Department of Irrigation confirms the water resource development project "Ban Wang Taera Monkey Cheek" is transparent, uses the budget efficiently, and is fully accountable
On 31 May 2026 GMT+7, reports stated that the Department of Irrigation, through the Trang Irrigation Project, clarified facts regarding the dissemination of information about the construction of the Ban Wang Taera Monkey Cheek project within the Trang Agricultural and Technology College area, Na Tha Muea Subdistrict, Mueang Trang District, Trang Province, with a total budget of 85 million baht, addressing concerns about transparency in its execution.
The Ban Wang Taera Monkey Cheek project is a water resource development initiative aimed at enhancing water management efficiency in the area, supporting water storage for consumption, agriculture, and helping to alleviate flooding issues in Trang Province. It has been allocated a total fiscal year 2026 budget of 85 million baht, divided into two parts.
These include construction of the water delivery system and associated structures, carried out by the Trang Irrigation Project with a budget of 38.452 million baht. This covers construction of culverts, water discharge structures, water intake facilities, drainage pipe systems, and reinforced concrete water channels totaling 925 meters in length.
The other part involves dredging sediment from 14 water storage ponds and transporting it, conducted by Mechanical Equipment Division 8, Machinery Bureau, Department of Irrigation, with a budget of 46 million baht.
Regarding concerns about soil procurement for construction, it is clarified that purchasing of all materials and equipment strictly follows government procurement regulations. The disbursed budget in this category does not cover soil alone.
It also includes other necessary construction materials such as sand, gravel, rebar, reinforced concrete pipes, and various other construction components. To date, about 50,000 cubic meters of soil have been purchased, totaling 7.95 million baht. All soil has been used at construction sites as planned, with some stored at multiple locations to support work in different project sub-areas.
Regarding temporary labor hiring, the Trang Irrigation Project has opened opportunities for local residents to participate since November 2025. The number of workers varies over time depending on workload and construction site conditions, especially during the rainy season when work is limited, causing daily workforce numbers to fluctuate.
Wage payments correspond to actual days worked, with complete records of attendance and payment receipts. Wages are transferred via bank accounts of individual workers according to government regulations to ensure transparency and auditability.
However, the Department of Irrigation affirms that every step of the Ban Wang Taera Monkey Cheek project complies strictly with regulations, laws, and government procedures. It is ready to cooperate with relevant agencies to verify all information and openly disclose facts to build public trust. Most importantly, it confirms that public funds are used cost-effectively, transparently, and to maximum benefit, aiming to improve quality of life and strengthen sustainable water resource security for the nation.