Cabinet approves THB165bn canal to strengthen Bangkok flood defence
Cabinet approves a THB165 billion Chai Nat–Pa Sak–Gulf of Thailand flood diversion canal and sets aside over THB4 billion for nationwide flood relief.
- The Thai Cabinet has approved a THB165 billion, eight-year canal project to bolster flood defences in Bangkok and Central Thailand.
- Known as the Chai Nat–Pa Sak–Gulf of Thailand Flood Diversion Canal, the scheme aims to make flood protection significantly more effective.
- In addition to diverting floodwater, the canal will also function as a water retention basin to store supplies for the dry season.
- The project will be partially financed through government borrowing, with several ministries involved in the funding arrangements.
The Cabinet has approved the THB165 billion Chai Nat–Pa Sak–Gulf of Thailand Flood Diversion Canal Project, an eight-year scheme aimed at strengthening flood protection across Central Thailand, Bangkok and surrounding provinces.
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the decision at Government House on Tuesday (September 29), explaining that the project had been proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
“Once the project is completed, flood protection across the Central region, Bangkok and surrounding provinces will become much more effective. Importantly, it will also allow us to retain water to some extent, functioning as a natural retention basin,” Anutin explained.
The prime minister also convened a meeting to monitor the water situation and consider revised criteria that would allow local authorities to develop water-retention areas to store and divert excess water, while also keeping supplies available for use during the dry season.
On flood compensation, Anutin confirmed that the Cabinet had approved assistance under existing legal criteria, with more than THB4 billion from the remaining central budget being set aside for relief and recovery.
He indicated that the reserve was expected to be sufficient to support people affected by flooding nationwide, rather than being limited to Bangkok.
Asked whether affected households would receive THB9,000 each, Anutin explained that assistance must follow legal criteria, with affected areas and responsible agencies submitting cases for consideration by the relevant committee.
The government has also assigned deputy prime ministers and ministers to oversee flood and natural-disaster response in different regions. Defence Minister Lt Gen Adul Boonthamcharoen has been designated as the Cabinet representative responsible for Bangkok.
“We now have Cabinet-appointed representatives overseeing, directing and coordinating problem-solving on behalf of the prime minister in each region and area, with clear authority to instruct all agencies,” Anutin added.
Part of the Chai Nat–Pa Sak–Gulf of Thailand project will be financed through borrowing, according to the prime minister. Funding arrangements will involve the Finance Ministry, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Budget Bureau and the National Economic and Social Development Council.
