Abhisit led the Democrat Party team to inspect the Khlong Rian detention basin in Songkhla and coached Pradorn, emphasizing that the opposition does not intend to create political conflict. Tomorrow, a seminar will be held to advance projects in the southern region and monitor the land bridge development.
At 18:00 on 11 July 2026, the Democrat Party held a seminar for its members of parliament. Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, led the party's MPs to the field, to the Khlong Rian detention basin, located at Kho Hong Municipality, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, which serves as a water retention and detention point for forest and rainwater runoff from upstream areas to prevent rapid flooding of Hat Yai's economic zone.
After visiting the Khlong Rian detention basin with Taweesak Tawirat, mayor of Kho Hong Municipality, Abhisit said the Hat Yai issue has been portrayed as political conflict, but in reality, each side is performing its role. When the major flood occurred, the first priority was relief to address damages, especially economic ones. Measures stalled due to the dissolution of parliament, and economic actions were limited, effectively coming too late.
After the election, the Democrat Party and opposition raised concerns about Hat Yai's readiness to face rains and water volumes similar to the previous year. Discussions started in parliament from May, with MPs Juree Numkaew and Saksit Khaothong of Songkhla from the Democrat Party citing examples such as Khlong R.1, described as 'cow-passable.' On 10 July 2026, the prime minister inspected the area. Earlier, the government planned a cabinet meeting here in early June but canceled it, citing unfinished project reviews.
By July, during budget debates, MP Juree clearly expressed concerns about flood risks, noting budget issues, especially regarding ceremonial incense offerings, which led the government to respond emotionally, creating conflict. However, this prompted the prime minister and cabinet to inspect the requested sites and approve over 400 million baht yesterday, pending cabinet endorsement.
Abhisit added that the government approved 99.5 million baht in emergency funds, sourced from the private sector to prioritize urgent needs. He was surprised that this matter was politicized and questioned as truth or falsehood. Several parts of the detention basin still require improvements and budget approval is pending.
Regarding statements by Pradorn Prissanantakul, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, Abhisit said the two issues should not be conflated. This project requests budget from the central fund, while the other budget requests are separate. He preferred to avoid back-and-forth disputes but emphasized the opposition is fully performing its duties. He thanked that after two to three months of advocacy, funding for Khlong R.1 has finally been allocated, and there is still time for the government to systematically approve remaining budgets through the cabinet. The remaining amounts exceed the prime minister's unilateral approval authority, so he urged the government to expedite this process.
"I affirm that the opposition does not intend to create political conflict. We act as the voice for the people of Hat Yai, Songkhla, and the South, highlighting projects still needing improvement and damages from last year's events. Everyone fears a recurrence of such incidents."
"Mayor Nong" requests budget to purchase additional water pumps.
Taweesak Tawirat, known as Mayor Nong, mayor of Kho Hong Municipality, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, spoke about budget requests for area management. The municipality requested a budget to purchase 10 water pumps, costing about 75 million baht. The main focus is dredging and drainage because the eastern side floods into Hat Yai most quickly. There are still low-lying community areas, and the best method is to use pumps to expedite drainage.
Asked about the earliest needed budget approval to solve the problem before the rainy season, Taweesak said the sooner the better to allow installation. Since the timing of rains is uncertain, pumps can be installed at risk points immediately to reduce damage to residents. The government has finalized this with the province and submitted the request; they are awaiting urgent central budget approval.
Seminar to advance southern projects and monitor the land bridge.
On 12 July, Abhisit will officially open the Democrat Party MPs seminar to gather ideas on flood recovery and prevention plans for Hat Yai, as well as stimulating the southern economy. Party secretary-general Chaiwut Bannawat will report on party strategies for parliamentary work, monitoring the land bridge project, and planning party activities in the 2026 second regular parliamentary session. Satit Wongnongtoey, party list MP and chairman of the Democrat Party MPs, will summarize and close the seminar.