Hua Hin moves to strengthen flood defences as heavier rains forecast
A new flood prevention plan for Hua Hin moved forward on Friday as the Deputy Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan led a multi-agency inspection aimed at reducing long-standing flood risks in the city.
On 21 February 2026, Mr Prateep Boriboonrat, Deputy Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, together with Dr Royol Chitradon, Secretary-General of the Hydro-Informatics Institute (HII) Foundation under Royal Patronage, and the provincial water resource management working group, met officials at the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course to review measures designed to strengthen flood prevention in Hua Hin City Municipality.
They were joined by Mr Kittichai Srithongchuay, Hua Hin District Chief Officer; Mr Thanawat Rueangdet, Acting Chief of the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office; Mr Sanphop Ungrassamee, Deputy Mayor of Hua Hin; Mr Jeerawat Phrommanee, Municipal Clerk of Hua Hin; and Mr Suphot Phonsirirung of the State Railway of Thailand.
The delegation inspected five existing ponds covering around 70 rai within the golf course. Officials plan to dredge and expand the ponds to increase their capacity to store rainwater, with the aim of preventing runoff from overwhelming urban drainage systems during heavy storms.
As part of the flood prevention plan for Hua Hin, the State Railway of Thailand has also been asked to adjust sections of the newly constructed railway station area, which currently restricts natural water flow from the golf course. The proposed changes would allow water to drain more quickly into the municipal drainage network.
Mr Prateep said flood prevention must be approached at a provincial level, noting Hua Hin’s importance as an economic and tourism centre. He said railway land in the area includes existing water sources that could be developed into retention zones, but stressed that coordination between agencies is essential.
He explained that water flows from Khao Hin Lek Fai through forest land and railway property before entering the town. An integrated drainage system, including new pipelines across railway and forest areas, is therefore required to manage runoff more effectively.
The Hydro-Informatics Institute has supported the project through planning, surveying and system design. Budget and personnel have been coordinated with military engineering units, and officials expect work could begin in March or April, subject to approval from the Royal Forest Department and support from the municipality.
Dr Royol said this was the third site visit following two earlier inspections to finalise plans. In the past, water has flowed from higher ground across roads and the golf course before entering urban areas, contributing to flooding.
Under the proposal, military engineers and the State Railway of Thailand will create two additional retention ponds to capture excess water before it reaches the town centre. He said the measures should significantly reduce the likelihood of repeat flooding if implemented as planned.
Dr Royol also warned that rainfall could increase this year due to changing wind patterns bringing moisture from both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Based on oceanic index data, he said conditions could resemble those of 2012, a year marked by heavy rainfall. Without preventative action, he cautioned, flood risks would remain.
Mr Sanphop said the project would not only support flood prevention in Hua Hin but also provide an additional water reserve for the city, which does not have its own independent water source. Retained water from the expanded ponds could be used for tap water production and general consumption if needed.
Officials said the success of the flood prevention plan for Hua Hin will depend on sustained cooperation between provincial authorities, municipal officials, the railway, forestry agencies and military engineers.
