Sanphet, Deputy Minister of Transport, visited Ranot District in Songkhla Province to monitor coastal erosion and waterway transportation issues, while listening to proposals from residents in Tha Bon and Pak Ta Ra subdistricts.
31 May 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Sanphet Boonyamanee, Deputy Minister of Transport, visited Ranot District, Songkhla Province, together with officials from the Marine Department to follow up on problems and hear the needs of residents in Tha Bon and Pak Ta Ra subdistricts. He inspected the area firsthand and discussed solutions for waterway transportation issues, coastal erosion prevention, and related infrastructure development to improve the quality of life and safety for local residents.
Sanphet and his team first visited Tha Bon subdistrict at Wat Tha Bon in Village No. 3, where they found that the fishing boat ramps used by locals were suffering from shallow waters. Additionally, some rocks along the seawall had shifted and fallen, obstructing waterway traffic. This situation affected the fishing livelihoods of the community, highlighting the urgent need to study and develop appropriate solutions to facilitate navigation and enhance boating safety.
They then inspected the coastal erosion protection seawall built by the Marine Department in Village No. 3, which remains sturdy and effectively prevents coastal erosion as intended. It also helps reduce the impact of sea waves. However, some drainage pipes were found to be damaged and require prompt repair and improvement to ensure the drainage system functions at full capacity.
Furthermore, they reviewed the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) area, which currently lacks coastal erosion protection structures. As a result, the area is directly affected by monsoon waves hitting the shore. It was agreed that appropriate coastal protection measures should be studied and designed within the framework of relevant laws and scientific principles.
In Pak Ta Ra subdistrict, they surveyed approximately 700 meters of coastline experiencing erosion, impacting both the shoreline and local residents' livelihoods. There is a proposal to construct a breakwater to reduce wave intensity and prevent further erosion. This area has already undergone an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), allowing the data to support further project consideration and promotion.
At the Pak Ta Ra estuary, local residents proposed building artificial coral reefs or wave protection structures to help reduce the impact of waves and winds, prevent coastal erosion, and increase safety for waterway travel and fishing activities. The next step will involve comprehensive studies on the project's feasibility in accordance with scientific and legal standards.
Mr. Sanphet added that this field visit was intended to directly listen to problems and suggestions from the community. The information gathered will be coordinated with relevant agencies to study and promote concrete and sustainable solutions, considering coastal resource conservation, waterway travel safety, and support for local livelihoods together. .
