The government has ordered the establishment of a 24-hour war room to handle flooding and drought in the northern region, while reducing bureaucratic steps and unlocking emergency budgets so governors can immediately assist residents on the ground.
On 10 August 2026, Second Lieutenant Phatdarasmi Thongsaluaykorn, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed preparations to prevent and resolve flood and drought problems in northern areas. Deputy Prime Minister Yotsanan Wongsawat, as Chair of the committee for flood and drought prevention and resolution in the north, has instructed all relevant agencies to adopt a proactive management approach to cope with extreme weather fluctuations.
Based on weather assessments conducted with the Meteorological Department, the northern region currently faces overlapping risks including heavy rains, flash floods, flash flood surges, and drought in some areas. All provinces have been ordered to prepare for disasters by setting up sub-command centers and placing personnel, machinery, and water pumps on 24-hour standby. If resources are insufficient, military forces and regional Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation centers should be deployed immediately as reinforcements.
Furthermore, the directive emphasizes risk assessment, stating that if a high-risk situation is identified, provinces should consider using emergency advance government funds immediately to mitigate damage in advance. Bureaucratic regulations and procedures must not obstruct assistance to the public. Priority should be given to helping vulnerable groups first, and if the situation becomes severe requiring evacuation, plans must be ready.
The Deputy Spokesperson also outlined long-term measures: for drought-prone areas, the government has ordered urgent assessments of water resources and reserves for consumption, and coordination with farmers to adjust planting plans. Following flood events, officials will conduct thorough damage surveys and expedite relief payments and recovery efforts as quickly as possible to restore normal life for affected residents.