Safety
Hat Yai Flood Mitigation: Dredging Projects Planned for 2027
Deputy Transport Minister Sanpetch Boonyamanee has announced a nearly 90-million-baht plan to dredge three major canals in Songkhla province to improve drainage and reduce flood risks in Hat Yai.
On August 8, 2026, Deputy Minister of Transport Sanpetch Boonyamanee inspected the U-Tapao Canal near the Laguna Bridge in Bang Klam District, Songkhla, to address ongoing drainage challenges. According to Khaosod Online, the Marine Department has received an initial budget of over 1 million baht for immediate dredging efforts.
To manage the environmental impact, the Ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to utilize abandoned shrimp farms for sediment disposal. This strategy aims to prevent the dumping of soil and sand into Songkhla Lake, which could cause long-term siltation issues.
Looking ahead to the 2027 fiscal year, the government has prepared a budget of nearly 90 million baht to dredge three critical waterways: the U-Tapao Canal, Khlong R.1, and Khlong R.3. These projects are intended to enhance water flow from upstream areas and mitigate flood impacts in the downstream Hat Yai region.
For residents and travelers, these infrastructure improvements are significant as they aim to reduce the frequency and severity of seasonal flooding in Hat Yai. While the 2027 budget and project scope have been outlined, the finalization of administrative documentation for the disposal sites remains in progress. Travelers should monitor local news for potential construction-related traffic or waterway access restrictions in these areas as work commences.