Bangkok Governor Addresses Criticism Over 'Monkey Cheek' Flood Mitigation Projects
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has defended the city's flood prevention efforts, specifically addressing allegations regarding the 'monkey cheek' water retention projects.
On October 1, 2026, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt publicly addressed concerns regarding the city's 'monkey cheek' (kaem ling) flood mitigation projects. According to Matichon Online, the Governor expressed significant discomfort following recent allegations questioning the integrity and implementation of these water retention areas.
Governor Chadchart emphasized that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) remains committed to the royal initiative regarding flood management. He confirmed that the city is currently operating 38 such retention sites and is actively preparing to develop seven additional locations to improve drainage capacity. The Governor’s statement serves as a formal rebuttal to critics who have questioned the efficacy or management of these infrastructure projects.
For residents and visitors, these projects are critical components of Bangkok’s strategy to manage seasonal flooding. While the Governor has reaffirmed the city's commitment to these sites, the ongoing public discourse highlights a period of scrutiny regarding urban infrastructure management. It remains to be confirmed how the planned expansion of the seven new sites will be executed and whether these measures will sufficiently address the concerns raised by critics regarding the city's overall flood resilience. Residents are advised to monitor local news for updates on infrastructure developments that may impact traffic or drainage in specific districts.
