Bangkok: The Prime Minister visited Hat Yai to inspect the readiness of the Rama I Canal and will push the Cabinet to approve flood insurance for all households. The Prime Minister visited the "Na Khuan Sluice Gate" at the headwaters of Khlong R.1 to monitor the progress of the water management system and emphasized the importance of being prepared to prevent flooding in Hat Yai.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul visited the Na Khuan floodgate (Khlong Phuminath Damri) in Khuan Lang Subdistrict, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, to survey the area, listen to problems, follow up on the flood prevention plan for Hat Yai city, and receive a report on the repair work on Khlong R.1 before meeting with the local people.
The Prime Minister received a report on the preparedness of the Bhuminat Damri Canal drainage system. The Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department confirmed that the department is undertaking a project to restore structures damaged by floods in preparation for the 2026 flood season. This includes dredging seven canals and repairing damaged irrigation structures, and will be completed before October 2026. He also assured that the R.1 canal management structure will be able to accommodate the rainwater during the rainy season and drain 1,200 cubic meters per second.
After listening to the report, the Prime Minister met with the people and stated that this government's first cabinet meeting outside of Bangkok, held in Songkhla Province, aimed to demonstrate to the public the importance of Songkhla and neighboring provinces, which are significant economic areas and sources of opportunity for the people. The government wants to ensure the safety of the people from floods and other natural disasters, as well as provide convenience for their livelihoods, given the area's importance in tourism, the economy, industry, and agriculture. Furthermore, it aims to distribute development to other provinces.
The first issue I want to personally follow up on is water management, to ensure the system is sufficiently stable and robust. At the same time, the government will monitor water resources, infrastructure, and economic development in the South. Previously, we have visited areas to monitor canal repairs and the readiness of drainage systems. The government has approved a budget to restore irrigation systems in five southern provinces damaged by the 2025 floods.
"The Cabinet has followed up on the progress of the directives given, based on the principle of proactive preparedness. Lessons learned from the past have identified bottlenecks, areas with slow drainage, and areas needing improved efficiency. This includes accelerating the removal of garbage, weeds, and obstructions in waterways to ensure the drainage systems are ready for use. All agencies must ensure that drainage routes are prepared."
The Prime Minister emphasized that all agencies must integrate data, including rainfall, water levels, and weather conditions, to ensure consistency. This is crucial for rapid situation assessment and timely public warnings. He also instructed that personnel, water pumps, machinery, evacuation routes, and shelters be prepared to provide immediate assistance to the public should an incident occur.
"We cannot conquer nature, but we must ensure the safety of people's lives and property as much as possible. When damage occurs, assistance and relief must reach the people quickly. Therefore, I have instructed all agencies to reduce procedures and paperwork, and to utilize existing government information as much as possible. Please report any unfinished assistance to the public, and the government will follow up until all requests are fulfilled."
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for supporting medical equipment for Hat Yai Hospital and the Provincial Public Health Office, as well as for helping repair shelters in the Kho Hong area and assisting vulnerable households affected by the crisis.
'I want to assure the people of Songkhla that the government is committed to resolving the problems at hand and leveraging the potential of Songkhla and the southern region. This includes mitigating water-related risks, developing infrastructure and connectivity, as well as promoting trade, investment, and tourism to generate income for local people, while ensuring their safety and quality of life,' the Prime Minister said.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister stated that at tomorrow's cabinet meeting, a proposal will be made to provide flood insurance for every household. This way, in the event of a flood, there will be no need to worry about proving ownership or tenant status. If residents live in and are registered in the affected area, the government will provide basic protection for their quality of life. The procedures and eligibility criteria for coverage will be defined to expedite relief efforts for flood victims.
"The government will address all problems and expedite their resolution. We will not abandon or ignore any issues, and we will use every minute to resolve problems for the people of Songkhla and the South, as we do with every province, in order to manage the situation and ensure public safety. All agencies must work to their fullest capacity; this is not simply the order of any one individual."