Prime Minister Inspects Flood Prevention Infrastructure in Hat Yai

On September 1, 2026, the Prime Minister and the Cabinet conducted an official visit to Hat Yai to evaluate the region's integrated flood prevention strategies. A primary focus of the inspection was the Khlong Rian 'monkey cheek' (kaem ling) project, a water retention area designed to manage seasonal runoff.

According to the Thailand Government Public Relations Department, the government aims to increase the capacity of this reservoir to hold 780,000 cubic meters of water. To facilitate these upgrades, officials have requested an allocation of 75 million baht.

For residents and travellers, this visit highlights ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of seasonal flooding in the southern hub of Hat Yai. Improved water management infrastructure is intended to reduce the risk of urban inundation, which has historically disrupted local transport and commerce during peak rainy periods.

While the government has identified these infrastructure improvements as a priority, the formal approval of the 75 million baht budget remains to be confirmed. Observers are waiting for the final budgetary authorization to determine the timeline for the commencement of the expansion works. The visit underscores the administration's current focus on regional disaster resilience.