Lat krabang: Chatchart Sittipunt, a candidate for Bangkok Governor, spotlighted his agenda during a campaign in the Lat Krabang area, focusing on resolving traffic congestion and severe flooding by advocating for a drainage tunnel network. Former Pheu Thai Party MPs were present to hear his updates on these regional challenges.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chatchart, while campaigning, shared insights on the Lat Krabang elevated highway project's progress. He noted that over the past four years, efforts have been made to tackle traffic issues, particularly with the highway project, which has opened outbound lanes and plans to launch inbound lanes on June 3rd, aiming to ease congestion significantly. Additional infrastructure developments are in progress, including enhancements to major roads, construction of connecting roads, hospital development, and a sports center project in Keha Rom Klao.
The flooding in Lat Krabang stems from its dependence on the Prawet Buriram Canal, which faces drainage capacity limitations and a winding course before reaching the Phra Khanong Canal, causing delays. The proposed long-term solution involves constructing a drainage tunnel linking the Prawet Buriram Canal to Nong Bon Lake to expedite water flow into the Chao Phraya River, complemented by dike construction and canal dredging. This initiative is expected to mitigate flooding impacts in Lat Krabang, Suan Luang, Phatthanakan, and nearby regions.
If elected again, Mr. Chatchart plans to prioritize the drainage tunnel project and expand the drainage network across various alleys and villages. This effort is facilitated by recent regulation amendments allowing the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to repair and maintain public domain roads and utilities, thus providing a more comprehensive approach to addressing flooding.
Despite current heavy rainfall, Mr. Chatchart expressed confidence in the existing water management system, which includes various sensors and can function autonomously. He referenced the successful management of heavy rainfall on May 31st in Bangkok, where agencies effectively executed water drainage plans.
During his visit, Ms. Theerarat Samrejvanich, a former Pheu Thai Party MP, and her sister, Ms. Chavalapatch Samrejvanich, a candidate for Bangkok City Council in Lat Krabang, met with Mr. Chatchart. Ms. Chavalapatch, running under the Pheu Thai Party, expressed support for Mr. Chatchart and discussed local issues. Mr. Chatchart acknowledged his previous collaboration with Ms. Theerarat during his time as Deputy Minister of Interior, and encouraged Ms. Chavalapatch to engage with the community extensively. They proceeded to interact with the public, receiving requests for photos and support along their walk.