Sanphet is advancing efforts to clear the lower waterways of Hat Yai by ordering urgent dredging of the R.1, R.3, and U-Taphao canals to solve the problem of shallow water channels and to push forward flood prevention measures in preparation for the year-end monsoon.
Today (11 July 2026), Mr. Sanphet Boonyamanee, Deputy Minister of Transport, visited the shallow water channels at the R.1 canal in Bang Klam district and the U-Taphao canal in Hat Yai district, Songkhla Province, to prepare for the canal dredging project and to monitor water drainage conditions at the lower watershed area that receives water from the R.1, U-Taphao, and R.3 canals./and numerous branch canals before discharging into Songkhla Lake. He was welcomed by Mr. Arif Saraoeng, Director of Marine Office Region 4; Mr. Phanu Phasakdee, Director of Waterway Development and Maintenance Office 4; Mr. Hirunwatti Suebpant, Director of Marine Office Songkhla Branch; Mr. Chairat Suksomkid, District Chief of Bang Klam; local leaders; and officials from the Marine Department and related agencies, who provided reports to support decision-making and project planning.
Mr. Sanphet stated that this site visit was to follow up on flood issues after receiving directives from Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, who inspected the R.1 canal on 10 July and urged all relevant agencies to accelerate integrated and systematic solutions. The Ministry of Transport was assigned to expedite measures within its responsibility, including canal dredging, improving drainage channels, and removing waterway obstructions under the Marine Department and associated agencies to enhance water management efficiency alongside improving residents' quality of life.
Preliminary surveyresultsshow that many water channels have become shallow due to long-term sediment accumulation. Following last year’s major floods, sediment buildup increased significantly, leaving water depths at several points only 30 to 50 centimeters. This has caused delays in draining water from Hat Yai into Songkhla Lake and the Gulf of Thailand. Urgent dredging and maintenance of the waterways are therefore necessary. The Marine Department was instructed to expedite dredging of the R.1 canal over 2,150 meters (km 0+000 to km 2+150) and the U-Taphao canal over 1,000 meters (km 0+000 to km 1+000), each with a dredging volume of 300,000 cubic meters.
Additionally, the Marine Department has a dredging project for the R.3 canal with a volume of 300,000 cubic meters, to be conducted alongside the R.1 and U-Taphao canal projects. These efforts aim to improve water drainage efficiency and reduce flood risks throughout Songkhla Province. Local leaders have proposed that the Marine Department, Royal Irrigation Department, and natural resource agencies collaborate to manage sediment and land accretion obstructing waterways. They also suggested considering strategies to open waterways, remove obstructions, and straighten winding channels to enhance long-term drainage efficiency. The Marine Department will convene a meeting with relevant agencies next week to finalize concrete plans and accelerate integrated problem-solving.
In closing, Mr. Sanphet said that addressing flooding requires continuous and comprehensive action, not just canal dredging. Planning must include sediment disposal, identifying dumping sites, and ongoing waterway maintenance to maximize budget efficiency and achieve sustainable flood prevention. He instructed the Marine Department to expedite projects within budget and legal frameworks, ensuring transparency, accountability, and prioritizing the public's best interests to enhance water management and quality of life in Songkhla Province and southern Thailand.
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