Villagers Protest, Secure 20-cm Increase in Canal Gate Opening
More than 200 residents of Lad Sai protested for two days of standing floodwater, urging authorities to raise the Phraya Suren canal sluice gate by 20 centimeters. After two hours of negotiations, officials agreed to the increase, and police set up barriers to prevent possible clashes. Local officials say the move will aid drainage in farmland and neighborhoods while being monitored to avoid impacts on nearby areas.
More than 200 villagers from Lad Sai and nearby areas gathered at the Phraya Suren canal sluice gate on October 2, 2069 (2026 in Gregorian) after days of standing floodwater left their communities inundated. They demanded that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration increase the gate opening by an additional 20 centimeters to improve drainage. After roughly two hours of talks between Bangkok's water-control director, Anasa Sukkhung, and Lad Sai mayor, Winai Sangwalyen, the authorities agreed to the request. Police from Sai Mai, Don Mueang and Lam Luk Ka stations set up barriers to keep the two sides separate amid fears of clashes. Mayor Winai said the move would help drain floodwater from agricultural zones, dense residential neighborhoods and housing estates, and would reduce reliance on costly pump operations. He added that the opening would be monitored closely to ensure it does not adversely affect neighboring areas, and that further adjustments would be made if needed.
