Irrigation Department Deploys Pumps Across South for Flood Season
The Royal Irrigation Department has launched 24-hour flood-preparedness operations across southern Thailand, deploying water pumps and clearing canals in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Yala, and Pattani provinces. Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit ordered the action to accelerate drainage, remove water hyacinth, and maintain irrigation infrastructure ahead of the 2026 rainy season. Authorities are coordinating with local agencies and urging residents in risk zones to stay alert via the department hotline 1460.
Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has directed the Royal Irrigation Department to tackle heavy rainfall in southern Thailand. Officials are inspecting flood-risk zones, readying excavators, water pumps, pushers, and staff for the 2026 flood-response plan. All irrigation projects must closely monitor weather, rainfall, and water levels while accelerating drainage in vulnerable areas to reduce flash flooding. Authorities are also issuing warnings and public alerts so residents in at-risk communities can prepare and receive immediate assistance during emergencies.
Water-pump installation missions are underway at Irrigation Office 15 across multiple sites in Nakhon Si Thammarat province: Ban Sai Nian in Phra Phrom district; Khlong Thung Prang in Mueang district; Bang Laeng drainage pipe in Thung Lam Chi area, Chian Yai district; Ban Bang Bai Mai in Tha Sala district; Pak Nakhon Road in Mueang district; behind the Mueang municipal hall in Mueang district; Ban Tha Ruea and Ban Kuan Sombun in Thapracha district, Cha-uat; and Ban Sa Bua in Tha Sala district.
Irrigation Office 17 is deploying pumps in Yala and Pattani provinces: Yala residential area in Sateng subdistrict, Mueang Yala; X.40A telemetry station on the Pattani River in Mueang Yala; Pump Station D in Khao Tum subdistrict, Yarang district, Pattani; the project headworks weir (right bank) in Ta Se subdistrict, Mueang Yala; Nong Chik Hospital in Tueang subdistrict, Nong Chik district, Pattani; Yaring Hospital in Yamu subdistrict, Yaring district, Pattani; and the Palas drainage canal in Mayo district, Pattani.
Water-hyacinth removal operations are also in progress: at the Nakhon Si Thammarat Irrigation Project, clearing Khlong Takoi–Khlong Sing in Tha Sala district and the main left-bank supply canal of the Khlong Sangkh Royal Initiative in Thung Yai district; and at Irrigation Office 15, clearing Khlong Tha Sak in Mueang district, Khlong Chamao near Wat Mujalinthrawas in Bang Chak subdistrict, Mueang district, and the Uthokkawiphachaprasit drainage gate and emergency spillway in Pak Phanang district.
Irrigation Department Director-General Witthaya Kaewmi has ordered all southern irrigation projects to stand ready 24 hours a day with machinery, tools, and personnel to prevent and mitigate flood impacts from accumulated rainfall. The directive includes accelerating pump installation in risk areas, removing water hyacinth and obstructions from waterways, maintaining irrigation structures continuously, and coordinating closely with related agencies. Residents needing assistance can contact their nearest irrigation project, the department hotline 1460, or official online channels.
