Prime Minister Anutin Chanvirakul convened the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command, stressing preparations for rainfall from 4 to 10 October, particularly in the central region. He revealed discussions with the Fourth Army Area Commander to unite efforts with the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Front and provincial governors to prepare for southern rainfall, urging commitment to assist citizens without paying attention to disparaging comments causing disruption.
At 09:00 hrs on 3 October 2026 at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), Prime Minister and Defense Minister Anutin Chanvirakul chaired a meeting of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command (NDPMC) to monitor flood situations and coordinate assistance for flood victims. Attending were Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Akiniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Sutthumpan, Defense Minister General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Pradorn Prissanantakul, Deputy Interior Minister Jeset Thaiset, Permanent Secretary of the Interior Atsit Sampanrat, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, Interior Ministry executives, and military commanders.
Before the meeting, the Prime Minister thanked everyone for their cooperation in monitoring and responding to flood situations and assisting citizens. Despite it being a holiday, all participants came together promptly. He said that if citizens understand the government’s concern and attention during this situation, it would boost their confidence and reduce their anxiety knowing that state agencies are monitoring and assisting.
The Prime Minister noted this was the fourth consecutive meeting. He emphasized the need to work without breaks during flood crises. Overall, the situation is gradually improving, especially with intensified water drainage efforts from flooded areas in Bangkok, surrounding provinces, and other affected areas mainly in the central and western regions.
Anutin stated that preparations must focus on weather forecasts from the Meteorological Department, which predict increased rainfall starting 4 October through the week until about 10 October. Positively, the forecast shows moderate rain in the northeast and north, while the central region faces heavier rain. Satellite images reveal a large intense red-colored weather system over the South China Sea moving through Vietnam into Indochina, expected to reach Thailand between 4 and 10 October.
The Prime Minister said regarding forecasts that he expected Meteorological Department representatives to update them but noted he had not seen the Director of the Meteorological Department. He asked whether the Director was still in the country. Deputy Director Nattawut Dandi, acting Director of the Meteorological Department, responded that the Director had retired on 30 September, and he was acting in his place.
The Prime Minister replied, “Okay, thank you very much. I thought he wouldn’t come. There was some minor criticism about the Meteorological Department’s warnings, but we don’t mind. We work together as one team. The responsibility for disseminating information lies with this command center, which helps reduce pressure on the Meteorological Department. It’s important to explain that weather forecasts may not be 100% accurate. If we understand this, communication to the public will be more effective. I appreciate the acting Director’s presence.”
The Prime Minister added that attention must be focused on the southern region. He said he recently communicated with the Fourth Army Area Commander, with whom he has a good relationship, instructing him to prepare and coordinate with the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Front and all provincial governors to be ready for prevention, relief, care, and potential evacuation of people.
Anutin said rainfall is still present, such as in Bangkok where heavy rain is expected in the afternoons, but so far it has not affected water drainage or added burdens. He urged accelerating water discharge from flooded areas as quickly as possible.
Regarding assistance to citizens with supplies and food in hard-to-reach areas, he acknowledged that all relevant agencies, private sectors, and volunteers have been actively involved. After the meeting on 3 October, he planned to inspect water management and drainage from Chainat province down through central provinces to assess water levels and trends.
The Prime Minister said the command center would continue daily meetings with constant updates. He reiterated a message to all provincial governors and relevant officials to inform the public about household insurance programs covering all disaster types—not only floods but also storms and earthquakes. The DDPM Director had already sent summaries to all governors. He urged them to thoroughly understand the information and clarify any uncertainties before public dissemination.
He thanked everyone again for their cooperation, noting that the integrated mobilization of equipment, machinery, pumps, and assistance had been fully deployed to affected areas, improving effectiveness in resolving the situation. He urged everyone to remain focused on helping citizens without paying attention to bullying, disputes, or derogatory remarks causing disruption. He expressed confidence that their dedicated work is leading the situation toward normalization. Preparations must continue to address the increasing rainfall expected this week.
