Anutin has ordered a full mobilization to address flooding, drawing lessons from Hat Yai, accelerating relief for citizens without waiting for waters to recede, directing ministers to cancel foreign duties, and pushing the 'Chainat-Pasak-Gulf of Thailand' project for Cabinet approval tomorrow.
At 10:46 a.m. on 27 September 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, held a press conference after returning from foreign duties regarding the current flood situation. He explained that as he was abroad on official duties throughout the week, he received reports of severe flooding in many areas. It was noted that heavy rainfall over the past two to three days caused flooding in Bangkok, its metropolitan region, and nearby central provinces. Coordination was maintained from abroad through the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for flood management in each region, as well as with the Cabinet and relevant agencies closely.
The Prime Minister further stated that upon learning of flooding in multiple provinces, he convened an online meeting to monitor the situation, issued directives to involved agencies, and engaged in detailed discussions. He decided to cut short his remaining foreign duties to return promptly for direct management and coordination to ensure the most effective flood response.
He also revealed details about the overall cause of this flooding: widespread, continuous heavy rainfall exceeding the area's water drainage capacity due to the large volume of water.
Water from the northern region is being drained through the Department of Irrigation's network in a fishbone pattern to prevent these water masses from adding to the heavy rainfall in Bangkok. Management efforts aim to minimize impacts on communities downstream of dams.
In Bangkok, machinery, water pumps, trucks, and rubber boats have been deployed continuously to assist flood victims. The Prime Minister has coordinated with Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, who provides regular situation updates. Shelters have been established for affected people, and vulnerable groups such as bedridden patients, the elderly, and those needing care have been relocated to hospitals or medical facilities in large numbers.
Regarding management of the metropolitan area and affected provinces, the Prime Minister ordered the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior to monitor, coordinate, and empower provincial governors with full authority to resolve local flood problems promptly. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas, responsible for disaster areas in central Thailand, has increased emergency funding for provinces declared disaster zones, allowing governors immediate budget approval for local management.
"We will work in unity without distinctions of origin or agency. As you may know, in yesterday's meeting (26 September), especially regarding Bangkok's current situation, Governor Chadchart declared it a disaster zone. Therefore, work must be fully integrated. The government must support all agencies in every way possible."
"It is not a matter of saying this is Bangkok's responsibility, a special administrative area. Governor Chadchart must lead problem-solving primarily. Today, we work together fully because Bangkok, as the capital and economic, governmental, educational, and transport hub, requires integrated collaboration. Information and data must be unified in operations, prioritizing citizens' safety and property protection as paramount."
Meanwhile, the Government Spokesperson's Office will coordinate information from relevant agencies. Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, is responsible for directing state communication units to collaborate, linking government agencies, the Public Relations Department, and MCOT to continuously and timely disseminate information to the public.
The Prime Minister continued on relief efforts, stating that compensation and damage redress for affected citizens will be expedited. The Ministry of Interior will compile lists and assess damages of affected families eligible for assistance under legal frameworks. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and the Department of Local Administration will expedite coordination to approve compensation processes as swiftly as possible.
For recovery and damage surveys, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior will conduct assessments, and provincial governors in affected areas will immediately develop recovery plans by area as waters recede, without waiting for entire regions to dry. Recovery and compensation will be implemented progressively, based on past disaster response models, to ensure legal and rapid assistance to affected citizens.
Regarding long-term solutions, the Prime Minister noted that shortly after assuming office, he requested the Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) to study and present readiness for the Chainat-Pasak-Gulf of Thailand water drainage project. The project coincides with the recent flooding areas. As of Thursday, 24 September, NESDC concluded the project is highly cost-effective and essential to maximize drainage efficiency from the upper country and prevent flood masses reaching central Thailand, the metropolitan area, and Bangkok.
With this confirmation, the Prime Minister will submit the project for Cabinet approval. He has previously discussed the matter with Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and learned NESDC has sought preliminary opinions from relevant agencies. Thus, at the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 29 September, the project will be considered and approved immediately. Additionally, Mr. Pradorn Prissanantanakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, has informed that the Budget Bureau has allocated funds for the project in the 2027 fiscal year to enable its implementation.
"I will fully use my authority as Prime Minister to push this project forward rapidly. When I was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, flood events in central Thailand highlighted the need for improved drainage from the upper central region to accommodate northern water. At that time, I could only listen due to limited decision-making authority. I resolved that if given the chance as head of government, I would ensure the success of the Chainat-Pasak-Gulf of Thailand project, also known as the parallel Chao Phraya project. I am determined to realize this as a concrete long-term solution to prevent citizens from suffering severe annual floods."
Meanwhile, he instructed all flood-affected provinces to report daily situation summaries and relief efforts to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. This will keep the government informed of completed actions and remaining support needs, enabling swift management of flood situations and citizen assistance. Reports must also identify any bottlenecks or obstacles by location and cause, for the Permanent Secretary to promptly inform the Prime Minister and facilitate continuous directives for problem resolution.
"The government will apply lessons learned from the Hat Yai floods last year to formulate recovery plans, restore infrastructure, reopen roads, inspect systems, restore electricity and water supplies, manage waste, and provide health care, enabling citizens to resume normal lives as soon as possible."
Regarding insured damages to households, residences, and vehicles, the Prime Minister urged those facing claim issues to contact the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) for assistance in liaising with insurance companies to expedite payments per policy terms. During the Hat Yai floods, OIC coordinated effectively to ensure insured property owners received full compensation. He has instructed OIC to accelerate coordination with insurers to facilitate swift and convenient compensation payments to the public.
The Cabinet will continuously monitor the situation. The Prime Minister has issued directives requiring all ministers to cancel any foreign travel for any purpose. He himself will also suspend planned foreign trips in the next two to three weeks to closely manage the situation. The Cabinet will adjust response measures as needed, integrating all agencies' cooperation and maintaining maximum preparedness until normal conditions resume. Their goal is for citizens to return to normal life—working, trading, children attending school, safe travel, and good health—this is the government's defined objective.
"As head of government, I extend our deepest sympathy and concern from the Cabinet, the Governor of Bangkok, officials, and all agencies to the citizens currently affected by flooding. We thank the public for their understanding and cooperation with government officers and rescue teams in addressing the situation and ensuring their safety."
On this occasion, the Prime Minister praised and thanked all officials—civil servants, state employees, rescue volunteers, and the public—recognizing their dedicated efforts. The government acknowledges and fully supports their work in every way and pledges to do everything possible to resolve the situation and restore normalcy to the people as soon as possible.
The Prime Minister further announced plans to inspect flood conditions in Bangkok before visiting seriously affected provinces such as Sa Kaeo, Prachinburi, Nakhon Nayok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Pathum Thani. He intends to assess conditions, encourage citizens, and hear challenges from provincial governors and frontline officials to collaboratively solve problems and ensure prompt implementation of his directives.
Regarding his recent foreign missions, the Prime Minister will find time or issue a statement to inform the public about agreements or positions resulting from his roadshow promoting Thailand to global institutions, investors, and companies ready to invest in the country. This will be carried out tomorrow, 28 September.