Economy
Deputy PM Yotchanan Pushes 375 Million Baht Irrigation Plan for Khon Kaen
Deputy Prime Minister Yotchanan Wongsawat visited Khon Kaen to address chronic drought issues, proposing seven irrigation projects totaling 375 million baht.
On September 11, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Dr. Yotchanan Wongsawat, visited Phra Yuen District in Khon Kaen province to address persistent drought challenges affecting local agriculture and water consumption. According to Khaosod Online Thailand, the visit focused on inspecting the Ban Hin Hoeb Sila Thip canal dredging project.
During the visit, Yotchanan announced a proposal for seven irrigation projects with a total budget of 375 million baht. This includes a specific allocation of 50 million baht dedicated to the restoration of the Ban Hin Hoeb weir. The initiative aims to provide a concrete, long-term solution to the recurring water shortages in the area. He was accompanied by local political figures, including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
For residents and those interested in the region, these projects represent a significant effort to stabilize water resources, which could improve agricultural productivity and local living conditions. While the government has expressed a commitment to accelerating these developments, the timeline for the final approval of the budget and the commencement of construction for all seven projects remains to be confirmed. Observers will be watching to see how quickly these plans transition from proposals to active infrastructure improvements.