Pongsakorn questions whether Bangkok's drainage system is operating at only 30–50%, allowing floodwaters to remain in eastern Bangkok for weeks. He raises concerns about whether water pumps are broken and urges urgent dismantling and repairs before a major flood surge occurs.
On 3 October 2026 at the Democrat Party headquarters, Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, spokesperson for the Democrat Party, spoke about flood management in Bangkok. He said eastern Bangkok still faces waterlogging lasting several weeks in many areas, turning the water stagnant and foul. He revealed statistics showing that the giant Khlong Saen Saep drainage tunnel and Phra Khanong water gate are operating at only 30–60% of their pump capacity, despite floodwaters overflowing canals and roads. He questioned whether pumps in the system are broken but the government is hiding the truth instead of fixing the problem. Although heavy accumulated rain explains some flooding, the drainage delay is unusually slow and suspicious, especially at strategic points like the Khlong Saen Saep tunnel (Rama 9 Basin), which handles water from Khlong Lat Phrao, Khlong Saen Saep, Khlong Tan, and Khlong Phra Khanong.
Although the maximum capacity of the giant Khlong Saen Saep tunnel is 60 cubic meters per second, past data shows the BMA is only operating it at 38–45 cubic meters per second, just 50–60% capacity. Furthermore, the BMA's claim that water does not reach the tunnel entrance contradicts reality, as residents in the Rama 9 Basin area consistently report water overflowing from the tunnel mouth onto roads.
Pongsakorn further questioned the BMA about whether any of the four 15-cubic-meter-per-second pumps at the tunnel entrance are broken. He asked why they cannot operate at full 100% capacity like in other countries.
Additionally, in the areas of Khlong Prawet Burirom and Khlong Phra Khanong, where the Phra Khanong water gate is vital, the maximum drainage capacity is 173 cubic meters per second. However, actual pump operation is only 80–100 cubic meters per second, or 30–50% capacity, despite having 20–30 pumps installed. He questioned whether all pumps are fully functional or if some are broken. The most important issue now is transparency with the public. If pumps are damaged, repairs and government budget support must be urgently secured, and any legal obstacles must be resolved. Concealing the truth is unacceptable. For BMA officials, it may just be "broken pumps," but for Bangkok residents, it means damage to life and property from flooding. Pongsakorn called on BMA leaders to clarify the real causes and urgently repair pumps at both key sites to operate at full 100% capacity in preparation for the imminent large new water influx into Bangkok.