Posted on November 18, 2025
Phatthalung locals fret over impact
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has not found any human rights violations by the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) or the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) in connection with canal dredging projects in Phatthalung province.
NHRC deputy secretary-general, Jumphol Khun-on, said the commission received four complaints from five individuals between March and April last year concerning potential violations of community rights related to water due to dredging projects carried out by the RID in the southern province.
The projects include the dredging and construction of 2.5-kilometre concrete embankments along the Khlong Lai Phan canal in Kong Ra district; the dredging of the Khlong San Daeng canal in Tamot district, spanning 21km; and some additional dredging of the Khlong Sai Khao canal.
The complainants said local communities had little participation in the planning process and that the projects might harm their livelihoods and the surrounding environment.
The NHRC found the Khlong Lai Phan project aimed to prevent flooding and soil erosion and to increase agricultural water storage. The project was completed in February last year, said Mr Jumphol.
However, by last November residents reported adverse impacts on the water ecosystem, including reduced water levels, loss of aquatic species and damage to nearby structures while remedial measures were slow.
The NHRC concluded these impacts infringed upon community and water rights as guaranteed by the constitution, the Water Resources Act and international human rights obligations. It deemed the situation a partial violation due to related agencies’ negligence.
For the Khlong San Daeng project, the NHRC acknowledged six rounds of public consultations have been held but criticised the lack of clear information on negative impacts and the limited scope of community participation, Mr Jumphol said.
Meanwhile, the Khlong Sai Khao project has yet to begin and so requires no further review at this stage, he added.
Following its findings, the NHRC recommended that the RID repair damaged structures, address erosion and compensate affected residents.
It also recommended that a provincial water resources subcommittee be set up in Phatthalung to systematically evaluate all local dredging projects.
