Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by Jeff Tomas
CHIANG RAI – On Thursday, local officials stepped in to help residents hurt by a major drainage project. The Chiang Rai Damrongtham Center held an urgent meeting to address complaints from the Nam Lat community. Construction along Mae Fah Luang Road has caused severe daily disruptions for many people.
Likhit Meeseri, the center’s director, led the afternoon meeting at the Chiang Rai City Hall. Over 20 villagers gathered to share their ongoing struggles with the new development. This pipe installation is part of the third phase of the Kok River landscape improvement plan.
Key Takeaways:
- Officials and locals met to solve issues caused by the Nam Lat drainage project.
- Residents reported property damage, health problems, and lost daily income.
- The construction company promised to repair roads and compensate for financial losses.
Wichai Tapang, president of the Nam Lat community, spoke on behalf of the frustrated villagers. He explained that heavy dust from the site is causing skin and breathing problems. The thick dirt in the air makes it hard for families to stay outdoors comfortably.
Furthermore, deep potholes on the torn-up roads have created serious accident risks for drivers. The physical damage extends far beyond the streets and into private living spaces. Several residents reported broken fences, sunken floors, and deep cracks in their house walls.
Because of the ongoing mess, many local shop owners have also lost significant daily income. Customers simply cannot reach their businesses due to the closed roads and heavy machinery. The community pleaded with officials for a clear timeline and fair financial support.
Navigating Repairs and Fair Compensation
Director Likhit proposed a clear plan to ensure fair compensation for everyone affected by the work. He urged the construction team to quickly finish the heavy digging near private homes. Once the risky work ends, inspectors can accurately survey the property damage for full payouts.
Songphon Su-um, an engineer representing Chiang Rai SSP Co., Ltd., promised swift corrective action. He stated that the main road entrance should reopen for traffic by December 10, 2026. The company is completely committed to fixing the immediate hazards to keep the community safe.
For those who lost money, the project leaders offered a direct path to financial relief. Residents must bring financial records, like bank statements and expense logs, to the government center. There, they can file formal claims with officials to get their missing income back quickly.
After the meeting wrapped up, the officials did not just go back to their desks. The entire group traveled directly to the Nam Lat community for a hands-on site inspection. They walked through the damaged areas to plan repairs face-to-face with the affected homeowners.
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