Pathum Thani — The mayor of Bangkadi Town is frustrated as two of eight irrigation pumps are broken, forcing the remaining six to be used alternately, with only three running at a time due to concerns about power outages. Local residents worry about flooding and question why the electrical system hasn't been fixed to allow normal operation.
The mayor of Bangkadi Town visited the control building at the Khlong Bang Luang Chiang Rak pumping station, which receives water from the Khlong Luang and Sam Khok areas. Although the station has eight pumps, only three are operational due to concerns about electrical system cuts, raising fears that continuous heavy rain could impact communities further inland.
On 26 September 2026, Thawatchai Uangamphonwilai (Mayor Uang) of Bangkadi Town visited the site with reporters to monitor the situation and water management at the control building of the Khlong Bang Luang Chiang Rak pumping station, a key point for draining water from Khlong Bang Luang Chiang Rak into the Chao Phraya River. This effort aims to quickly lower water levels and alleviate flooding impacts in the surrounding inland areas.
The pumping station plays a vital role in draining water from seven subdistricts: Chiang Rak Yai, Ban Pathum in Sam Khok District; Bang Phut, Suan Prikthai, Bang Poon, Ban Klang, and Bangkadi in Mueang District. It also handles water flowing from Khlong Luang and Sam Khok districts, which are continuously draining areas affected by heavy daily rain and floodwaters into the Chao Phraya River.
Inspection revealed that the station has eight pumps, two of which have been broken for 3-4 years. Of the remaining six, only three can be operated simultaneously because running more risks electrical system shutdowns, limiting drainage capacity amid rising water from ongoing rain. This situation worries residents in Mueang Pathum Thani and Sam Khok districts, especially communities near the pumping station's floodgate.
Mayor Thawatchai Uangamphonwilai said he was informed by residents of Bangkadi Subdistrict, who live near Khlong Bang Luang Chiang Rak, that water levels were beginning to rise and could increase further. He visited the site to inspect and monitor water drainage, noting that water from Khlong Luang and Sam Khok is being drained into Khlong Bang Luang Chiang Rak to push water out to the Chao Phraya River.
When inquiring with irrigation officials and those responsible for monitoring the pumping station, it was learned that only three pumps can operate simultaneously. Using more would cause electrical cuts or blown fuses, so the number of pumps in use is currently limited.
Mayor Thawatchai added that he believes relevant agencies should prepare better water management and electrical systems at the pumping station before the rainy season. If heavy rain continues and water levels rise while only three pumps are operational, drainage may not keep up, potentially impacting residents near the floodgate. He urges advance planning and system upgrades to improve drainage efficiency and reduce community impact.
Currently, water levels are about 150 meters, which is at a watch level since normally the inland area is at 120 meters. In several villages within Bangkadi Subdistrict, the municipality has already placed mobile pumps and remains on alert. Staff regularly patrol various locations, and all councilors and community leaders closely monitor the situation and are ready to assist residents immediately if needed.
Montri Pimchan, an employee of the Pathum Thani Irrigation Project responsible for the Khlong Bang Luang Chiang Rak pumping station, said that since starting work there, the station has had eight 1-cubic-meter pumps. Six of these are operable but must be used alternately because running them all simultaneously causes fuse problems. Two pumps have been broken since before his tenure, but he does not know when technicians will repair them or if they are awaiting budget approval for repairs.