Phuket governor inspects Patong drainage ahead of heavy rain
Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom inspected Patong’s drainage system after officials identified culvert mismatches and inadequate connecting channels.
Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom inspected drainage infrastructure beneath Phra Metta Road (Highway 4055) in Patong on 16 September as officials prepared for expected heavy rain next week.
The inspection examined the connections of a box culvert system that replaced an old bridge foundation, along with existing municipal drainage lines and newer engineering works. Officials assessed water-flow directions, possible blockages and the performance of four main drainage outlets.
The site had previously been identified as a flooding problem after severe flooding around Bang Wat Canal on 20 October 2025. The inspection found mismatched culvert sizes and inadequate connecting channels without proper manholes, raising concerns about water flow and clogging.
“We must ensure the system operates at full capacity,” Governor Chotnarin said. He added that, if improvements could not be completed in time, mobile pumping units from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation could be deployed to divert water up to 10 kilometres away and reduce effects on communities and tourism areas.
Officials also discussed Patong’s municipal wastewater system, including manhole covers along newly built pavements and the need to improve maintenance access and connections to buildings. Patong Municipality is coordinating with relevant agencies to authorise repairs and upgrades.
Patong Mayor Lalita Maneesri, local council members, the Phuket Rural Roads Office, the provincial disaster prevention chief and other officials joined the inspection. The province will prepare engineering plans, budget estimates and legal reviews under disaster prevention laws and municipal regulations.
