Phuket Implements Four Emergency Measures to Prevent Patong Landslides
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Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered the Department of Mineral Resources to coordinate with Phuket province on four urgent measures to prevent recurring landslides in Patong, Kathu District, Phuket.
On October 27, 2026, Deputy Permanent Secretary Nipon Chamanwong, acting as Department of Mineral Resources Director-General, directed Office of Mineral Resources Region 4 Director Pongsak Kanwan and staff to conduct a joint site inspection with Phuket Vice Governor Suwit Phangngam, Patong Mayor Lalita Mani, and Phuket Natural Resources and Environment Office Director Natthaphon Rakbamrung at the landslide area in Soi Na In 5, Patong, Kathu District, Phuket.
The inspection found the affected area had accumulated rainfall of 340.5 millimeters (data from the Kata community station, Phuket Provincial Water Data Center). In the early hours of October 26, 2026, a landslide and flash flood occurred. The slide consisted of Cretaceous granite boulders ranging from 10 to 60 centimeters, along with gravel and sand deposits. The failure type was a debris flow that traveled down the road in the soi.
Water continues to flow persistently. The landslide caused boulders and sediment to accumulate at a check dam, damaging and destroying it. This led to water eroding and damaging the road, while also washing boulders and sediment into residential homes, affecting property, transportation, and residents' livelihoods.
Geological factors: Highly weathered Cretaceous granite produced a sandy clay layer that retains water well and moves easily, combined with heavy continuous rainfall.
Measures implemented: 1. Phuket declared a disaster area (flood and landslide) covering affected zones to expedite relief efforts. 2. The Department of Mineral Resources and relevant agencies issued warnings for heavy rain and landslide hazards across Phuket and the southern region. 3. Engineering-based water diversion: constructing new check dams and channeling water into drainage pipes, with the municipality coordinating with the province for analysis and design. 4. Planning to install ground movement monitoring stations in risky areas, with Patong Municipality cooperating with the Department of Mineral Resources for survey and installation.
