Phuket Town flood diversion project more than 70% complete

A B7.8 million project to divert floodwater from Tha Kraeng Canal into the Suan Luang reservoir in Phuket Town is more than 70% complete, Phuket City Mayor Suppachoke La-ongphet said after inspecting the work on 22 September 2026.

The project is intended to reduce flooding around Tha Kraeng Intersection when heavy rain coincides with high sea levels and slows drainage. Construction began on 5 August and includes road drilling and the installation of a 1.2-metre-diameter pipe connecting the canal to the reservoir at Chalerm Prakiat Rama IX Public Park, also known as Suan Luang.

The pipe will allow water to be diverted into the park’s “monkey cheek” retention area during periods of heavy rain and high tides. The municipality says this should reduce the volume of water flowing through the canal and nearby communities.

Mayor Suppachoke said the area had experienced repeated flooding for about 10 years, affecting residents and traffic on Sakdidet Road between Tha Kraeng Intersection and Sakdidet Intersection. The project was approved by Phuket City Council before a contractor was appointed.

Completion is scheduled for 1 January 2027, and the mayor said the work was expected to meet that deadline. Phuket City Municipality apologised for disruption, particularly around the dinosaur pond at the front of Suan Luang Park, and warned visitors and others not involved in the project not to enter the construction area.