Patthapong, Deputy Minister of Transport, visited Kanchanaburi to accelerate the restoration of the road network after flood damage, ensuring convenience for road users and preparing to welcome tourists during the high season.
31 Oct 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Patthapong Patprasith, Deputy Minister of Transport, chaired a meeting to monitor the operations of agencies under the Ministry of Transport following flooding in Kanchanaburi province. Attendees included Mr. Puriphat Theerakulpisut, Inspector General of the Ministry of Transport; Ms. Warittha Sanguansermsri, Governor of Kanchanaburi; and executives from Ministry of Transport agencies in Kanchanaburi. The meeting was held at the Kanchanaburi Highway District Office in Kanchanaburi province.
Patthapong said that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul assigned him to visit the area to accelerate repairs and restoration of infrastructure damaged by the flooding. Following the policy of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, who prioritizes care and relief for disaster-affected citizens, he visited Kanchanaburi to assess flood damage. The Department of Highways, through the Kanchanaburi and Suphanburi 2 (U Thong) highway districts, summarized the overall damage, traffic facilitation and safety, assistance to residents, obstacles, and future plans.
Regarding the flood incidents in Kanchanaburi between September and October 2026, there were a total of 85 affected sites covering 14 highways. The Kanchanaburi and Suphanburi 2 (U Thong) highway districts managed traffic during the events, coordinating with local authorities to deploy and install equipment for safe passage, supporting machinery and transportation of relief supplies to alleviate residents' difficulties. Additionally, 22 rural roads were damaged, affecting Thong Pha Phum, Bo Phloi, and Dan Makham Tia districts.
The Deputy Minister of Transport also praised and encouraged officials, directing Kanchanaburi province to coordinate with the Kanchanaburi Highway District to expedite repairs and restoration of damaged transport routes so residents can resume normal life quickly. He instructed planning for sustainable drainage solutions. Furthermore, Kanchanaburi was tasked with promoting confidence among tourists to invite them back, as the situation has returned to normal.
Subsequently, the Deputy Minister inspected drainage issues at Tha Lo intersection (Highway 367), a key water collection and drainage point. The Kanchanaburi Highway District is preparing a project to improve and expand culverts to enhance drainage efficiency there. He assigned the Department of Highways to expedite feasible works within the right of way and coordinate with relevant agencies, emphasizing swift action with minimal disruption to the public to ensure convenient, fast, and safe travel for residents and tourists.
