Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor Somkid Jantamarit led a team on 4 November to install additional water pumps in the Khlong Takiab canal, aiming to alleviate potential flooding in Hua Hin following forecasts of heavy rain along Thailand’s eastern coast.
Joined by key officials, including Apiwat Lehawat, Director of the Regional Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre 4, Thanawat Ruangdet, Head of the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, Polkrit Puangwalaisin, Hua Hin District Chief, and Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul, the Governor’s team visited Khlong Takiab, also known as the Royal Canal, near Wat Khao Krailas in Hua Hin. The site inspection formed part of local preparations following a recent forecast from the Meteorological Department, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in the area from 4 to 6 November.
Governor Somkid emphasised that Hua Hin, being a low-lying area, is particularly susceptible to flooding, as evidenced by significant water accumulation during downpours in October. In response, provincial and municipal agencies have collaborated to reinforce the area’s flood prevention measures by installing additional long-distance, high-pressure water pumps, supplementing those already positioned by Hua Hin Municipality.
Khlong Takiab serves as a natural catchment area, but an overflow could affect nearby communities if rain intensifies. To strengthen local resilience, the Provincial Irrigation Project in Prachuap Khiri Khan has deployed a high-capacity pump capable of moving 28,000 litres of water per minute to support the high-pressure long-distance pumps from the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre 4.
Other vulnerable areas, such as Queen’s Park and its surroundings, will also be closely monitored. Additionally, officials have identified areas at risk of flooding in Bang Saphan and Thap Sakae Districts, where mountain runoff could contribute to rising water levels. Precautions are also being taken against potential landslides in these districts.
