Anutin emphasized that the government is mobilizing all units to fully assist the people, reserving the mid-2026 budget to aid disaster victims using the same criteria as other provinces after the Bangkok governor declared an emergency. He confirmed that the current focus is on helping the people, with government security matters being secondary to this effort.,
At 9:00 p.m. on 27 Sep 2026 GMT+7 at the Khlong Chan Housing Flats, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Chanvirakul spoke after visiting the flood situation there. He said he brought supplies to the residents, supported by assistance from multiple parties. The most important task now is to restore electricity supply to the buildings as much as possible.
When asked if citizens had conveyed any messages or hopes to him, Anutin said he listened to all and is working to address issues. The government is mobilizing forces from all sectors to alleviate citizens' distress, including nearby provinces. Provincial governors, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), and the Department of Local Administration are coordinating to manage and resolve the situation.
Asked whether this event shakes the government, Anutin replied that helping citizens fully is the priority. Government security is a secondary matter. He said all available resources must be mobilized to assist. He rejected politicizing the issue, noting that if they played politics, they could claim Bangkok is not their concern, which he does not do because everyone must help the people.
When asked if he would visit other flood-affected areas, the Prime Minister said follow-up visits are planned. He returned from abroad near noon, attended a special Cabinet meeting, then came to the site. Seeing the situation firsthand, he praised the Bangkok governor’s emergency declaration as very appropriate. The declaration requests reinforcements and provides a legal channel for government aid. Without it, they would have no entry point. Assistance and compensation will follow set rules. He will discuss with the Bangkok governor the criteria used for compensation so far. The Ministry of Interior and the government will align criteria for Bangkok with other provinces, focusing on citizens’ benefit.
Anutin added he recently spoke with the Budget Bureau Director about remaining mid-2026 central funds, ordering that budget be reserved. Next steps include damage assessment and listing eligible compensation recipients. Regarding insured vehicles, he said it is straightforward. During the Hat Yai floods, the Office of Insurance Commission coordinated to expedite insurance claims. He stressed planning for post-flood issues like waste management. Lessons learned from Hat Yai are being applied to restore normal conditions as quickly as possible.
When asked about citizens’ desire for quick water removal, the Prime Minister said the government wants to remove water as fast as possible. As explained, if no new water flows in, drainage must be expedited both naturally and by pumping from relevant agencies. Efforts will be accelerated. On Monday and Tuesday, 28 and 29 Sep 2026, although special public holidays, the Cabinet will continue working. Tomorrow, he will convene the Budget Bureau Director with the Ministry of Interior and DDPM chiefs to discuss enabling Bangkok to qualify for compensation like other provinces under the Ministry of Interior’s responsibility. Previously, the Ministry handled all provinces except Bangkok. Now, with the emergency declaration, the Ministry will apply the same compensation rules to Bangkok. All citizens are Thai; there is no discrimination. The legal provisions now fully allow government entry for aid.