Prime Minister Anutin visited the community along Prem Canal; residents shouted "Too rich to handle," requesting mobile toilets and more food. He used personal funds to buy fishball snacks, made-to-order meals, and noodle dishes to distribute within the community.
At 11:30 a.m. on 27 Sep 2026, following a press conference, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also Minister of Interior, and his team visited the flood-affected Ruam Phatthana community along Prem Prachakorn Canal in Bang Khen district. They traveled from Don Mueang Airport on a high-clearance vehicle from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. The PM wore a white polo shirt with a dragon pattern, which he had on since the flight, paired with black trousers and sneakers for the visit.
Upon arrival, residents shouted "Too rich to handle" and urged the PM to wade through the flooded area, even saying they would carry him by boat to see the living conditions firsthand. When the PM’s team heard this, they informed him. The PM then went to speak directly with the group. Residents requested mobile toilets because daily life was difficult during the flooding. The PM asked if there were elderly people living in the community and advised that if so, they should move to a shelter since the flood area is difficult to live in and poses risks of disease. He said that Bangkok authorities would arrange mobile toilets.
Another group of residents complained to the PM that the food distributed on 26 Sep was insufficient. In response, the PM called the Defence Minister to order the setup of a mobile kitchen at the community. Afterwards, the PM visited a fishball shop and personally paid 3,000 baht for fishballs to be distributed in the community. He also bought from a made-to-order food shop for 10,000 baht and a noodle shop for 5,000 baht, instructing that the food be distributed locally. He noted that waiting for the mobile kitchen might take too long and asked the community to manage the food from these vendors in the meantime.
The PM then proceeded to Bang Khen School shelter (Waisalee Anusorn) in Talat Bang Khen subdistrict, Lak Si district, Bangkok, to donate supplies and meet with residents, distributing survival bags to those at the shelter.
In an interview after the visit regarding a special Cabinet meeting this afternoon about declaring a public holiday, the Prime Minister said he had not yet set a date. The decision depends on the Cabinet and legal review. Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt is currently reviewing legal matters to present to the Cabinet for declaring a public holiday, which requires Cabinet resolution. Once declared, the same decision will apply uniformly without differentiating schools or government offices. He cited concern for people summoned to report on 28 Sep who cannot attend due to flooding, which would legally be an offense and unfair; an official announcement will address this. Civil servants involved will not get the day off.
Asked about relief criteria, Anutin said they remain as before, following existing laws and regulations. During today’s visit, residents spoke about inconveniences. The government must provide facilities such as food and medicine and explain the situation to residents. Some still care for their homes and refuse to leave. However, they try to persuade elderly and bedridden patients without caregivers to move to shelters where staff provide full care.
When asked about complaints that government warnings came late, Anutin said he checked with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and Ministry of Interior. The orders were not late but the content was technical and hard to understand. He instructed the Digital Economy Minister and Meteorological Department Director since being in London to use clearer language. Flooding has already occurred, causing hardship, so the government must provide assistance. Rain continues, but he hopes it will not continue today. Relevant agencies will expedite water drainage as much as possible. Areas with deep flooding are low-lying. Residents with flood-damaged vehicles and insurance should report to the Office of Insurance Commission promptly. He will emphasize this at the Cabinet meeting.
Asked about public calls for him to take responsibility as Prime Minister, Anutin said they are fulfilling their duties fully, allocating all available resources to resolve the situation. Many areas have improved. At the Prem Prachakorn Canal site, encroachment has caused many problems—the once-wide canal has narrowed. This is a major cause of flooding. The government has laws, but has been lenient. If such problems occur every year, he will enforce the law fully.
,"text":"" "I am doing my best. I feel regret, concern, and care deeply for the people and am trying to solve problems as much as possible."