BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Interior Minister Jeseth Thaiseth has affirmed that the government remains prepared to respond to flooding while managing water supplies, anticipating a possible drought in early 2027. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has assigned deputy prime ministers to oversee water conditions across the country, with each able to consider up to 100 million baht in additional emergency funding for areas under their responsibility. Cell Broadcast warnings have already been issued in Phayao and Chiang Rai, while rising Mekong River levels are being closely monitored in the Northeast.
Provincial authorities have been instructed to keep personnel, machinery, and emergency equipment ready for deployment and to activate warning and evacuation plans if conditions worsen. Jeseth said the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has deployed resources to high-risk areas in the North and Northeast. Boats and water pumps have been positioned in Ubon Ratchathani, Nong Khai, and Chiang Rai, while equipment is also ready in Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, and Nakhon Phanom. Authorities are now identifying areas where excess water can be stored for the coming dry season. Jeseth urged residents to monitor cell broadcast alerts, follow instructions from local officials, and comply with evacuation plans when necessary, as the government prepares for both immediate flood risks and potential water shortages next year. (NNT)
