NESDC to propose new Central Plains water diversion project to Cabinet
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) will propose a major water diversion project to Cabinet, which would allow water from the northern region to flow into the Chao Phraya River in Ayutthaya and through a new route from Chai Nat through Pasak and into the Gulf of Thailand.
NESDC Secretary General Danucha Pichayanan said that the project would cost an estimated 160 billion baht and construction would take about 8 years.
He said the project would help cut the amount of water from northern region flowing into Ayutthaya through the Chao Phraya River by diverting a large portion of the northern water mass into a new water route, Chai Nat to Pasak and into the Gulf of Thailand.
He said that governments have historically resorted to the current model to cope with flooding in the central plains and that a new approach is necessary.
He said that a portion of the financing for the project has been allocated in the 2027 fiscal year budget, adding that once the Cabinet gives its approval, the project could go ahead, starting with the bidding process and borrowing to secure additional funding.
About two weeks ago, the NESDC proposed the eastern Chao Phraya River project to the Cabinet, for the development of canal drainage system.