Auditor General's Office Investigates Abandoned 200 Million Baht Chong Kacha Canal Project in Nakhon Ratchasima

The Auditor General's Office launched an investigation on May 7, 2026, into the Chong Kacha Canal Phase 1 landscaping improvement project in Nakhon Ratchasima following public outcry on social media about its abandoned condition and concerns over encroachment on public waterways. Auditor General Montien Charoenpol, along with Nakhon Ratchasima Mayor Dr. Wanarat Chanyunakul and representatives from relevant agencies, inspected the Lam Takhong waterway project area near Suksantaram Temple, discovering that Phase 1 had deteriorated significantly with no responsible agency overseeing maintenance and cleanup.

Phanom Songyaen, Director of Public Works and City Planning for Nakhon Ratchasima Province, explained that the project is divided into two phases: Phase 1, budgeted at 118 million baht from Assumption School to the temple with a distance of 725 meters, was completed in late 2024. However, Phase 1 lacks proper maintenance because Nakhon Ratchasima has not yet assumed responsibility until Phase 2 is 100% complete. The contractor for Phase 2 is still being procured, leaving Phase 1 unmaintained and lacking proper lighting and access points.

Phase 2 includes several components: a 1-kilometer riverbank protection embankment, three bridges across Lam Takhong, architectural walkways along the water and around the reservoir, a public park, and general park improvements. The contractor is expected to be selected soon with construction beginning in fiscal year 2025. The total project value is 238 million baht. Delays have stemmed from flooding issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, which required budget prioritization for Maharaj Hospital's flood prevention efforts. The project incorporates a water drainage system designed to improve water flow and prevent riverbank erosion.

Mayor Dr. Wanarat revealed that upon completion, the project will create a new Nakhon Ratchasima landmark serving as both a tourist attraction and recreational facility. The municipality is also preparing a separate 13-kilometer community wastewater management plan for the Lam Takhong waterway, requesting approximately 700 million baht in support with implementation expected between 2027-2028.

The Auditor General emphasized that all agencies must cooperate between government and local authorities to ensure sustainability and proper management planning. The project was inspired by Korea's Cheonggyecheon model, adapted to reflect Nakhon Ratchasima's pottery heritage identity. The four main objectives are: water management and riverbank protection, environmental protection through wastewater system installation, providing a 2.5-kilometer public recreation and exercise area between Assumption School and Asdang Reservoir, and economic development.