Bangkok:The Thai government is set to receive a grant of 115.5 million baht from the World Bank to advance the 165 billion baht flood drainage canal project. This significant move is aimed at improving water management efficiency and reducing flood risks in the lower Chao Phraya River basin.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced the government's ongoing preparations for the Chainat-Pa Sak-Gulf of Thailand flood drainage canal project. The Ministry of Finance has submitted a proposal to the Cabinet for a grant from the World Bank, amounting to US$3.51 million, to support preliminary studies, designs, and preparations for the project's large-scale implementation phase. The Royal Irrigation Department has been designated as the lead agency for this project.
The comprehensive project, part of the Lower Chao Phraya River Basin Flood Mitigation Plan, involves a total investment of 165 billion baht. It will span nine provinces, including Chainat, Nakhon Sawan, and Lopburi, among others. The initiative is divided into two main components the Chainat-Pa Sak Flood Drainage Canal and the Pa Sak-Gulf of Thailand Flood Drainage Canal, with respective budgets of 40.86 billion baht and 124.14 billion baht. Scheduled to run from 2027 to 2034, the Cabinet has already approved the project in principle for commencement by the Royal Irrigation Department on September 29, 2026.
The operational strategy includes enhancing existing canals and constructing new ones to facilitate water flow from the Chao Phraya and Pa Sak rivers into the Gulf of Thailand. This is expected to mitigate the risk of flooding in communities, agricultural regions, and crucial economic zones. The World Bank's funding will cover engineering design reviews, cost estimates, feasibility studies, procurement processes, and environmental and social impact assessments. It will also aid in simulating flood scenarios to evaluate the effectiveness of flood protection structures, thereby minimizing risks associated with costs and construction time.
The government is committed to ensuring the well-being of citizens potentially affected by the project. Plans are underway to conduct surveys for fair compensation related to households, land, and property, alongside developing a relocation strategy and complaint channels to guarantee public involvement from the beginning. Concurrently, the Ministry of Finance and relevant agencies are preparing the necessary agreements to receive the aid, which the World Bank requires to be signed by October 31, 2026, with the completion of activities and disbursements within 18 months post-signing.
Ms. Lalida clarified that the 115.5 million baht grant is specifically for educational purposes and project preparation, not a loan for the construction of the drainage canal, and does not bind the World Bank to future construction loans. The government plans to secure funding sources for subsequent phases while encouraging the use of locally produced goods and materials to ensure that the investment benefits the Thai economy and local communities.