Governor Chatchat confirmed that Bangkok has not cancelled the Monkey Cheeks project and emphasized that flood relief payments follow DDPM guidelines, with no payment of 9,000 baht per person. The road section from Lat Phrao 101 to Bang Kapi is now completely dry.
On 30 Sep 2026, Governor Chatchat Sitthiphan of Bangkok explained during a site visit to Soi Lat Phrao 101 in Bang Kapi district regarding reports that Bangkok had cancelled the Monkey Cheeks project. He affirmed this was not true, stating that Monkey Cheeks remains an important water retention system, but the water management approach has been adjusted for greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Governor Chatchat said that around 2011, Bangkok planned to create Monkey Cheeks in 5-6 locations, but some failed public consultations. Those approved were not existing ponds but involved buying vacant land to dig ponds, costing tens of billions of baht. The project must consider suitability and cost-effectiveness, as the core of Monkey Cheeks is an appropriate water inflow and outflow system.
Bangkok reviewed and shifted focus to increasing Monkey Cheeks in other forms, such as developing tunnel drainage systems, deepening canals, building embankments, and reinforcing canal beds to use canals themselves as retention areas, improving water capacity and flow while being more cost-effective.
"I confirm that Monkey Cheeks has not been cancelled. We want multiple Monkey Cheeks, but they must be in suitable locations and within the overall plan. If placed incorrectly where water cannot reach, they are just ponds. The key is effective water inflow and outflow," Governor Chatchat said.
Governor Chatchat stated that Bangkok provides relief payments according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation's regulations, such as home repair costs, based on criteria and evidence of actual damage. Bangkok then submits documents to DDPM for reimbursement.
Regarding reports that Bangkok would pay 9,000 baht per person in flood relief, he said this was false and apologized for any misunderstanding caused by previous communications. Bangkok has no policy to pay a flat per-person amount due to budget limits, consistently following DDPM regulations since the Lat Krabang flood in 2022.
At the government level, after consultation, the Prime Minister did not mention this payment in meetings but emphasized paying according to actual damage. Those with greater damage will receive proportionally more assistance. Further clear details are expected from the government.
During a visit to monitor flood conditions at the Ruamkan Chuang community, Soi Lat Phrao 101, Soi 40 in Bang Kapi district, Governor Chatchat said this low-lying area near Khlong Lam Phang Phuay caused flooding that forced residents to stay on second floors. Bangkok deployed mobile water pumps continuously, set up waiting points, distributed food and drinking water, and provided close assistance to residents.
Currently, the road section from Lat Phrao 101 to Bang Kapi is completely dry and traffic has returned to normal. However, Bangkok continues close monitoring of flood-prone areas connected to Khlong Saen Saeb to prevent impacts on residents.