"Je Seth" visited Udon Thani to inspect the Huai Mak Kheng drainage infrastructure and the Provincial Waterworks Authority, accelerating drought response efforts. He emphasized strict control over raw water and tap water quality and stressed the importance of not politicizing water issues in the area. Tags: [water management, drought response, Udon Thani, Provincial Waterworks Authority, infrastructure]
At 12:20 PM on 2 Nov 2026 in Udon Thani Province, Mr. Je Seth Thaises, Deputy Minister of Interior, visited the Huai Mak Kheng drainage system construction and landscape improvement projects, phases 1 and 2, in Mueang District, Udon Thani. He was accompanied by Mr. Theeraphat Kachamat, Director-General of the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, and other relevant officials.Tags: [visit, Deputy Minister of Interior, Udon Thani, drainage project, government officials]
During the visit, Mr. Je Seth reviewed progress on the Huai Mak Kheng canal landscape improvement projects phases 1 and 2. The main objective is to develop Udon Thani into a livable city and tourist destination, enhancing the canal’s landscape to create public spaces and improve water drainage efficiency. The Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning is the main agency responsible.Tags: [urban development, public spaces, water drainage, Udon Thani, landscape improvement]
At 1:00 PM, Mr. Je Seth and his team visited the Udon Thani branch of the Provincial Waterworks Authority to receive reports. He noted that Udon Thani is expanding in many areas, especially in water users. He stressed vigilance during the drought period, acknowledging issues with raw water quality in some locations. He urged officials and management to be cautious before distributing water to avoid supplying water that is discolored or odorous. He emphasized that as the region enters a new era, water quality management must be thorough to prevent recurring poor water production.Tags: [water quality, drought, Provincial Waterworks Authority, Udon Thani, water distribution]
Mr. Je Seth added that the area experiences much political tension regarding water quality issues. He expressed his wish that water supply not be politicized, emphasizing that water quality affects the people's quality of life. He urged officials to consider water users as valued customers and to pay close attention to details in each area. He also urged preparation for the impending severe drought, advising areas with prior drought experience to develop contingency plans. While flood response plans were recently made, drought management now requires equal focus. He highlighted government integration efforts as a key advantage, enabling collaboration across ministries and departments to meet the people's needs.Tags: [politics, water quality, drought preparedness, government integration, public welfare]
At 2:10 PM, Mr. Je Seth said after the visit that he followed up on the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning’s landscape improvement efforts. He instructed officials to prepare before taking over from municipalities, ensuring maintenance plans are ready to benefit residents, especially regarding wastewater and rainwater management to prevent flooding. Regarding the Provincial Waterworks Authority in Udon Thani, he stressed water management starting from raw water, addressing public concerns about heavy metals in raw water from the Mekong River. He affirmed that the Authority conducts detailed water quality checks and prioritizes standards, especially for filtered water meeting global standards. Current issues mainly relate to village-level surface water supply, managed by villages or subdistrict administrative organizations. He instructed the Authority to provide initial guidance and knowledge on water production, and to take over operations in prepared areas to enhance management, benefiting residents.Tags: [water management, public works, water quality, Provincial Waterworks Authority, flood prevention]
When asked about his insistence in the meeting that water management should not become a political issue, Mr. Je Seth said they want to establish lasting solutions, especially in water management for the public. He noted that in past years, during election periods at local and national levels, water supply issues were often politicized, used as points of contention or attack. He emphasized that the best approach is to focus on constructive proposals and practical methods, which is crucial.Tags: [politicization, elections, water management, public policy, governance]
Mr. Je Seth also spoke about the Provincial Waterworks Authority’s preparations related to the World Horticultural Expo to assure the public. He encouraged residents and visitors to have confidence that the province’s management covers all sectors, including water supply, electricity, transportation, and tourism. He invited everyone to visit during the festival period.Tags: [event preparation, public assurance, water management, tourism, Udon Thani]
Mr. Theeraphat Kachamat, Director-General of the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, stated that the department prioritizes developing infrastructure aligned with urban growth. They integrate water management with public space and landscape development to prepare cities for change and enable appropriate public use. The Huai Mak Kheng project exemplifies this integrated development approach.Tags: [urban planning, infrastructure, water management, public spaces, Udon Thani]
The Huai Mak Kheng drainage system construction and landscape improvement project, led by the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, aims to enhance urban water drainage while improving riverside landscapes. It connects water management with environmental development to provide suitable, quality spaces for residents. The project has two phases: phase 1 in Mak Kheng Subdistrict, Mueang Udon Thani District, is completed, featuring drainage system upgrades, walkway improvements, guardrails, and landscaping. Phase 2 continues phase 1’s work to link drainage and area development along the Huai Mak Kheng canal and is also 100% complete. Together, these phases elevate Huai Mak Kheng from a basic drainage structure to an integral part of urban development, improving the riverside’s orderliness and aesthetics while maintaining its critical role in Udon Thani’s flood management.Tags: [urban development, drainage system, landscape improvement, Udon Thani, environmental planning]
