Thammanat signals to the Royal Irrigation Department that water management must be systematic and advises reinstating previously established plans to cope, urging against starting over each time leadership changes.
On 29 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Captain Thammanat Prompao, leader of the Kla Tham Party and chairman of the Thammanat Prompao Charity Foundation, spoke about flooding across many areas nationwide. He noted that many people remain severely affected in communities, agricultural zones, and homes continuously flooded. Therefore, he ordered his foundation’s team to promptly monitor the situation and provide full assistance to those impacted.
When asked about water management strategies, as a former Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives who oversaw the Royal Irrigation Department, Captain Thammanat emphasized that water management is crucial. Both main and tributary waterways require planned, systematic command to efficiently control water volumes and minimize impacts on residents in vulnerable areas.
"What I have always stressed is that caring for and assisting people is vital. Management and command must be systematic," said Captain Thammanat, who also conveyed a message to the Royal Irrigation Department: many personnel have experience working together before, so he wants them to continue the approaches and plans already made—especially the water management plans for Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and surrounding areas, which have clearly established systems. These plans should not be halted simply due to personnel changes.
"Don’t forget the policies I once set regarding water management in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and related areas. We had clear plans outlining what needed to be done. These should be presented to new management. It’s not right to restart everything when leadership changes. Good policies should be continued because the main goal is to solve problems for the people," Captain Thammanat reiterated.
Additionally, the Kla Tham Party leader added that solving water problems does not always require new projects. Thailand already has significant knowledge, especially the royal initiatives of King Rama IX on water management. Numerous projects under these initiatives can be immediately adapted—particularly increasing water storage areas of all sizes, from tiny to large, to serve as reservoirs for rainwater and upstream water. This helps enhance the ability to slow heavy rainfall, preventing water from flooding into communities.
Currently, the Thammanat Prompao Charity Foundation continues to rapidly distribute aid nationwide, including food, drinking water, survival kits, medicines, and essential items. They coordinate with local agencies to reach difficult areas, prioritizing vulnerable groups, the elderly, patients, and people with disabilities. They also plan comprehensive assistance covering both flood relief and post-flood recovery to help people return to normal life as quickly as possible.