Officials from Irrigation Office Region 1 visited the site on 21st May to assess progress. Director Atthawich Nakwatchara said the project was fast-tracked to ensure readiness before the 2026 rainy season.
The works upgrade the existing barrier from 3.70 metres to 5.20 metres — an increase of 1.50 metres — and extend it to a total length of 303 metres. The reinforced structure is designed to handle water flows of up to 800 cubic metres per second. Provided volumes remain within that threshold, flooding should be prevented across Saraphi district and Pa Daet subdistrict.
The project was initiated in response to the major Chiang Mai flood of 2nd October 2022, when water overtopped the original low-lying barrier downstream of the Tha Wang Tan gate and inundated homes and farmland across Pa Daet and Tha Wang Tan subdistricts. Floodwaters reached as far as the second ring road, the Wiang Kum Kam route and Global House.
The Royal Irrigation Department began surveying and designing the structure after the 2022 floods, secured budget in 2024 and broke ground on 4th August 2025. The fish ladder section of the floodgate is also being raised to match the new barrier height, closing the remaining gap along the entire left bank. The new barrier will connect to an existing wall managed by the Public Works Department.
Construction of an additional extension to the Tha Wang Tan irrigation canal wall is also underway at the same site, bringing it level with the new barrier to prevent floodwater from entering the canal and spilling into adjacent areas.
Once complete, the works will be handed over to the Chiang Mai Irrigation Project for ongoing management.
