Thai Government Expands 'Monkey Cheek' Water Management Projects
The Thai government is scaling up its 'Monkey Cheek' water retention initiatives nationwide to mitigate flooding and secure water reserves for the dry season.
On October 7, 2026, the Thai Government Public Relations Department announced that the Prime Minister is accelerating the development of 'Monkey Cheek' (Kaem Ling) projects across the country. These initiatives involve creating designated water retention areas designed to manage excess water during the rainy season and store it for use during periods of drought.
As part of this strategy, authorities are currently conducting feasibility studies on land surrounding Bangkok. The goal is to identify suitable locations that can effectively absorb floodwater, thereby protecting the capital and its surrounding provinces from seasonal inundation while simultaneously building a strategic water reserve for the dry season.
For residents and travelers, these projects are significant as they represent a long-term effort to stabilize water levels and reduce the impact of seasonal flooding, which can occasionally disrupt travel routes and local infrastructure. While the government has confirmed the expansion of these studies, specific timelines for the construction of new retention sites and the exact locations of the proposed areas around Bangkok remain to be confirmed. Stakeholders are advised to monitor official government updates for further details on how these developments may impact specific regions.
