The Cabinet approved a 7.2 billion baht budget for the Khlong Wang Tonod Reservoir to enhance water security in the eastern region and support the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), emphasizing that use of forest and national park areas must comply with legal requirements.
On 5 Aug 2026 at Government House, Lieutenant Colonel Phattharadasmit Thongsaluaykorn, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Cabinet resolved to approve the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, through the Royal Irrigation Department, to implement the Khlong Wang Tonod Reservoir project in Chanthaburi Province. The project has a budget framework of 7.2 billion baht and a 7-year plan (fiscal years 2027–2033) to enhance water resource security in the eastern region, meeting the increasing water demand of the public, agriculture, industry, and development in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
The Deputy Spokesperson stated that the Khlong Wang Tonod Reservoir has a capacity of 99.50 million cubic meters, able to supply irrigation water for over 87,700 rai, increasing water availability for consumption, agriculture, and industry in Chanthaburi Province. It will also strengthen long-term water management capacity in the eastern region. This project is one of 38 key projects under the water resource development plan to support EEC growth.
Lieutenant Colonel Phattharadasmit said the Cabinet emphasized that project implementation must strictly adhere to laws and conditions set by relevant agencies, especially obtaining correct permissions for use of national reserved forest and national park areas before construction begins. The project must use only the necessary land and comply with related environmental measures to ensure water resource development proceeds in balance with natural resource conservation.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved in principle for the Royal Irrigation Department to collaborate with the Community Organizations Development Institute (Public Organization) or CODI to implement a rural housing security project. This aims to support housing development for people affected by construction activities, with the Royal Irrigation Department providing fair and appropriate compensation according to laws and relevant regulations.