Bangkok: The Cabinet approved 843 million baht to restore irrigation systems in 5 southern provinces to cope with drought and flooding. According to Thai News Agency, the Cabinet has sanctioned a budget allocation of 843.26 million baht from the central budget's reserve fund for emergencies or necessary expenditures for the fiscal year 2026. This allocation will be utilized by the Royal Irrigation Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, to implement projects aimed at repairing and restoring irrigation structures and systems in the southern region that suffered damage during the 2025 floods.
The repair and rehabilitation projects will be conducted across five southern provinces: Songkhla, Satun, Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, covering a total of 67 items. In Songkhla province, efforts will include repairing the R.1 drainage canal. Satun province will see the repair of the Raket Canal, a royal initiative. In Yala province's Mueang district, the D7 drainage canal will be dredged using hired excavators. In Pattani province's Mayo district, sections of the right bank of the main irrigation canal of the Pattani Irrigation and Maintenance Project will be repaired. Additionally, in Narathiwat province, the Ban Kayahmati Water Control Structure Project, another royal initiative, will see repairs of its water delivery system and associated structures.
Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, emphasized the Prime Minister's directive that relevant agencies should ensure the budget is used as intended, expediting repairs and restoration promptly while prioritizing economic efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and public benefit.