BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul convened a high-level emergency meeting at Government House on Tuesday (Nov 25) to address the escalating flood crisis in Southern Thailand. The session included senior leaders such as the royal secretary to His Majesty the King, the deputy prime ministers, the minister of transport, the deputy minister of defence, the minister of public health, ministers attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, the permanent secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, the secretary-general of the National Security Council, and senior representatives from the Public Relations Department.
Before discussions began, Air Chief Marshal Satitpong Sukvimol, Royal Secretary to His Majesty the King, delivered His Majesty’s message expressing deep concern for affected residents and calling for immediate national support. The directives instructed civilian, military, police, and government units to mobilize rescue boats, move people to safe zones, deliver essential supplies, and coordinate seamlessly across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Ministry of Interior. Volunteer networks were also acknowledged for their active role in assisting communities throughout the disaster.
During the Special Committee on Southern Flood Response meeting, the Prime Minister announced that the government would declare a Level 4 State of Emergency to manage the widespread flooding under a unified command system. The measure is expected to help accelerate decisions, strengthen operational authority, and support relief efforts in heavily affected areas, including Songkhla, where local authorities have already issued disaster declarations.
The prime minister instructed agencies at all levels to follow the established chain of command, with provincial governors serving as field commanders in their respective areas. Additional equipment and personnel have been prepared for deployment, while the Royal Irrigation Department and the Ministry of Defence were directed to oversee conditions directly in districts facing severe impacts.
With the move to Emergency Level 4, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has been tasked with closing operational gaps, sending senior officials to supervise on-site activities, and establishing a clear command center. The government stated that all efforts are being accelerated to deliver assistance to affected communities across the southern provinces as efficiently as possible. (NNT)
