Nakhon Si Thammarat Prepares Floodway to Mitigate Monsoon Risks
Despite ongoing construction, the Nakhon Si Thammarat flood diversion project is being readied to protect the city center from potential monsoon flooding.
According to Khaosod Online, authorities in Nakhon Si Thammarat are accelerating preparations for the Royal Initiative Flood Mitigation Project, commonly known as the city bypass canal. Although the 9.58 billion baht project—which includes 18.64 kilometers of new canal and 17.8 kilometers of improved waterways—is not yet fully completed, officials are confident in its ability to manage water flow during the upcoming monsoon season.
Contractors have been instructed to remove temporary earth embankments and construction obstacles along the route to ensure the canal can function as an emergency floodway if water levels rise significantly. Officials estimate that the project could divert 40 to 50 percent of floodwaters away from the inner city, building on the success observed in 2025.
For residents and travelers, this development is significant as it aims to reduce the risk of urban flooding that historically impacts the region. While the project is expected to provide better protection than in previous years, the final effectiveness of the system during extreme weather events remains to be confirmed. Visitors to the area should monitor local weather reports and follow guidance from provincial authorities during the monsoon period.
