Hat yai: Mayor Anutin Charnvirakul has accepted the proposal from the local municipality to significantly expand the Khlong Rian flood retention basin. This initiative aims to prevent the recurring flooding issues faced by the region by increasing the reservoir's capacity from 500,000 to 1.3 million cubic meters.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as Minister of Interior, visited the Khlong Rian flood control reservoir to oversee the expansion plans. Accompanied by cabinet members including Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanpraphas, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Suriya Jungrungruangkit, and others, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the reservoir as a vital flood prevention measure for Hat Yai District in Songkhla Province.
Upon arrival, Prime Minister Anutin was welcomed by Mr. Narongporn Na Phatthalung, the Mayor of Hat Yai Municipality, alongside other officials. Discussions centered around water management and development plans, particularly the necessity for additional government funding for water pumps and canal dredging. These preparations are essential for the 2026 water supply and future flood mitigation efforts. Mayor Narongporn highlighted the plan to increase the reservoir's capacity and the intention to use 25 rai of vacant land owned by the Koh Hong Municipality for the project's second phase. This development is part of a broader water management strategy aimed at ensuring water availability during dry seasons and storing rainwater in the rainy seasons to avert flooding in the Hat Yai District.
During a meeting with officials to discuss the project's implementation plan, Prime Minister Anutin expressed confidence in the project, stating, "I don't see anyone here saying no. There's no need to look further; just seeing the Prime Minister's face is enough to be confident."