Prime Minister Anutin revealed that the Cabinet has approved special holidays on 28–29 September in four provinces, but the Cabinet will continue working without a break and will hold the usual Tuesday meeting. The government spokesperson will open a briefing center tomorrow on the water situation. Plans are in progress for the Chainat-Pasak-Gulf project to resolve recurrent flooding.
On 27 September 2026 at 16:00 at the Government House, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, stated that the Cabinet resolved to declare two special public holidays on 28-29 September in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Samut Prakan. Banks and the stock exchange will remain open to maintain connectivity with global capital markets. The Expressway Authority of Thailand and Don Mueang Tollway have cooperated by waiving toll fees for the public until midnight on 29 September. However, the Cabinet will not stop working. On 28 September, which is Thai National Flag Day, the Cabinet members will attend the flag-raising ceremony at Government House in the morning, then disperse to visit affected areas. The usual Cabinet meeting will be held on Tuesday, and supporting government agencies will continue their work as normal. When asked if the Prime Minister plans to visit other areas after National Flag Day, Anutin said he is planning site visits, as it is beneficial to assess areas where transport vehicles cannot reach but communities and businesses like restaurants exist. For example, during a morning visit, he purchased food from local vendors to distribute to people, helping local businesses. He emphasized this approach in the Cabinet meeting, stating that if expenditures are appropriate and explainable, actions may proceed. The Cabinet agreed with this, and if anyone disagrees, they will discuss it among themselves.
When asked if there will be a communication war room, Anutin said that on 28 September, the Prime Minister's Office spokesperson will open a briefing center on the situation, consolidating all communications to inform the public. Relevant parties wishing to communicate with the public will be invited to brief them. During this period, media are urged to help spread accurate information. Asked which areas require special attention, Anutin noted that based on forecasts, Kanchanaburi, Uthai Thani, and Tak provinces will face heavy rain. Early awareness has led to orders for provincial governors to coordinate with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and the Department of Local Administration to fully address the situation with full authority. The government will fully support these efforts. Although warnings have been issued continuously, sometimes the public does not understand technical terms. Anutin urged communication to be concise and clear to help people prepare, evacuate, and secure their belongings safely.
Asked about the assessment of teamwork among all agencies, Anutin said it is very good. The media can see that many agencies are cooperating. Bangkok operates as a special administrative area with its own laws, but this government has made clear understandings.
When asked as head of government whether he plans a major initiative to prevent recurrent flooding in Bangkok, Anutin said to wait for Tuesday (29 September), when the Cabinet meeting will review preparations by the National Economic and Social Development Council and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to present the Chainat-Pasak-Gulf project along with Bang Ban, Bang Sai, and Eastern Chao Phraya projects. These three to four routes will be developed under this government. Had these projects started earlier, they would be nearly halfway done by now. Funds currently used for disaster relief could have been invested in these projects, helping reduce water volume. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yossanan Wongsawat has studied and proposed building retention basins and reservoirs. Projects involving "retention basins" are unquestionably effective, based on the ingenuity of King Rama IX. These projects require courage and careful planning. Personally, I intend to proceed because I recognize their importance since serving as Minister of Interior, though I couldn't act due to limited authority. Now I can, and I won't miss this opportunity. The aim is to provide a long-term solution to prevent floods like this from recurring. I acknowledge these projects won't be completed within my government’s term as they require about seven years, but if we do not start now, that time will only decrease. Starting these projects is courageous but necessary. If we do nothing, future governments will be blamed, but the people suffer the most. Within our authority, we intend to act.
Reporters note that the Chainat-Pasak-Gulf project will cost 160 billion baht over eight years, averaging over 10 billion baht annually. The Eastern Chao Phraya project will cost another 90 billion baht. These projects will be presented for Cabinet approval on 29 September.