Concerns Raised Over Quality of 150 Million Baht Khlong Khwai Wetland Project

On August 12, 2026, former Member of Parliament Watchara Phetthong led a team to inspect the Khlong Khwai wetland development project in Surat Thani. The inspection followed a refusal by 12 municipal council members to accept the completed construction, citing concerns over the project's quality and value.

During the site visit, inspectors reportedly discovered significant construction flaws, including cracks between concrete slabs that had been filled with foam rather than proper building materials. Watchara and local representative Kittichai expressed concerns that the project does not reflect the 150 million baht budget allocated for its development. Furthermore, the site lacks safety features such as guardrails, which critics argue poses a significant risk to children playing near the water.

For residents and visitors, this situation highlights potential issues with public infrastructure maintenance and safety standards in the area. The lack of proper safety barriers is a notable concern for those frequenting public recreational spaces. Watchara Phetthong has indicated plans to submit the findings to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for further investigation. As of now, the official status of the project remains in dispute, and it is yet to be determined whether the construction will undergo repairs or if formal legal proceedings will be initiated against the contractors involved.