The government is upgrading its response to floods and droughts by creating Risk Maps for 17 central provinces and Bangkok, detailed down to the village level under the slogan "Know First—Prevent Early—Be Prepared," aiming to reduce damage to the public.
On 11 August 2026, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government is enhancing flood and drought response by focusing on early risk awareness, prevention, and preparedness to minimize damage to lives, property, agricultural areas, and the economy.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the formation of five regional committees to prevent and solve flood and drought problems across the north, northeast, south, central, and eastern regions. This aims to align central agencies, provinces, local authorities, civilian and military sectors on shared data and plans, reducing command steps and enabling faster protection and assistance to the public.
The Prime Minister's Office spokesperson said the key principle is "Know First—Prevent Early—Be Prepared." The government will increase use of data and technology, assigning GISTDA and the National Water Resources Office (NWRO) along with experts to develop Risk Maps for floods and droughts down to subdistrict and village levels, identifying high-risk areas, priority protection zones, surveillance points, and vulnerable groups needing immediate care.
"The goal is to apply risk data before disasters occur, not after. Thus, provinces and related agencies will know in advance where to prepare equipment, manage water, plan agricultural responses, and how to assist the public if events happen—especially the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable groups who need prioritized care."
For the central region, the Prime Minister assigned Deputy Prime Minister Aeknithi Nitithanprapas to lead efforts, as the area is economically important, comprising agricultural land, urban communities, and flood and drought risk zones. The central region will serve as a model for comprehensive disaster response before successful methods are expanded to other regions.
The central region's operations will cover four areas: pre-disaster prevention, incident response and public care, recovery and rehabilitation, and communication and public participation. Risk Maps will be developed alongside monitoring of crop areas, water volumes, and risk points. A standard checklist will be created for 17 central provinces and Bangkok so each area can systematically assess readiness and know necessary actions before crisis situations.
Additionally, Prachuap Khiri Khan province is designated as a model for agricultural drought management, and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya as a model for flood management. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation will compile plans and prepare checklists, while NWRO and GISTDA will continuously monitor data and update Risk Maps. A subcommittee will oversee implementation to ensure plans are applied effectively in the field.
"The government prioritizes preventing damage from natural disasters, which is better than post-disaster relief. Using data, technology, and coordinated work among all agencies will minimize impacts on people's lives, homes, agriculture, and livelihoods. Lessons learned from model areas will be expanded nationwide."