Plans to resubmit the proposal to build a tunnel through Salak Phra Forest to the Cabinet are underway, while the "Seub Foundation" continues to oppose it, fearing animals will flee and the forest will be damaged.
The National Environment Board is preparing to submit the Salak Phra Forest tunnel construction project in Kanchanaburi Province to the Cabinet soon, after Minister Suchart approved the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) with the condition that the board's comments be further reviewed. Meanwhile, the Seub Foundation continues to oppose the multi-billion-baht project, concerned about environmental damage and the impact on wildlife fleeing and forest degradation.
Previously, the SEE TRUE news team from Thairath TV and affiliated Thairath Group media highlighted opposition to the project. The project involves constructing a water diversion tunnel from the Srinagarind Dam to alleviate drought issues in Kanchanaburi Province, known as the Salak Phra Forest Tunnel. The budget runs into the tens of billions of baht, but the reasons for the project are considered not cost-effective and are expected to cause environmental destruction.
The tunnel route could cut through a pristine forest and affect habitats of rare wildlife such as wild elephants and tigers. Thairath has continuously reported on this since early 2024, leading to multiple reviews and additional studies. However, the project is now being prepared for Cabinet consideration again.
Regarding recent developments, on 20 May 2026, reports indicated the project would be presented to the Cabinet. This follows the 18 December 2025 meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin, where the National Environment Board discussed flood management and water resource projects.
At the meeting, a resolution was passed to "approve" the EIA for the water diversion tunnel from Srinagarind Dam (the Salak Phra Forest tunnel) to alleviate drought in Kanchanaburi, with the condition that the board's comments be further considered before submitting the project to the Cabinet.
Associate Professor Dr. Panthep Rattanakorn, expert member of the National Environment Board, responsible for natural resource and environmental management on the board, stated that the news might have caused misunderstandings suggesting the board fully endorsed building the tunnel. In fact, the board's role is to provide additional details for the Cabinet to assess the project's suitability and its benefits and drawbacks. The Cabinet holds the decision-making power. The December 2025 meeting clearly specified that the board's comments on environmental impacts and cost-effectiveness should be further considered. He emphasized that the board is merely following procedural steps.
Meanwhile, Ms. Orapupa Sangkhaman, secretary of the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation, said the foundation remains opposed to building the Salak Phra Forest tunnel, viewing it as not cost-effective and harmful to wildlife and the forest ecosystem at large. She clarified they do not oppose the entire project but urge the plan to be modified to avoid impacts on nature and animals. There are alternative options that do not require cutting through or tunneling under the forest. She appealed to the government to consider international commitments previously made on conserving natural resources and the environment, preserving nature for Thailand's future.
The reporter noted that the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation posted on Facebook that the December 18, 2025, board meeting approved the EIA for the Srinagarind Dam water diversion tunnel in Kanchanaburi, which would pass beneath Salak Phra Forest. Many comments opposed the project, citing clear impacts on the forest and wildlife. However, some comments requested empathy for Kanchanaburi city residents enduring drought, expressing hope for the project's benefits.