The Prime Minister declared that Hat Yai is ready to face floods this year, urging all agencies to cooperate in sharing information. He proposed flood insurance for Songkhla province, which will be presented to the Cabinet tomorrow. He also joined hands with Mayor Pan for collaborative work.
On 31 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul visited Songkhla province ahead of the first ever off-site Cabinet meeting. At noon, the Prime Minister arrived at Phuminat Damri canal in Hat Yai district, Songkhla, by electric bus (EV BUS) with the Cabinet. Upon arrival, he received a report on water management to prepare for flood situations, including progress on canal dredging.
Then, the Prime Minister and Cabinet met with the public. He said that the Cabinet held this off-site meeting in Hat Yai, Songkhla, as the first such meeting outside the Government House during his administration. He asked Songkhla and Hat Yai residents to understand the government's commitment, aiming to make Songkhla and nearby provinces important economic areas offering opportunities for people, safe from floods and natural disasters, with convenience for residents’ livelihoods. Hat Yai is a city of tourism, economy, industry, agriculture, and a hub spreading development to many other provinces.
The first priority is water management to ensure a stable, strong, and sufficient system. The government aims to oversee water, infrastructure, and southern economic development by personally inspecting conditions, so all ministers present can see the reality firsthand.
In the afternoon, the Prime Minister will meet with community networks from various sectors to listen to opinions, suggestions, and critiques to gather for consideration in tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting in Hat Yai.
Previously, he and several ministers visited sites to monitor canal repairs and drainage readiness. During last year’s flood season end, they regularly visited affected areas, witnessing the hardships of Songkhla residents and those in flood-hit areas including Satun, Phatthalung, and the three southern border provinces. Managing water in Songkhla effectively will help alleviate flood disasters in other provinces and improve aid efficiency. The government has fully approved budgets to ensure safety, restore irrigation, and water management systems in five southern provinces damaged by last year’s floods.
Prime Minister Anutin said today the Cabinet members reviewed progress on approved directives. The principle is to prepare thoroughly in advance, learning from past lessons to identify bottlenecks or waterway obstructions, which affect drainage. All government agencies must expedite making waterways ready for use.
He stated, "This should not be left to the Ministry of Agriculture alone. The Department of Public Works, municipalities, and provinces must cooperate to ensure that dangers like those last year do not recur this year. Data on rainfall, water volume, and weather must be shared among agencies for rapid situation assessment. Importantly, public warnings must be timely. Preparation of personnel, pumps, machinery, evacuation routes, and shelters must be complete so all parties can assist citizens promptly in emergencies." Prime Minister Anutin added,
He said, "As I have said, we cannot defeat nature, but we must maximize the safety of people’s lives and property. If disaster strikes, we must provide swift and timely relief to alleviate their suffering."
He also emphasized that when people are in distress, he has instructed all government agencies to reduce procedures and paperwork, using existing government data as much as possible. Any people left without assistance or overlooked should report promptly, and the government will follow up to ensure full support.
Finally, he urged Songkhla residents, especially those in Hat Yai district, to be confident that the government is committed to solving current problems and promoting Songkhla and southern provinces together. Concerning water, risk must be reduced and public confidence increased. Infrastructure must be improved for easier transportation and better connectivity. Economically, investment, tourism, job creation, and income restoration must be prioritized with safety and quality of life addressed directly.
He added that Songkhla, as an ancient city with culture, food, and communities attracting tourists from neighboring countries, must preserve these assets in better contexts with development, enhancement, and improved convenience for residents. This off-site Cabinet meeting is not just relocating from Bangkok to Songkhla but aims to address citizen problems and build Songkhla’s and Hat Yai’s potential comprehensively.
Tomorrow, the government will propose flood insurance for every household so that if flooding occurs, people will not worry about proving identity, location, or property ownership. In Songkhla, Hat Yai district, residents will receive initial protection regardless of origin. Details on procedures, eligibility, and disbursement will be announced tomorrow. If any issues arise, the government will act. Responding to criticism of slow government action, efforts are underway to expedite and ease relief for citizens. The government will visit many locations and personally hear Songkhla residents’ feedback to address their concerns swiftly, including expediting drainage improvements, repairs, or modifications as needed.
Prime Minister Anutin said they are creating water pathways to prevent damage to homes. These efforts show the government is not neglecting or ignoring problems but dedicates every minute to solving issues for Songkhla and four other southern provinces. This approach will extend to all provinces and districts to ensure management and safety for residents under government responsibility. He called for full cooperation from all agencies, emphasizing this is not a directive from one person but a government order requiring collaboration from governors, deputy governors, district chiefs, department heads, provincial administrators, subdistrict municipalities, municipalities, village chiefs, and community leaders. The government will implement support while facilitating all necessary measures for the people.
The Prime Minister introduced the accompanying Cabinet members, including Songkhla officials. He said he had already identified a critical point to the Songkhla governor, warning that if public convenience and safety are not ensured,
During the introduction of Songkhla's governor, the Prime Minister told the public that he had shown the governor the 'jumping point' and if problems arise again this year, they would observe him at that spot. He pointed to the floodgate and asked, "Will you jump yourself or use a rope? That’s all there is." He expressed confidence that the governor would prevent problems and mentioned the governor assured him that all preparations are ready. Although nature cannot be defeated, care for the people must prevail.
Then the Prime Minister introduced Narongporn Na Phatthalung, Mayor of Hat Yai (known as Mayor Pan), putting an arm around him and patting his shoulder. He noted that some say Mayor Pan likes to gossip, but that is untrue, as they embrace like this. "If we don’t sweat, we’ll kiss on the cheek." He recalled that during last year's Hat Yai floods, the first person he met was Mayor Pan. He was puzzled why people spread rumors that Mayor Pan did not work hard, but he believes that event brought them closer. Despite different backgrounds and no prior acquaintance, they united by their concern for citizens. He trusts Mayor Pan will work with him and asked if he would, to which Mayor Pan replied, "Yes, I will."
"Now Pan and I are together, working for the people of Hat Yai. He cannot escape. If he hides at home, I will come to his house and take him out myself," Prime Minister Anutin said. ."}],