Ekkaniti ordered 24-hour surveillance, expressing concern over the water situation in Central Thailand, urging fast warnings and swift evacuations, stressing that public safety is paramount.
On 31 August 2026 GMT+7, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) announced that Ekkaniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, serving as Chair of the Central Flood and Drought Prevention and Mitigation Committee, expressed concern for residents due to heavy rain and mountain runoff in Saraburi Province that occurred last night. He instructed Saraburi and other Central Thailand provinces to closely monitor rainfall and water levels.
Ekkaniti revealed that from the evening of 30 August continuing into 31 August 2026 GMT+7, heavy accumulated rainfall caused mountain runoff in many areas, especially in Cha-Om subdistrict, Kaeng Khoi, and Muak Lek districts of Saraburi. Water rapidly flowed from higher to lower areas, affecting homes, accommodations, resorts, and some travel routes. The Meteorological Department forecasts increased rainfall with heavy to very heavy rain in parts of western Northern and Central regions, upper Northeastern and Eastern regions, continuing through 2 September 2026 GMT+7.
He urged Central provinces to monitor risk areas prone to flash floods, mountain runoff, and lowland flooding, closely tracking weather, rainfall, and water situations. Particularly, Saraburi, Prachinburi, and Nakhon Nayok provinces should intensify 24-hour vigilance and readiness, deploying personnel, disaster machinery, and resources to assist residents immediately. Coordination with district offices and local administrations is essential to rapidly and thoroughly warn residents in risk zones. If conditions worsen, urgent evacuation of especially vulnerable groups to safe areas must be conducted.
"The most important thing is the safety of the people. Provinces must closely monitor the situation and take proactive action. Any area at risk must be warned promptly, evacuated swiftly, and residents cared for from the onset until conditions return to normal."