The Cabinet approved an additional budget of 19.20 million baht and extended the construction period for the Khlong Yai Reservoir to Ban Khai Weir water transmission pipeline in Rayong after the pipeline route conflicted with a road widening project, necessitating a change in the excavation method.
On 16 June 2026, Second Lieutenant Phatdarasmit Thongsaluaykorn, Deputy Spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, announced that the Cabinet resolved to approve two key proposals from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives: 1. An increase in the cross-fiscal year debt commitment ceiling for the construction contract of the water transmission system with associated structures and an electric pumping station at Khlong Yai Reservoir to Ban Khai Weir, Laharn Subdistrict, Pluak Daeng District, Rayong Province, from the original 840.00 million baht to 859.20 million baht, an increase of 19.20 million baht; and 2. An extension of the cross-fiscal year debt commitment period for the project from fiscal years 2023–2025 to 2023–2027.
This project was initially approved by the Cabinet in 2022 under the water source procurement and irrigation area expansion program, with a budget framework of 840 million baht over three years. During construction, the contractor could not use the original open-trench method to lay the pipeline because parts of the pipeline route lie within the Rayong highway area, which is undergoing full road lane expansion, making the original plan unfeasible. Consequently, the contractor halted work and reserved the right to request a contract extension.
However, the relevant agencies, including the Royal Irrigation Department and Rayong Highway District, conducted a site inspection and decided to change the pipe installation method from open-trench digging to horizontal directional drilling, which does not require cutting the road surface and is suitable for areas with traffic constraints. This change increased both the volume of work and the contract price beyond the original agreement.
Second Lieutenant Phatdarasmit emphasized that the National Economic and Social Development Council and the Office of National Water Resources have reviewed and approved the proposed changes. They also advised the Royal Irrigation Department to implement monitoring and expedite the remaining construction work to prevent delays and ensure benefits for the residents of Laharn Subdistrict, Pluak Daeng District, Rayong Province.