Sanpetch Orders U-Tapao Canal Dredging to Prevent Songkhla Floods

Khaosod•Economy•18d ago

Reader Briefing

Deputy Minister of Transport Sanpetch Bunyamanee inspected dredging progress at U-Tapao Canal in Songkhla to improve drainage and prevent flooding.

•Sanpetch Bunyamanee visited Songkhla on August 8, 2026 to monitor U-Tapao Canal dredging.
•The Marine Department is executing a 2026 budget project costing 1,551,300 baht to dredge 45,000 cubic meters of material.
•Three additional dredging projects totaling over 85 million baht are planned for the 2027 budget year.
•The operations aim to reduce flood risks for residents and economic areas while improving water transport safety.

•On August 8, 2026, Sanpetch Bunyamanee visited Songkhla to monitor the U-Tapao Canal dredging project.
•Sanpetch Bunyamanee directed the Marine Department to accelerate the removal of shallow areas and obstacles to maximize drainage efficiency.
•The Marine Department is currently implementing a project for the 2026 budget year with a budget of 1,551,300 baht and a dredging volume of 45,000 cubic meters.
•Three projects are prepared for the 2027 budget year, including dredging at U-Tapao Canal, Klong R.1, and Klong R.3, with a total budget exceeding 85 million baht.
•Each of the three 2027 budget projects for U-Tapao Canal, Klong R.1, and Klong R.3 is allocated 28,483,300 baht.
•Sanpetch Bunyamanee stated that water management in the U-Tapao Canal basin is critical for drainage in Songkhla to protect homes and economic areas.
•Sanpetch Bunyamanee instructed the Marine Department to coordinate with the province and relevant agencies to align with flood prevention plans.
•Sanpetch Bunyamanee mandated that all operations be conducted strictly according to the budget framework, ensuring transparency and legality.

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Sanpetch Bunyamanee

"Regarding flooding, preparation must be made before the event occurs, not waiting for the water to arrive before solving the problem."

เรื่องน้ำท่วมต้องเตรียมพร้อมก่อนเกิดเหตุ ไม่ใช่รอให้น้ำมาแล้วจึงแก้ปัญหา

Sanpetch Bunyamanee(สรรเพชญ บุญญามณี)

Deputy Minister of Transport who monitored the U-Tapao Canal dredging project.

Arif Sara-eng(อารีฟ สารอเอ็ง)

Director of Regional Marine Office 4.

Phanu Phasakdee(ภาณุ ภาศักดี)

Director of the 4th Waterway Development and Maintenance Office.

Hiranwat Suebkarapan(หิรัญวัตติ์ สืบกระพันธ์)

Director of the Songkhla Branch of the Regional Marine Office.

Marine Department(กรมเจ้าท่า)

The government agency responsible for implementing the dredging projects in Songkhla.

Songkhla(สงขลา)ℹ️

The province where the U-Tapao Canal and dredging operations are located.

U-Tapao Canal(คลองอู่ตะเภา)

A critical waterway in Songkhla used for drainage and water transport.

Klong R.1(คลอง ร.1)

A waterway targeted for a dredging and maintenance project in the 2027 budget year.

Klong R.3(คลอง ร.3)

A waterway targeted for a dredging and maintenance project in the 2027 budget year.