Warawut has instructed the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) to prepare for the rainstorm from 24 to 27 September to prevent flooding in industrial estates in the central region, emphasizing that the Bang Pu dam construction has been completed and is reliable.
On 23 September 2026, Mr. Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry and member of the committee for flood and drought prevention in the central region, addressed the Meteorological Department's warning of heavy to very heavy rain over Thailand from 23 to 27 September 2026. He reported receiving an update from Mr. Sumeth Tangprasert, Governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), on preparations to closely monitor and manage flood situations in industrial estates nationwide. He has urgently ordered all industrial estates in risk areas identified by the Meteorological Department to raise surveillance measures and fully prepare to handle flood situations to reassure operators and investors and protect Thailand’s key production bases.
Warawut stated that Bang Pu Industrial Estate has continuously enhanced its water drainage capacity, currently capable of pumping a total of 100,000 cubic meters per hour. Proactive water management measures include regular dredging of drainage canals, maintaining low water levels in rainwater retention ponds to accommodate incoming rainfall, and inspecting and dredging vulnerable drainage points. Additionally, smart monitoring systems have been implemented, including CCTV, SCADA control systems, and automatic rainfall measurement devices, providing continuous reports to operators. Regarding flood protection infrastructure, the construction of flood prevention dams in Bang Pu Industrial Estate zones 1 and 2 has been fully completed, significantly strengthening flood impact prevention.
Warawut added that industrial estates in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, including Nakorn Luang, Bang Pa-in, and Ban Wa (Hi-Tech) industrial estates, have prepared for flood situations in the Chao Phraya river basin according to flood emergency plans. They have established protective embankments by compacting soil and reinforcing with protective materials and concrete, while closely inspecting embankment stability. Water retention ponds have been arranged within the estates to manage rainfall and delay floodwaters. Main water pumps are operational, and backup diesel generators capable of supplying power for at least 8 hours at every station are prepared. Furthermore, external coordination includes monitoring weather forecasts from the Meteorological Department and water discharge from the Chao Phraya and Phra Ram 6 dams by the Royal Irrigation Department, with staff monitoring and measuring water levels inside and outside the estates 24 hours a day.
The Minister of Industry stated that in other areas such as Prachinburi and Chachoengsao provinces, despite flooding in low-lying plains due to terrain, most industrial estates are situated on higher ground above sea level, ensuring they remain unaffected and can continue operations normally. All industrial estates under supervision have strictly implemented eight flood prevention measures and conducted emergency drills and Business Continuity Plans (BCP) with operators to ensure infrastructure, flood protection systems, and production chains in key economic zones remain safe and operational throughout the crisis. Additionally, the Ministry’s Industrial Unity Center is prepared to provide aid by distributing survival kits to assist and alleviate hardships of affected people in each area. If anyone faces problems, they can immediately contact the 24-hour hotline at 1564.