BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed all provinces to prepare for upcoming rainfall, expedite drainage, deploy equipment, and enhance readiness in southern Thailand. The Prime Minister chaired a National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command meeting on October 3, 2026. He stressed the urgency of accelerating water drainage, especially in the Chao Phraya basin, before high sea levels expected from October 5 to 10, 2026, which could hinder discharges into the Gulf of Thailand.
As weather patterns shift southward, the Prime Minister has coordinated with the 4th Army Area Command and southern governors to enforce emergency response, evacuation, and relief plans. He also directed provincial authorities to inform the public about the government’s disaster insurance program. Clear communication of coverage rights for floods, windstorms, and earthquakes is expected to reduce confusion and expedite financial assistance.
For affected and high-risk provinces, the Prime Minister ordered the creation of unified incident command centers to coordinate civilian, military, and volunteer efforts. He emphasized proper staff rotation to prevent fatigue among frontline workers. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) will issue timely, accurate public warnings and coordinate ongoing relief and recovery, including 24-hour deployment of water pumps, mobile kitchens, and water purification trucks. After the meeting, the Prime Minister and cabinet members visited Nakhon Sawan and Chai Nat provinces to inspect water management and ensure river discharges are controlled to protect riverside communities. (NNT)
