Khlong Luang residents threaten to block roads and railway lines due to flood concerns

PATHUM THANI — 1 May 2026, Residents in Khlong Luang are threatening to block roads and railway lines unless authorities revise a high-speed rail construction plan they say could trigger severe flooding and cut off community access.

More than 100 villagers and community leaders from eight communities gathered at the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organisation office to lodge complaints with Pol. Lt. Gen. Kamronwit Thoopkrajang, president of the PAO. They were joined by Khlong Luang Mayor Yutthasak Chuprasert, local councillors, and municipal officials.

Residents say construction crews have filled in a drainage canal running alongside the railway, previously 6–8 m wide, and plan to replace it with an 80 cm pipe. The canal had served as the main drainage route for low-lying communities situated 1–2 m below Phahonyothin Road, with some areas nearly 3 m lower.

Villagers fear the reduced capacity will lead to major flooding affecting up to 30,000 households. Several communities, including White House Village, 8 Rai, Thepprathan, and Koh Sawan, depend on the canal to channel runoff into Khlong Prem Prachakorn.

"We can't sleep when storm clouds gather," one resident said. "The canal that used to save us has been buried. If flooding comes, it won't just reach our legs — it could cover our heads. An 80 cm pipe is like giving a drowning person a straw."

Another resident living near the construction site reported structural damage to homes, including cracks in walls and floors caused by vibrations. He also raised concerns about a planned local road running parallel to the railway, which could block rear access routes used by students to reach school.

"We're not just worried about flooding anymore. Our houses are cracking, and no one is taking responsibility," he said. "If access is cut off, children will have to travel kilometres out of the way, or be trapped in dead-end alleys."

Mayor Yutthasak described the situation as critical, noting that the canal had long functioned as a "main artery" for drainage in the area.

"You cannot replace a 6–8 m canal with an 80 cm pipe and expect it to work," he said. "Even with the canal, heavy rain nearly caused overflow. This approach will devastate thousands of households."

He added that attempts to engage the contractor had failed, with officials reportedly told the work was being carried out strictly according to plan.

"If you don't consult local communities, your project will not move forward," he warned, urging the State Railway of Thailand and the Transport Ministry to review the design.

Kamronwit said the issue extends beyond a few villages and could affect a wider basin including Rattanakosin 200 Years Estate and Thammasat University's Rangsit campus. He noted the area sits in a natural depression, requiring water to drain along the railway corridor into Khlong Prem Prachakorn.