Bangkok Governor Adjusts Khubon Water Retention Project to Save 11 Billion Baht

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has addressed public concerns regarding the Khubon water retention project, clarifying that the city is not canceling the royal initiative but rather optimizing its implementation. According to Thai Post, the original plan required land expropriation costs estimated at 11 billion baht. To manage public funds more efficiently, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided to pivot toward dredging existing canals and constructing drainage tunnels instead.

Governor Chadchart emphasized that this adjustment is intended to suit the specific needs of the area while maintaining the project's core objective of flood mitigation. He explicitly denied allegations of favoring private interests, stating that the decision was purely based on fiscal responsibility and practical water management. Regarding calls for his resignation following the controversy, the Governor stated he respects all public opinions and leaves the final decision to the Prime Minister.

For residents and travelers, this shift suggests that the city is prioritizing infrastructure upgrades that minimize land disruption. While the project's primary goal remains flood prevention, the long-term effectiveness of these alternative drainage methods compared to the original retention basin design remains to be confirmed. Further updates on the construction timeline and potential traffic impacts near the Khubon area are expected as the BMA proceeds with the revised plan.