Government Approves 200 Million Baht for Hat Yai Flood Mitigation

According to a report by Thai Post on September 1, 2026, local official 'Nayok Paen' announced that the Prime Minister has approved a budget of 200 million baht to address recurring flood issues in Hat Yai. The funding is designated for the construction of two 'monkey cheek' (kaem ling) water retention areas along Khlong Rian.

'Nayok Paen' stated that the Prime Minister has ordered the acceleration of the contract process for these projects, with the goal of finalizing agreements within this month. The initiative is intended to slow down water flow and reduce the risk of flooding in the Hat Yai urban area. Addressing concerns regarding the motivation behind the allocation, the official emphasized that the decision is purely focused on assisting the residents of Hat Yai and is not influenced by political agendas.

For residents and travelers, this development is significant as it aims to improve infrastructure resilience in a region prone to seasonal flooding. While the budget has been approved and the timeline for the contract process is set for this month, the actual start date for construction and the projected completion timeline remain to be confirmed. Observers should monitor local announcements for updates on how these construction activities might impact traffic or accessibility in the Khlong Rian area.