Safety
Thai Authorities Implement Flood Prevention Measures in Hat Yai
Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Suriya Juangroongruangkit and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul have inspected water management systems in Songkhla to mitigate flood risks.
On August 31, 2026, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Suriya Juangroongruangkit, accompanied by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, visited the Na Khuan floodgate in Hat Yai, Songkhla province, to oversee flood prevention preparations. According to Khaosod Online Thailand, the visit focused on assessing the readiness of water management infrastructure ahead of the rainy season in Southern Thailand.
Minister Suriya has directed the Royal Irrigation Department to strictly adhere to the nine flood response measures established by the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR). Key actions include the inspection and repair of drainage systems, particularly the Khlong R.1 canal, and the dredging of critical waterways to increase discharge capacity. The initiative aims to minimize flood risks for residents and businesses in the Hat Yai area by ensuring that machinery, equipment, and personnel are prepared for immediate deployment.
For residents and travelers, these measures are intended to enhance long-term infrastructure stability and reduce the impact of seasonal heavy rainfall. While the government is prioritizing the reinforcement of floodgates and drainage channels, the effectiveness of these systems during extreme weather events remains to be tested. Travelers in the region should monitor local weather reports and official government announcements as the rainy season progresses.