Yoschanan revealed that all sectors are mobilizing to tackle the flood areas, with the Irrigation Department accelerating water drainage and the Ministry of Defence deploying personnel to assist. He is confident the situation will improve within 1-5 days. Meanwhile, Watcharapol has instructed Or Tor Kor to open spaces to distribute agricultural products and assist farmers.
On 27 September 2026, Prof. Dr. Yoschanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), overseeing human capital development and agriculture, discussed flood response measures in central Thailand and Bangkok at the forum “Understanding Floods: Safe Homes, Organizations, and People Through Research and Innovation” held on the evening of 26 September 2026. Organized by the Hub of Talents for Disaster Management under the National Research Council of Thailand, he disclosed government integration efforts following a meeting with the Prime Minister and related officials. The Minister of Defence has fully committed personnel to assist affected communities.
Regarding water management, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is fully engaged in water drainage. At the Irrigation Department’s water diversion points leading to the Chao Phraya River, it was found that water from Rangsit Canal can flow into the river by gravity within about 2-3 hours. However, during high water levels, pumps are required. Prof. Dr. Yoschanan inspected approximately 20 pumps at these locations, finding about 70% in operation, and emphasized immediate repair or replacement for any faulty units. He also instructed that sufficient expert technicians be on standby for emergencies. The Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives has also visited various sites to oversee pump operations.
“If water diversion works well there, areas like Don Mueang and Pathum Thani zones will drain faster. If rainfall stops today, some flooded areas should clear in 1-2 days, and in worst cases, no more than 3-5 days. For Lat Krabang and inner Bangkok areas, the BMA has established response plans and preparations,” he stated.
Additionally, regarding care for citizens and students, the Permanent Secretary of MHESI issued a circular to universities to ensure welfare and safety for students and staff. Each institution is to consider adjusting teaching methods for the upcoming Monday, prioritizing safety.
At the same time, the Hub of Talents was tasked with disseminating knowledge on safety, behavior, and health care during floods. They also advise the public to monitor integrated water situation information from the Meteorological Department, the Hydro-Informatic Institute, and Big Data systems via the website thaiwater.net to support informed decision-making and effective response.
Deputy Agriculture Minister Watcharapol Khawkhum, addressing the flood situation, assigned the Agricultural Marketing Organization (Or Tor Kor) to prepare assistance measures for farmers and citizens affected by flooding. Or Tor Kor Market in Chatuchak will open special areas throughout the flood period to distribute and sell affected agricultural products, increasing sales channels and reducing product losses for farmers.
He also instructed Or Tor Kor to establish donation points for supplies and essential items to aid flood victims. These will serve as centers for collecting and forwarding assistance appropriately and comprehensively. For provinces, Or Tor Kor was tasked to consider using available spaces in Nakhon Sawan and Phitsanulok as shelters and support centers for people impacted by flooding.
