencies from the feasibility study until the construction completion.

The construction of the dam began in 1977 and was completed in 1984. The construction of the hydropower plant started in 1983 and was completed in 1985.

The dam was renamed “Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam” by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great on January 16, 1986. On February 22, 1986, King Rama IX performed the inauguration of the dam.