Yesterday (10 Jul 2026), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, along with Deputy Minister Sanphet Boonyamanee, Permanent Secretary Chayatham Promsorn, and Director-General Piyapong Jiwattanagulpaisan of the Department of Highways, joined Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul on a visit to Songkhla Province. The delegation monitored preparations to prevent and respond to floods ahead of the rainy season, integrating efforts among the government, provincial authorities, and related agencies to reduce risks and impacts on communities in Hat Yai and Bang Klam districts of Songkhla, as well as Satun and Pattani provinces.Yala and Narathiwatand the southern region overall
The team inspected the condition of the R.1 drainage canal embankment in Bang Klam district, which was damaged by erosion during the previous floods. They received reports on water conditions, damage to embankments, and sluice gates before meeting local residents at Wat Tha Chang temple to hear directly about their problems and suggestions.
This visit aims to apply lessons learned from past floods to develop preventive measures in advance. The Royal Irrigation Department will accelerate plans to improve water management systems, while the Ministry of Transport, through the Department of Highways, will expedite surveys and repairs of affected roads, identify risk points, and implement measures to protect transportation routes. This is to ensure safe travel for the public and rapid access for rescue or relief units in emergencies.
Phiphat also instructed agencies under the Ministry of Transport to adopt a proactive approach, not waiting for floods to occur before responding. Coordination with provincial authorities, the Royal Irrigation Department, and disaster prevention and mitigation agencies must be close to ensure water drainage, route maintenance, and public assistance are aligned.
The government is ready to support budgets from the central contingency fund and provincial budgets to accelerate projects preventing and mitigating flood impacts. Priority is given to economic zones and high-risk communities, especially Songkhla, which is the economic, trade, tourism, and transportation hub of the South. Systematic improvements to roads and drainage will concretely reduce damage to homes, businesses, travel, and livelihoods.
After the field visit, the Ministry of Transport executives held a policy meeting on solving problems and developing the southern border provinces at The Signature Hotel Airport in Songkhla. Provincial governors, department heads, and related agencies participated to set joint working directions on safety, economic development, quality of life, and disaster management.
The meeting ordered all provinces to develop systematic water management plans covering monitoring and alerts, drainage, storage, and water supply for consumption and agriculture. Responsibilities and follow-up procedures must be clearly assigned, integrating flood prevention plans with infrastructure development, trade, transportation, and the Thai-Malaysian border economy.
The government aims to elevate the southern border provinces from"areas requiring problem-solving"to"areas of safety, opportunity, and economic growth."The Ministry of Transport will develop and maintain road networks, transport systems, and infrastructure to support citizens’ daily lives, goods transportation, tourism, and emergency response. It will integrate all agencies to ensure southern residents' safety, minimize damage, and enable rapid recovery of livelihoods if floods occur.
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