Nattapong revealed his visit to Ayutthaya to survey plans for water retention fields, urging the government to expedite aid for vulnerable groups facing floods. He emphasized that fishbone-shaped water retention fields address central problems and countered Pradorn's claim that public hardship is a political issue.
On 25 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, commented on the flood situation in the central region, especially in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, which is severely affected by water release from the Chao Phraya Dam. He noted that the Meteorological Department and relevant agencies had issued advance warnings about the prolonged rainfall phenomenon known as a "Rain Bomb," similar to that previously experienced in Nan province, with expectations for it to continue for several more days. The most critical point is that the government must not be complacent and must urgently manage flood response at the community level, particularly by identifying and evacuating vulnerable groups before losses occur.
Additionally, Mr. Nattapong proposed that the government immediately implement each province's emergency response plans by preparing shelters and evacuation centers, accelerating the relocation of vulnerable populations from disaster zones, ensuring the availability of boats and rescue equipment, and promptly putting operational emergency plans into action.
Mr. Nattapong also mentioned his visit to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province this evening to assess the potential of "water retention fields." He observed that past water management by the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) primarily focused on releasing water along main waterways but suggested shifting to a "fishbone" pattern by diverting water into available retention fields to reduce peak water volumes early.
Regarding remarks by Mr. Pradorn Prissanananukul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and Ang Thong MP, who suggested that flooding issues are being politicized, Mr. Nattapong responded that all problems and hardships faced by the people are inherently political. He said that the People's Party MPs bringing affected residents' complaints to parliament is fulfilling their role in reflecting the people's real voices and issues to achieve targeted solutions.