The Cabinet has approved the Chai Nat–Pasak–Gulf of Thailand floodwater drainage canal project, set to start in 2027. It aims to reduce flood-affected areas by 3.48 million rai and cut annual damage by 16.93 billion baht. The government is also expediting the Bang Ban–Bang Sai project to connect Central Thailand’s water drainage system, with construction expected to take eight years.
On 29 September 2026 at 14:00, at the Government House press center, Mr. Ekaphop Pianspecial, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, announced the Cabinet meeting results. He said the Cabinet approved the Chai Nat–Pasak–Gulf of Thailand floodwater drainage canal project to address long-term flooding and drought problems. This project will start in 2027, take eight years, and finish in 2034. Economic data shows it is cost-effective, potentially reducing flood damage by about 16.93 billion baht annually and flood areas by 3.48 million rai, especially in Central Thailand. It will also include water canals capable of storing approximately 1.555 billion cubic meters of water during the dry season, and drainage canals that can serve as transport routes for agricultural goods. Significant land preparation is required, and initial budget allocation for 2027 has been made for Chai Nat.
The Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson added there is another ongoing but unfinished project: the Bang Ban–Bang Sai floodwater drainage canal. Today, its project timeline was extended. This project will link two systems to reduce flooding in Central Thailand. The original contract was to be completed between 2026 and 2027, but due to delays in land delivery, the deadline was extended to 2029. The Cabinet agreed the project should be completed promptly without further extensions. The Royal Irrigation Department expects to finish by 2028, and the Cabinet resolved no further time extensions will be granted.
1. Lower eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River
2. Eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River
3. Alongside the Third Outer Ring Road
4. Western bank of the Chao Phraya River
5. Chao Phraya River water drainage
6. Areas outside the flood protection embankments
7. Bang Ban–Bang Sai segment
8. Tha Chin River water drainage
9. Floodwater retention area project