The government is ready to handle flooding in the southern region. Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat has ordered governors of 14 provinces to closely monitor and prepare for the situation, with emphasis on helping vulnerable groups first.
9 Aug 2026 GMT+7 Ms. Ploytale Laksamee Sangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that due to current rainfall levels in Thailand, some areas are already facing flooding. Meanwhile, several provinces still need to closely monitor potential water shortages. The government recognizes the importance of preventing and addressing flooding and drought problems, as well as water management, following directives from Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul.
Ms. Ploytale said the Prime Minister has assigned Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, who serves as chairman of the committee to prevent and solve flood and drought problems in the southern region, to prepare for flood and drought situations in a unified manner, including planning both urgent and long-term solutions covering all aspects. This aims to ensure effective flood and drought prevention and resolution in the southern region, which experiences two rainy seasons: the first on the Andaman side starting in May, and the second on the Gulf of Thailand side from October to January the following year.
Ms. Ploytale added that to manage the situation quickly and effectively, Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat emphasized the importance of preparedness. He instructed governors of all 14 southern provinces to rehearse disaster responses and coordinate with local administrative organizations to survey areas and prepare key information such as temporary shelters and parking spots for vehicles if floods rise, informing residents to reduce potential damage. He also assigned the National Water Resources Office, Royal Irrigation Department, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, and Meteorological Department to jointly use technology for accurate data analysis to manage water and control reservoir releases, preventing adverse impacts from potential disasters.
Furthermore, the government stressed that provinces, regional central agencies, and local administrative organizations must strictly follow orders on flood and drought prevention and resolution. The Royal Irrigation Department is to control and supervise water releases according to local water conditions. Governors should coordinate with government, private, and volunteer organizations to prepare comprehensive flood and drought responses. Temporary shelters must be adequately prepared to accommodate affected people. Coordination with military, police, and administrative units is required to patrol and ensure safety of homes and shelters, as well as maintain backup communication systems.
Provincial public health offices and subdistrict health promotion hospitals are to prepare sufficient health services to handle emergency patients during the situation, prioritizing aid to vulnerable groups first. After disasters, they should assess and restore homes and facilities so people can quickly return to normal life.