According to one official report of the visit, Gov Nirat has ordered “urgent action” to improve drainage and wastewater management in Patong after inspections found sediment build-up in the Pak Bang Canal continues to threaten flooding and coastal water quality during the high tourist season.
The visit appeared to be Gov Nirat’s first formal foray to Patong since taking office a month ago.
According to official reports of Gov Nirat’s visit, he reportedly led a “multi-agency inspection” to assess water management, flood prevention, transport flow and tourist safety.
He was joined by Patong Mayor Lalita Maneesri and Kathu District Chief Akkarapol Suthirak Chittsuphap, along with deputy mayors and senior officials.
The delegation first inspected the Pak Bang Canal drainage gate, which has recently been handed over from the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning to Patong Municipality.
Discussions focused on increasing drainage efficiency and stopping solid waste at source to prevent blockages.
Patong Municipality confirmed plans to install an automatic waste collection system at the gate to reduce debris build-up and strengthen flood readiness during the rainy season.
WASTEWATER
Officials reported that Patong currently generates around 20,000 cubic metres of wastewater per day, while the treatment plant has capacity for 30,000 cubic metres per day.
However, heavy sediment accumulation in the Pak Bang Canal, which has not been dredged for many years, continues to undermine the system.
During heavy rain and flooding, wastewater and sediment are washed into the sea, directly affecting Patong Beach, one of Phuket’s most important tourism assets.
Gov Nirat ordered both “urgent dredging” of the canal and the development of a “long-term wastewater expansion plan” to match growing communities and business activity. He also instructed agencies to expand the “reuse of treated water” wherever possible.
FLOOD PREVENTION
At the canal’s sluice gate, Gov Nirat and Pakorn Warapaskul, Director of the Phuket Provincial Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, inspected the handover of flood prevention infrastructure to Patong Municipality.
The project forms part of a long-term plan to address recurring flood problems in Patong, with the municipality now responsible for maintenance and ongoing management. Officials said the upgraded system is intended to improve safety and quality of life for residents while supporting sustainable tourism.
ROAD SAFETY
The delegation then inspected Luang Pu Supha Rd, assessing traffic preparedness for the high season and receiving recommendations from transport and police officials to ease congestion.
Further inspections were carried out along Muen Ngern Rd, the route to Freedom Beach, where road improvement works are continuing to reduce accident risks and disruption to residents and tourists. The improvements are being jointly managed by Patong Municipality and the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation.
The group also reviewed progress on the Patong-Chalong road link, a major project designed to improve access between Kathu and Phuket City districts while supporting future urban expansion and safer travel.
BANGLA STOP
The final stop was Bangla Rd, where officials inspected the local police command centre and the municipality’s CCTV surveillance system, which uses face recognition technology and is linked to criminal databases shared with Phuket Provincial Police and Patong Police.
Authorities said the system forms part of the ‘Phuket Model’ security policy, designed to boost rapid response capabilities and strengthen crime prevention in high-risk tourism areas.
Gov Nirat stressed that all agencies must continue close cooperation to ensure Patong remains safe, clean and well managed, particularly during the peak tourism season, so Phuket can maintain its reputation as a world-class tourist destination, yet another official report concluded.