When residents of Srisoonthorn blamed a major housing project for worsening local flooding this week, the complaint raised a question buyers of new-build Phuket property should be asking before they commit: how well does the site manage runoff during heavy rain?
Residents of Moo 5 in Srisoonthorn, Thalang, reported that continuous rainfall on June 2 caused water levels to rise rapidly, with runoff from a Supalai housing project under construction behind Wat Srisoonthorn flowing into surrounding residential areas. They claim that rainwater drains quickly from the construction site during downpours, flooding homes and creating hardship for local people.
According to residents, large volumes of water from the site also spill onto Thepkrasattri Road, combining with floodwater near the Thai Watsadu Thalang branch and worsening flooding on one of Phuket’s main roads during storms.
Why the complaint matters
The incident highlights a practical issue that affects both existing communities and buyers considering new developments in Phuket. Drainage planning during construction is not only a technical concern for engineers. It affects whether surrounding roads remain passable, whether neighbouring properties flood, and whether the project itself remains usable during the rainy season.
In response to the complaints, Srisoonthorn Mayor Chalermphon Kerdsap assigned municipal officials to inspect the area and investigate reports of water and mud flowing from the Supalai site. Following the inspection, municipal officials instructed the developer to clear debris scattered from the construction area.
The municipality also dispatched workers to spray water and clean public areas in front of the Suphaporn Bang Jo sand quarry in Moo 4 to improve safety for road users, while continuing other community services including transportation assistance for patients attending medical appointments.
The seasonal context
The complaints come as Phuket experiences significant rainfall at the start of the southwest monsoon season. According to the Southern Meteorological Center based near Phuket International Airport, the province recorded 96.2 millimetres of rainfall in the first two days of June. Accumulated rainfall for 2026 has reached 713.4mm, with May alone recording 464.9mm.
The heavy rainfall has led to repeated flooding in several parts of Phuket in recent weeks, particularly in low-lying areas and locations where drainage systems struggle to cope with large volumes of runoff during intense storms.
What buyers should understand
For buyers considering new-build property in Phuket, the Srisoonthorn incident points to several details worth checking during due diligence. The first is whether the developer has designed and installed adequate drainage infrastructure before selling units. The second is whether the site’s drainage connects properly to municipal systems capable of handling runoff during monsoon conditions. The third is whether the project’s elevation and positioning reduce or increase flood risk for the property and its surroundings.
Buyers should also consider the experience of neighbouring properties during previous rainy seasons. If a site is uphill from existing homes, poorly managed construction-phase drainage can affect those communities before the project is even finished.
Residents of Moo 5 say they hope authorities and the developer can work together to address the drainage issues before heavier rainfall expected later in the rainy season causes further damage to homes and disruption to daily life.
What remains uncertain
The extent to which the Supalai project contributed to flooding versus existing drainage limitations in the area is not yet clear from the municipal inspection. The article does not specify whether the developer has been required to make further changes beyond clearing debris, or whether structural drainage improvements are under discussion.
What is certain is that the complaint has drawn attention to an issue that affects both construction standards and buyer confidence during Phuket’s wet season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the flooding in Srisoonthorn?
Residents blamed runoff from a Supalai housing project under construction behind Wat Srisoonthorn. They reported that rainwater drains quickly from the site during heavy rain, flooding surrounding homes and spilling onto Thepkrasattri Road. The municipality instructed the developer to clear debris following an inspection.
Is this a problem specific to this project?
The article does not establish whether the issue is unique to the Supalai site or part of broader drainage limitations in the area. The municipality noted that several parts of Phuket have experienced repeated flooding in recent weeks, particularly in low-lying areas where drainage systems struggle with large volumes of runoff.
What should buyers check about drainage when buying new-build property in Phuket?
Buyers should ask whether the developer has installed adequate drainage infrastructure, whether the site’s drainage connects properly to municipal systems, and whether the project’s elevation and positioning reduce or increase flood risk. Checking the experience of neighbouring properties during previous rainy seasons is also useful.
How much rain has Phuket had recently?
According to the Southern Meteorological Center, Phuket recorded 96.2mm of rainfall in the first two days of June. Accumulated rainfall for 2026 has reached 713.4mm, with May recording 464.9mm. The province is at the start of the southwest monsoon season.
Has the developer been required to make changes?
Following a municipal inspection, officials instructed the developer to clear debris scattered from the site. The article does not specify whether further drainage improvements or structural changes have been required.
Sources
- The Phuket News — Housing project blamed for Srisoonthorn flooding — link
