Deputy Minister of Interior Je Setth addressed Parliament, stating the government is prepared to handle disasters on all fronts, continuing to rehearse plans, upgrading Cell Broadcast alert systems, mobilizing forces to assist the public, and swiftly restoring public utilities after incidents.
On 27 Aug 2026 GMT+7 at the Parliament building, Mr. Je Setth Thaisetth, Deputy Minister of Interior, assigned by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, responded to parliamentary questions regarding preparations for future flood disasters. He noted that whenever floods occur, citizens suffer losses of property and housing and may be unable to contact government agencies promptly for assistance. He was asked about the government's approach to disaster management including warning, prevention, recovery, and relief efforts for greater efficiency, referencing incidents in Songkhla Province and most recently in Nan Province.
Mr. Je Setth confirmed that the Ministry of Interior is prepared to handle disasters comprehensively. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation conducts plan rehearsals nationwide covering monitoring of rain clouds, coordinating readiness in affected areas, setting up 24-hour monitoring centers or war rooms, and alerting the public via multiple channels such as official notices, SMS, coordination with local leaders, and the Cell Broadcast system.
He added that preparedness is not limited to warnings but also includes provision of equipment for prevention, incident response, evacuation, and recovery. Local authorities are instructed to prepare resources suited to each area's disaster risk profile and establish clear response plans and command structures for emergencies.
Regarding warnings, Mr. Je Setth said the National Disaster Center under the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation monitors situations using data from the Meteorological Department, radar, and various measuring instruments, coordinating provinces to maintain 24-hour monitoring centers. However, upgrading warning systems requires more localized data integration due to varying conditions such as rainfall, terrain, water retention capacity, and risk of flash floods.
When wide-area public warnings are needed, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation can issue alerts via Cell Broadcast and Extreme Alert levels, plus use sirens and community leader networks. Mr. Je Setth emphasized that multiple alert channels must be used concurrently to effectively reach different population groups promptly.
For flash flood incidents, where water flows rapidly and briefly, the Ministry prioritizes public information campaigns urging people to move to higher ground and wait until conditions improve before rescue operations. Coordination involves the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and rescue foundations to mobilize tools and personnel, especially to assist vulnerable groups such as the disabled and young children.
In Nan Province, Mr. Je Setth stated that 190 machines from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation have been deployed to support relief efforts. Coordination with rescue foundations and relevant agencies ensures appropriate allocation of manpower and resources tailored to each area.
During disasters, the Ministry of Interior coordinates provision of cooked and fresh food to affected populations, with needs reported through local leaders to allocate meals appropriately. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Health attends to the injured, chronic patients requiring medication, and provides mental health support, focusing on elderly individuals living alone.
After the situation stabilizes, Mr. Je Setth highlighted that rapid restoration of public utilities—water supply, electricity, and transport routes—is critical. In Nan Province, water sources include groundwater, regional waterworks, and village or mountain water systems.
For regional waterworks damaged by floodwaters, the Ministry of Interior has coordinated repair efforts with equipment and tools, aiming to fully restore supply within about three days. For village water systems affected in some areas, regional waterworks supports with equipment and technical advice to local authorities to expedite functionality restoration.
Regarding electrical restoration, personnel and resources have been mobilized from northern regions to support Nan Province. Priority is given to repairing main electrical systems first, followed by gradual restoration at municipal, subdistrict, and household levels. Some homes may require additional time for individual inspections and repairs before power can be safely restored.
For building inspections, the Ministry of Interior has coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, engineering agencies, and local governments to survey and assess damage to structures. Safety and stability assessments determine whether buildings can be used normally, require repairs, or must be temporarily closed due to risk before residents return.
At the same time, infrastructure essential for public transport and daily life—such as bridges, roads, drainage systems, and other structures potentially damaged by floodwaters—are being inspected by teams of engineers and officials. This ensures restoration efforts prioritize safety and structural integrity, not just rapid reopening, assuring long-term usability.
Mr. Je Setth concluded that effective disaster management requires integrated efforts from government agencies at all levels—from preparedness, warnings, response, evacuation, and care during incidents to post-disaster recovery and relief. The government and Ministry of Interior affirm their readiness to mobilize personnel and resources comprehensively to provide rapid, efficient, and inclusive assistance to all affected areas.