Background

The multipurpose Bang Lang Dam Project is under the Pattani River Basin Development Project. EGAT conducted a survey and collected additional information for preparing the engineering design to meet the electricity demand of the region.

With the approval of the cabinet on the construction of Bang Lang Dam and Power Plant on April 3, 1973, EGAT followed the necessary steps such as finding sources of investment funds and preparing details for bidding of construction and machinery.

The construction started in July 1976 and was completed in June 1981. Bang Lang Dam is the first multipurpose dam of the South. With the devotion and cooperation of all parties concerned including the locals, government organizations, and EGAT, the construction was completed. The dam becomes beneficial for the people in the region.

The opening of Bang Lang Dam was performed on September 27, 1981 by Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Ban Sunti Hydro Power Plant

On the occasion of the royal visit to the construction site of Bang Lang Dam in 1978, His Majesty King Bhumibol had an idea of making use of the overflown water from the weir to the dam reservoir by generating electricity in a small power plant in order to develop the local water source.

Thus, in 1981, EGAT constructed the first underground power plant at Moo Ban Sunti 1, Cho Subdistrict, Ban Nang Sata District, Yala Province. A generator of 1.275 MW and a water pipe of 1,800 m in length were installed at the power plant. The power plant could supply electricity in October 1982 generating an average annual electric power of 6 million kWh.

Ban Sunti Hydro Power Plant has an automatic control which can be operated from Bang Lang Dam Power Plant. It is a small power plant which uses high technology and operated solely by the Thai engineers.