The spokesperson for the Joint Public-Private Committee (กรอ.) revealed the outcomes of a special meeting focused on rainy season preparedness and flood prevention, especially in the flood-prone Hat Yai area. The committee is preparing an urgent budget request within 100 days and involving the private sector in designing infrastructure rehabilitation and early warning systems.
On 8 July, Veerapong Prapa, Thai Trade Representative and spokesperson for the Joint Public-Private Committee to Solve Economic Problems (กรอ.), announced after the 2/2569 meeting that this special session was convened by the government to prepare for flood situations ahead of the upcoming monsoon season in a few months. The Prime Minister assigned Mr. Pradorn Prissanantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, to coordinate with the Royal Irrigation Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Budget Bureau, and related agencies to expedite preparation of an urgent budget plan for water management within 100 days. This plan covers prevention, response, and relief measures for flood-affected citizens. Relevant agencies are currently reviewing a short-term budget framework for urgent measures and will consult with the Budget Bureau, Ministry of Interior, and other agencies to finalize immediately usable funds. Simultaneously, the government is planning operations in three phases—urgent, medium, and long-term—to ensure continuous and sustainable flood problem solutions.
Additionally, the meeting invited representatives from three private sector joint committees (กกร.) in Songkhla Province to participate and express local issues, especially in Hat Yai District. Hat Yai is a vital economic city in southern Thailand with significant roles in trade, tourism, and income distribution. It also serves as a gateway linking trade with ASEAN countries. Therefore, the government places importance on preventing repeated flood impacts in this area.
However, preparations are not limited to Hat Yai alone; the government emphasizes all areas at risk of flooding. It urges rapid implementation of advance measures to efficiently cope once the rainy season arrives. The private sector proposed infrastructure development in several aspects, including improving drainage systems, canal development, installing early warning systems, rehabilitating the tourism sector, and measures to restore Hat Yai as an economic center and ASEAN gateway once again.
Moreover, the private sector suggested the government consider credit measures to assist entrepreneurs, especially small businesses which are numerous in Hat Yai. This would facilitate easier access to funding and help recovery from flood impacts. Relevant agencies will review these proposals collectively to define suitable loan programs that effectively reach the majority of business operators.
Regarding proposals to expedite construction of flood defenses, Veerapong stated that detailed project information will be provided by responsible agencies. He affirmed that the government prioritizes infrastructure development in all aspects, including canal improvements, drainage systems, and flood protection structures, to prevent recurrence of past issues in the area.
Following damage to many infrastructure sites from the recent floods, the government is open to private sector suggestions to further development. It is accelerating repairs and strengthening Hat Yai’s resilience to climate change and future disasters. The goal is to make Hat Yai a model city capable of effectively managing flood disasters and serving as a template for other cities to adapt.
Veerapong added that regarding budgeting, the Prime Minister has assigned ministries and relevant agencies to urgently survey which projects can use immediate funds, which are medium-term, and which are long-term. Since the southern region will enter the rainy season in a few months, especially November to December, rapid implementation of usable measures is crucial.
The urgent projects proposed for budget allocation will focus on restoring areas damaged by previous floods and improving risk zones to prevent future losses. The government aims to achieve visible results within 100 days.
The private sector continues coordination with the government, sharing a mutual stance against repeated flooding in Hat Yai. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister emphasized that during his foreign visits, investors often highlight Thailand’s potential and strengths in attracting investment through market access, business facilitation, and legal reforms. Hence, the government must expedite confidence-building to restore Thailand as a key global investment destination.
Veerapong confirmed that the restoration of Hat Yai will proceed closely with the private sector. Representatives from the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Industries have met directly with the Cabinet and Prime Minister to present business concerns and needs. This ensures the government understands urgent issues requiring action and can tailor assistance measures to meet local demands most effectively.