Abhisit proposes flood prevention measures for Hat Yai, recommends Songkhla governor lead flood response plan. Meanwhile, Pradorn explains a 450 million baht budget for canal repairs plus 800 million baht for flood prevention in five southern provinces.
At 15:20 on 15 Jul 2026 GMT+7 at the parliament, Abhisit Vejjajiva, party-list MP and leader of the Democrat Party (Democrat), together with Chaiyana Dechdejcho, party-list MP and deputy party leader, submitted proposals and guidelines to resolve flooding problems, provide aid to residents, and develop infrastructure in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, to Pradorn Prissanananthakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, outside the budget committee meeting room for the 2027 fiscal year expenditure budget.
Abhisit said the Democrat Party organized a seminar inviting private sector and civil society agencies to discuss prevention, assistance, rehabilitation, and flood response measures for Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. Local residents remain concerned and uncertain about whether flooding similar to 2025 would recur. The party’s proposals include two key points: first, due to misunderstandings in communication and coordination, it was found that the budget required for canal dredging and repairing or purchasing damaged equipment from 2025 is currently insufficient in Hat Yai municipality. Approximately 450 million baht is needed; without this budget, the area remains vulnerable to flooding risks and response challenges.
Recommend Songkhla Governor as Lead for Flood Response Plan
Abhisit continued: second, although this point requires no funding, it reflects local residents’ concerns as they do not know if there is an organized evacuation and shelter plan if a flood occurs. It is agreed that Songkhla Province should take the lead to build public confidence. This also addresses business sector concerns about government loan assistance after six months of interest-free loans and one year of principal forgiveness. They worry that ending these measures will sharply reduce local purchasing power. Since Hat Yai already hosts a Bank of Thailand office, it is requested to oversee this matter. Also, citizens complain that although the government approves loans, banks sometimes reject them due to credit bureau issues. Assistance for such cases is requested to ensure all parties feel secure.
Pradorn Explains Budget for Canal Repairs
After receiving the proposals, Pradorn said that following a Joint Public-Private Committee (JPP) meeting last week, he spoke with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, representatives from the Royal Irrigation Department, the Budget Bureau, and relevant agencies. The Prime Minister instructed that repair and improvement projects be completed before the flood season. In Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, there is a canal project (R.1) with a budget request of 450 million baht, which is among the main projects. Additionally, there are smaller projects around five provinces—Songkhla, Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Satun—requesting an additional central budget of about 800 million baht under the Royal Irrigation Department. If the major projects are not completed, at least the infrastructure must be sufficient to prevent leaks and protect against flooding.
Regarding disaster warnings, the government plans to issue a public manual. He accepted the proposal for the province to take the lead and will discuss further with the Songkhla governor. He also added that for local relief, the government has plans to issue soft loans or low-interest credit schemes supported by the government or the Bank of Thailand to continue assisting residents.