Transport Deputy Orders Faster Dredging of Uthapao Canal
Thailand's transport deputy has ordered faster dredging of the Uthapao Canal in Songkhla Province to improve drainage before the monsoon season and prevent flooding in nearby communities and economic zones.
On August 8, Deputy Transport Minister Sompech Bunyamani visited Songkhla Province to monitor progress on the Uthapao Canal dredging project and assess the Port Authority's readiness to execute waterway maintenance work. The initiative aims to enhance drainage capacity ahead of the monsoon season, improve safety for waterway users, and protect residents and economic zones from flooding. The Port Authority is currently conducting dredging work with a 1.55 million baht budget and a target of removing 45,000 cubic meters of material. Three additional projects worth approximately 85 million baht are planned for fiscal 2027, including major dredging operations along coastal channels associated with the Uthapao Canal and two other key waterways, each requiring removal of 300,000 cubic meters of material. Sompech directed the Port Authority to accelerate preparations and prioritize clearing shallow sections that obstruct water flow, while coordinating with Songkhla Province and relevant agencies to align operations with the region's flood prevention and water management plan. He emphasized that flood preparedness requires advance action, not crisis response, and that efficient waterways also support local transportation, livelihoods, and economic activity.
