Bangkok: Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has assured that the restoration of the Khlong Rama I drainage canal will be completed in time for the upcoming southern flood season. Efforts are also underway to bolster flood management systems in Hat Yai, a region still recovering from the devastating floods at the end of 2025.
According to Thai News Agency, the assurance came following a visit to Hat Yai District by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as the Minister of Interior, to monitor progress in rehabilitating flood prevention and mitigation systems. The Prime Minister expressed concern over the water situation and its potential impacts on the public, emphasizing the need for expedited restoration work to meet targets. The restoration of flood prevention systems is critical to ensuring that citizens receive full care and rehabilitation should another major flooding event occur.
Mr. Suriya, reflecting on the site visit, shared a light-hearted moment when the Prime Minister jokingly suggested that if the problem couldn't be solved, officials might have to "jump into the water." Aware of his inability to swim, Mr. Suriya emphasized finding solutions to avoid such drastic measures. Following the major floods, the government allocated over 800 million baht for restoring and repairing damaged irrigation systems and structures. The Royal Irrigation Department has been tasked with expediting repairs to ensure readiness for the southern flood season. Specifically, the R.1 drainage canal, a critical component for drainage in Hat Yai, is undergoing urgent repairs to address approximately 600 meters of leaks, with a completion target set for September 23rd. Simultaneously, dredging operations are in progress to clear over 650,000 cubic meters of sediment from seven canals, aiming for completion before October to restore capacity ahead of the flood season in the U-Tapao River basin.
Mr. Suriya outlined that the current restoration efforts are part of a short-term strategy to maximize the existing system's potential. Future phases will enhance water management capabilities to mitigate risks from continuous heavy rainfall and increased water volumes. This includes improving the drainage canals R.3-R.6 to manage events with extended recurrence cycles and increasing water storage and drainage capacities in the U-Tapao River basin. Plans are in place to propose the construction of eight additional reservoirs, which will boost water storage capacity by over 200 million cubic meters. The Khlong Kaeo and Khlong Wawa reservoir projects are set to be included in the draft budget plan for 2027. Additionally, a forecasting and warning system is being developed using monitoring points in Sadao District, designed to provide advance warnings to Hat Yai up to 15 hours ahead of potential flooding.
This year, Mr. Suriya noted that due to the El Ni±o phenomenon, rainfall is not expected to be as severe as in 2025. However, he has instructed the Royal Irrigation Department to remain vigilant and expedite the flood mitigation plan for the U-Tapao River basin to ensure maximum preparedness. Emphasizing Hat Yai's significance as a major trade and economic hub in the South, Mr. Suriya highlighted the broad impact of flooding on tourism, trade, and economic activities. The Prime Minister's visit underscores the urgency in both immediate recovery and long-term planning to enhance the system's capacity, with the aim of meeting targets and mitigating future flooding risks and impacts.