Sanphet has ordered the Marine Department to swiftly open the Patong waterway, integrating transport and local agencies to dredge a sandbar blocking drainage to the sea, easing flooding in Phuket.
On 29 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Deputy Transport Minister Sanphet Boonyamanee revealed that continuous rainfall in Phuket has caused flooding in several areas, especially Patong Beach, affecting residents' lives and travel. He therefore instructed agencies under the Ministry of Transport, including the Marine Department via the Phuket Regional Marine Office, Phuket Highway District, and Phuket Rural Highway District, to work closely with Phuket Province and local governments to urgently resolve drainage issues by focusing on opening waterways and removing obstacles blocking water flow to the sea.
Sanphet assigned the Phuket Regional Marine Office as the lead agency to coordinate operations with the Phuket Highway District, Phuket Rural Highway District, Phuket Province, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization, and Patong Municipality to survey drainage routes and swiftly address problematic spots. All agencies were directed to fully utilize resources, machinery, and personnel collaboratively and efficiently.
A field survey by the Phuket Regional Marine Office found sediment accumulation forming a sandbar in Pak Bang Canal near Coral Beach Bridge that blocks water drainage to the sea, hindering flow during heavy rains. They coordinated with Patong Municipality to provide a wheeled grader to dredge and open the waterway, starting around 1:00 p.m. during low tide to maximize efficiency in draining water from the community to the sea more quickly.
Sanphet also urged related agencies to closely monitor rainfall and water levels, inspect for additional potential blockages, and prepare machinery and personnel to provide timely assistance to residents. They were instructed to report operations and obstacles continuously. Previously, Phuket Highway and Rural Highway Districts have deployed water trucks and machinery to clean and restore road surfaces and repair damage caused by water flow in cooperation with relevant agencies.
"Flood resolution requires proactive, integrated work from all agencies, especially ensuring water can drain to the sea smoothly by promptly removing obstacles and addressing root causes to shorten flooding duration and relieve residents' hardships as quickly as possible," Sanphet said.