BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Phumtham Wechayachai has ordered all provincial governors and Bangkok authorities to remain on 24-hour alert as Severe Tropical Storm Kajiki approaches. Acting as Director of the National Command Center for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the Deputy Premier issued the directive on August 24, calling for immediate coordination and preparedness at all levels of government.
At 11:00 a.m. today (Aug 24), Kajiki was over the upper South China Sea, moving west at 20 km/h, and was expected to intensify before making landfall in northern Vietnam between August 25 and 26. The storm is forecast to bring heavy to very heavy rain and strong winds across Thailand from August 24 to 27, affecting the North, upper Northeast, Central, East, western coast of the South, and Bangkok’s metropolitan area.
Provincial governors have been instructed to coordinate closely with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, establish emergency operations centers, and activate response plans as needed. This includes preparing evacuation zones, distributing essential supplies, ensuring drainage systems are clear, and inspecting high-risk structures such as billboards and tall buildings.
In coastal provinces along the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, local authorities are monitoring marine conditions. If high waves are detected, warnings will be issued, and restrictions will be placed on swimming and boat operations. Vessels at sea may be recalled to port if conditions worsen.
Local leaders are required to communicate accurate weather warnings through all available channels and advise residents to stay alert. The Interior Ministry has confirmed that disaster response teams are fully mobilized. For assistance or updates, the public can contact the 24-hour hotline at 1784. (NNT)
