The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is closely monitoring flash floods and coordinating with local authorities, confirming that no major storms are entering Thailand. Warnings are issued only for flood-prone areas along rivers. They have implemented the innovative Cell Broadcast system to quickly send advance alerts via residents' mobile phones.
On 17 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Theerapat Kachamat, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, discussed the water situation in the northern and northeastern regions during this rainy season. He stated that this is the rainy season as declared by the Meteorological Department with several announcements issued. Satellite observations and joint analyses with weather agencies have led to multiple warnings, but no storms have come from the Pacific side yet, and water levels have not risen significantly. Only some flash floods have occurred in certain areas, including spots along the Mekong River where water levels have risen. The department has dispatched water pumps to assist residents and coordinated with local administrative organizations. Some riverside areas may experience impacts.
When asked about special monitoring for areas repeatedly affected by floods, Mr. Theerapat said that warnings have already been issued regarding residents' property in these flood-prone zones. With the introduction of Cell Broadcast, alerts can now be sent more quickly and at multiple levels. He acknowledged that this round of warnings has been faster and includes coordination with local community loudspeakers.
Regarding how far in advance the Cell Broadcast system can send warnings, Mr. Theerapat explained that the process begins with satellite weather checks, with daily meetings and 24-hour monitoring shifts. They verify local conditions, such as whether specific events are occurring, rainfall amounts, and durations. All relevant agencies analyze this data before issuing Cell Broadcast alerts. He emphasized that the public should not panic but focus on the severity levels indicated by the Cell Broadcast warnings to prepare accordingly.