BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has launched a coordinated national response to severe flooding across southern Thailand, following Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s Thursday high-level meeting to unify assistance, relief, and recovery operations. A Central Operations Center at Government House is now directing field units and aligning resources to support Hat Yai district in Songkhla and the surrounding provinces, facing heavy damage.
The plan is structured into three stages. The first centers on immediate assistance, including temporary shelters, food, and the distribution of essential supplies, as well as emergency budget measures. The second introduces relief programs such as debt moratoriums, accelerated insurance claims, tax extensions, and special loans for affected businesses. The third stage targets long-term recovery through rehabilitation loans, utility restoration, and programs to help families and business owners rebuild.
National Telecom has deployed mobile signal units, emergency Wi-Fi systems, and round-the-clock monitoring to keep communication networks functioning in flood-hit areas. Several ministries have activated their support mechanisms. The Ministry of Finance has set up the Vayupak Network Flood Relief Command Center to coordinate donations, procurement, and financial relief measures, while the Ministry of Labour is implementing a three-phase program offering unemployment support, skills training, and workplace-repair loans.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has opened a Forward Operations Center at Songkhla Zoo, now serving as a shelter for more than 200 people and a base for teams assisting households and caring for stranded animals. The Royal Thai Army continues to conduct evacuations, provide medical support, and deliver essential supplies. The Ministry of Commerce is extending business-filing deadlines until 15 days after conditions improve.
Officials said the unified response is intended to ensure timely assistance, revive local economic and social systems, ease household financial strain, and support communities as they work toward recovery once floodwaters fully recede. (NNT)
