Minister Suriya has ordered the Royal Irrigation Department to urgently restore the R.1 drainage canal in Songkhla and 65 other projects in five southern provinces, setting a deadline for completion by November 2026. The goal is to enhance water capacity to prevent flooding in Hat Yai's economic zones during the rainy season.
Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives He revealed that after visiting the southern region to monitor water conditions, he instructed the Royal Irrigation Department to expedite restoration of water infrastructure damaged by the 2025 floods and improve drainage efficiency. This is to prepare for heavy rains and flash floods during the southern rainy season, emphasizing that irrigation systems must be fully operational by November 2026.
In Songkhla province, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives prioritizes restoring and enhancing the R.1 drainage canal, a key component of the drainage system in Hat Yai district. This canal collects water from the U-Taphao watershed and channels it to the sea. Following government budget allocation, the Royal Irrigation Department was ordered to promptly implement plans to restore the R.1 canal’s drainage efficiency.
“The R.1 drainage canal is a main structure for water management in Hat Yai. I have instructed the Royal Irrigation Department to restore it to full capacity, especially as the south enters the rainy season. We must ensure the system can efficiently handle and discharge water, reduce flood duration, and minimize impact on residents and Hat Yai’s economic areas,” said Mr. Suriya. . he said.
Mr. Suriya stated that the repair project for the R.1 drainage canal and related structures in Songkhla is currently preparing for contract signing, expected on 18 August 2026. Work will then proceed rapidly, including repairing damaged concrete slabs and canal structures, reinforcing supporting buildings, improving roads alongside the canal, fixing damaged spots, and removing waterway obstructions. The aim is for the canal to fully restore its drainage capacity by November 2026 to be ready for heavy rains and flash floods during the southern rainy season.
In addition to restoring the R.1 drainage canal, the Royal Irrigation Department has been ordered to accelerate repair and restoration of irrigation structures in five southern provinces—Songkhla, Satun, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat—totaling 65 projects. These include repairing irrigation buildings, dredging canals, and improving drainage systems to restore water infrastructure damaged by floods, enhance water management efficiency, and prepare for the rainy season.
Mr. Suriyaphol Nuchanong, Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department revealed that the Royal Irrigation Department is fully committed to efficiently driving all assigned projects. They will closely monitor progress, especially for projects crucial to flood prevention and mitigation in economic and community areas. Collaborating with related agencies, they will expedite restoration and repair of damaged structures while enhancing drainage systems to handle water at full capacity. This approach aims to reassure the public and concretely resolve issues in preparation for all aspects of water situations in the southern region.
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