January 18, 2026, at 1600hrs, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul took a field visit to Suphan Buri province to inspect and follow up on the sustainable water management project at Song Phi Nong water gate in Bang Len subdistrict, Song Phi Nong district. Accompanying the Prime Minister were Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Interior, Director‑General of the Department of Provincial Administration, Suphan Buri governor, president of Suphan Buri Provincial Administrative Organization, and representatives of relevant Government agencies, including the Royal Irrigation Department, Department of Local Administration, and Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. Government Spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat disclosed gist as follows:

The Prime Minister listened to the briefing from president of Suphan Buri Provincial Administrative Organization Udom Prongfa on water management plan and water pumping to Pho Phraya floodplain which covers the area of 211,653 rai and can receive 203 million cubic meters of water. The plan includes: 1) improving western irrigation network to maximize north–south drainage capacity from Khlong Chao Chet to the Gulf of Thailand. This is also to reduce drainage burden on Tha Chin and Chao Phraya Rivers; 2) increasing drainage efficiency to Tha Chin River; and 3) managing 1.2 million-rai water retention areas to create water retention capacity of 1,700 million cubic meters that will help alleviate recurring flood in Song Phi Nong district.

The Prime Minister was also reported on the removal of water hyacinth that obstructs water drainage and causes water overflow along the banks of Song Phi Nong Canal. Suphan Buri Provincial Administrative Organization and the Royal Irrigation Department have worked in an integrated manner to dredge the canal and eliminate water hyacinth all year round, resulting in the more efficient water thrust and drainage effort.

After the briefing, the Prime Minister thanked local residents for welcoming him in his visit to follow up on flood management in Suphan Buri province as recurring flooding remains his concern since assuming the office. Solution to the problem lies in decision making and effective budget management.

According to related regulations, compensation of 9,000 Baht per household will be paid to those experiencing flooding for over 7 days. In all, the compensation costs end up much higher than the expenses paid for the expansion of water gates, waterway dredging, road repair, or removal of water hyacinth. The Government strives to resolve flood recurrence in a systematic and sustainable manner to mitigate people’s plights in the long run.