Which river is primarily responsible for agriculture in central Thailand?

The Chao Phraya River is the primary river responsible for agriculture in central Thailand, particularly due to its significance in providing irrigation and water supply to the surrounding agricultural lands. This river runs through the heart of Thailand and its basin is essential for crop cultivation, especially rice, which is a staple food and a major export product for the country.

The river's extensive network of canals and tributaries effectively distributes water, fostering irrigation practices that increase agricultural productivity. The fertile plains of the Chao Phraya River Basin have historically been the backbone of Thailand's agricultural sector, allowing for multiple cropping seasons and supporting the livelihoods of millions of farmers.

In contrast, other rivers such as the Mekong, Ping, and Songkhram are important in various regions of Thailand but do not play as significant a role in supporting agriculture in the central area as the Chao Phraya does. The Mekong, for instance, is more associated with the northeastern provinces and cross-border activities, while the Ping and Songkhram rivers are smaller and their agricultural contributions are limited compared to the extensive resources provided by the Chao Phraya.