Ratchaburi issues advance Cell Broadcast as “Je Setth” orders the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to prepare for rising Mae Klong River levels, warning vulnerable groups to ready for evacuation and accelerating flood barrier placement before risk areas are affected.
On 29 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Je Setth Thaisetth, Deputy Minister of Interior (MoI 3), instructed Ratchaburi province and related agencies to prepare for continuously rising water levels in the Mae Klong River, especially in low-lying areas and riverside communities, with close 24-hour monitoring.
At 12:00, an advance warning was sent via Cell Broadcast urging residents in low-lying and risk areas to prepare, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, patients, and disabled persons. They were advised to be ready to evacuate if ordered by authorities, to move belongings, electronics, important documents, and valuables to higher ground, prepare essential items, and plan evacuation routes in advance to reduce risks and potential losses.
Special monitoring areas include Tha Pha, Ban Pong, Photharam Municipality, and riverside communities along the Mae Klong in Ratchaburi. The province and agencies have prepared shelters and contingency plans for residents.
The rising water levels stem from increased inflows from Kanchanaburi province following water management at Vajiralongkorn and Srinakarin Dams, resulting in water masses flowing into tributaries and the Mae Klong River. Meanwhile, the Mae Klong Dam has increased its discharge to manage incoming water volumes.
Je Setth has ordered local agencies to expedite preventive measures before floodwaters reach communities. The DDPM has mobilized personnel, machinery, and equipment to construct flood barriers and reinforce defense points in risk areas to slow and prevent flooding of communities and key sites, while continuously monitoring water levels and assessing the situation.
At 13:00 today, Je Setth took a helicopter to Uthai Thani province to survey water conditions in the central river basin, from Chao Phraya Dam covering Uthai Thani and Chainat provinces, to evaluate water volumes, flow trends, and monitor areas potentially affected by rising water levels.
The aerial survey aims to assess the overall situation and provide data to support planning, response, and assistance efforts aligned with actual conditions on the ground. Relevant agencies are tasked with continuous monitoring from upstream through midstream to downstream areas.
Meanwhile, due to rising water levels, Ratchaburi has mobilized forces to urgently assist affected residents. Under the direction of Thitilak Khampa, Governor of Ratchaburi, along with Deputy Governor Phutthapong Suriyaseng and Chief District Officer Sutthipong Phutthantra, the Ratchaburi Special Operations Team has integrated with provincial volunteer defense forces to support those impacted by Mae Klong River overflows.
This proactive operation aims to prevent losses before the situation worsens. Ratchaburi has deployed staff to monitor water levels closely 24 hours a day and prepared forces and equipment to assist residents in disaster areas immediately.
Residents affected or needing disaster assistance can call the DDPM hotline at 1784, available 24 hours.