The Cabinet has approved the Chai Nat–Pa Sak–Gulf of Thailand floodwater drainage canal project, scheduled to start in 2027. It aims to reduce flood-prone areas by 3.48 million rai and cut economic damages by 16.93 billion baht annually, while also accelerating the Bang Ban–Bang Sai project to connect central Thailand's water drainage systems.
On 29 Sep 2026 at 14:00 GMT+7, at the Government House press center, Ekaphop Phianpiset, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced the Cabinet meeting results. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul directed flood relief efforts, having previously assigned deputy prime ministers and ministers in the Prime Minister's Office to oversee regional areas, but had not specifically assigned oversight for Bangkok, as it is a special administrative area governed by an elected governor. During recent floods, the Prime Minister tasked the Minister of Defence to deploy military resources to assist affected citizens, which effectively alleviated their hardships. To ensure smooth and continuous problem-solving, the Prime Minister further assigned the Minister of Defence to continue overseeing flood management in Bangkok.
Ekaphop said that for long-term flood and drought management, the Cabinet approved the Chai Nat–Pa Sak–Gulf of Thailand floodwater drainage canal project. This project will commence in 2027, spanning eight years to complete in 2034. Economic analyses show it is cost-effective, potentially reducing annual damages by about 16.93 billion baht and flood areas by 3.48 million rai, especially in central Thailand. Additionally, the canal system can store approximately 1,555 million cubic meters of water during dry seasons and includes waterways that can serve as transport routes for agricultural goods. Significant land preparation is required, with initial budget allocation for 2027 set to begin in Chai Nat.
The Prime Minister's Office spokesperson added there is another ongoing project, the Bang Ban–Bang Sai floodwater drainage canal, which remains unfinished. The project timeline has been extended to connect two systems to reduce flooding in central Thailand. Originally scheduled for completion between 2026 and 2027, delays in land acquisition have led to an extension request until 2029. The Cabinet agreed the project should be completed promptly without further extensions, with the Royal Irrigation Department aiming for completion in 2028. The Cabinet resolved not to allow any further deadline extensions.
Regarding remaining emergency funds for flood relief in Bangkok and across the country, the Cabinet approved a budget of 4.731 billion baht. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has been tasked to survey and coordinate with local and Bangkok authorities to expedite assistance to affected citizens.
Ekaphop also said the Prime Minister has instructed the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry to ensure that all provincial governors participate in meetings with assigned ministers and deputy prime ministers. When these officials visit the provinces, governors must remain on-site to promptly issue orders and implement actions. If any agency encounters obstacles in following central or regional policies, the agencies, deputy prime ministers, and ministers should report directly to the Prime Minister, who will exercise his authority to resolve issues.
Currently, water levels in the Chao Phraya and Ping rivers are rising, and combined with the Nan River at Nakhon Sawan province, levels have slightly increased. Increased rainfall has also raised water volumes in the Sakae Krang River at Uthai Thani province, resulting in greater inflow into the Chao Phraya Dam. At a meeting of the Chao Phraya River Basin Management Committee, the previous water discharge rate of 2,000 cubic meters per second was increased to a maximum of 2,200 cubic meters per second, released in stages while monitoring conditions. A sudden increase of 200 million cubic meters per second could raise downstream water levels by 30 centimeters. Discharge decisions will also consider farmers' crop harvests to minimize damage.