On November 30, Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong visited Chiang Mai to inspect flood mitigation efforts along the Ping River. Accompanied by Dr. Surasi Kittimonthon, Secretary-General of the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), and other officials, he reviewed dredging projects at Nawarat Bridge and improvement plans for the Tha Sala Weir in Muang District.
Prasert highlighted that heavy rainfall in upstream areas, exacerbated by climate change, encroachments, urban expansion, and waterway blockages, led to three major floods in Chiang Mai this year. At Nawarat Bridge, the Ping River’s water level exceeded the banks by 1.6 meters, with a peak flow of 656 cubic meters per second—far above the river's 400 cubic meters per second capacity—causing widespread flooding in urban and economic areas.
Under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's directive, dredging operations will be expedited. The Marine Department has completed surveys, and the Armed Forces Development Command is tasked with dredging. Local authorities and irrigation departments will assist in site preparation for soil disposal. The project is targeted for completion by May 2025 to ensure readiness for the next rainy season.