Senator Warns Hat Yai Flood Crisis Looms Over Clogged Canal

Songkhla — Senator Chaiyong Manirungkul, a member of the Senate's mass media group, disclosed that Hat Yai Mayor Narongphorn Na Phatthalung, known as 'Mayor Pen,' opened the 2026 Flood Disaster Management Center and presented a flood preparedness plan before November. The plan includes evacuation centers, disaster relief staff, equipment, personnel, and monkey-cheek water retention ponds, integrated with all relevant agencies. However, Chaiyong said the plan remains unclear on how it will actually resolve the flood crisis.

Chaiyong said the 2026 center still raises concerns about communication and public relations between Hat Yai Municipality and the public. He observed that press conferences did not prioritize mass media in disseminating flood and disaster plans. He urged a clear communication and public relations plan so residents can closely access weather information, prepare to move belongings to higher ground, move vehicles to safety, and decide on evacuation promptly.

A major remaining concern is the U-Taphao Canal, which runs from Sadao District to Hat Yai Municipality and flows into Songkhla Lake. It has not been dredged and is packed with bamboo, trees, and aquatic weeds. Chaiyong warned this obstructs water flow. While the Songkhla Port Authority dredged the port entrance to speed water flow to the lake, it did not dredge the entire 60-plus-kilometer U-Taphao Canal to facilitate drainage.

"It is worrying that water in the U-Taphao Canal, flowing inconveniently, will overflow into surrounding areas, causing widespread damage. I ask the province to reiterate warnings to all areas along the canal to prepare assistance plans for residents," Chaiyong said.

He noted Songkhla hosts many key government agencies — the 4th Army Area, the 42nd Infantry Division at Klong Hoi Khong, the 2nd Naval Area at Songkhla Naval Base, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Region 4, and the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office. If all agencies truly integrate, even a major flood disaster can be managed to minimize losses.