On May 9, 2025, Surat Thani's Governor, Mr. Theerutom Supibulphol, led a team to address significant flooding issues in the municipality following heavy rains. The inspection took place at 10:00 AM, where local officials, including disaster prevention chief Mr. Songbo Satoon and council members, assessed the situation on major roads, particularly Samkhan Road in Mueang Surat Thani, which has been severely affected by water accumulation.
Heavy rainfall has caused substantial water buildup, creating hazardous conditions for residents. The governor's immediate response included short-term measures such as deploying water pumps, opening drainage covers, and organizing staff to clear debris obstructing water flow. "We need to act fast to alleviate the suffering of our citizens," Supibulphol stated during the inspection.
The team first visited the area near Highway No. 420, also known as Lieng Mueang Road, at the intersection leading to Surat Thani School 2. This location has been identified as a critical point where water from the surrounding hills flows down, causing flooding on the roads. The drainage systems here are inadequate, with small openings that cannot handle the volume of water, resulting in significant traffic disruptions.
To address these issues, the local government has proposed short-term solutions, including opening drainage covers and using barriers to prevent vehicles and pedestrians from falling into the flooded areas. Additionally, the Surat Thani Municipality is set to excavate drainage systems to enhance their efficiency and install two permanent water pumps at key locations to expedite water drainage into nearby canals.
During the site visit, the governor and his team also inspected Soi Ko Teng, another area plagued by flooding. At this location, sediment buildup has been a major problem, blocking drainage pipes and causing water to pool. The plan involves expanding the drainage openings and eventually replacing them with metal grates to improve water flow.
Furthermore, the team examined the drainage system along Surat Thani-Punpin Road, near Suan Sarunrom Hospital. Here, the primary drainage system is functional, but the secondary systems connecting to it are not adequately integrated, leading to further complications. The governor has instructed local authorities to coordinate efforts to create temporary drainage connections to facilitate faster water removal while ensuring that large water pipes remain undisturbed.
As the forecast predicts continued rain until May 13, immediate action is crucial to prevent further flooding and mitigate the impact on residents. Local authorities are mobilizing resources and personnel to ensure that the drainage systems are operational and that the public is safe.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident on May 8, 2025, efforts were underway to rescue a dugong entangled in fishing gear near Koh Libong in Trang Province. Officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, alongside volunteer drone pilot Mr. Theerasakdi Srisriwi, have been working tirelessly to locate and assist the distressed animal.
The dugong was found with a rope tightly wrapped around its tail, prompting immediate rescue operations. Despite using the Rodeo technique, which involves capturing the animal for assistance, officials have struggled to get close enough due to the dugong's speed and tendency to dive into deeper waters.
As of now, the rescue mission has been ongoing for two days, with authorities committed to their goal of freeing the animal from its restraints. "We will continue our efforts until we can successfully assist the dugong," stated a spokesperson from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.
In addition to the rescue efforts, surveys have indicated a dugong population of at least 30 individuals in the area, with some showing signs of injury likely caused by fishing equipment. The department is urging locals and tourists to report any sightings of entangled marine life and to help keep beaches clean of debris that could harm these vulnerable creatures.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by marine wildlife in Thailand, where human activities significantly threaten their survival. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources is calling on the public to be vigilant and report any hazardous materials that could pose a risk to marine animals.
As both Surat Thani and Trang Province grapple with environmental challenges, the focus remains on immediate response and long-term strategies to safeguard both human and marine life.
