The Prime Minister has ordered the expedited transfer of flood relief funds within this week after the Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported transferring 4.7 billion baht to the Government Savings Bank. He stressed that disbursement should not wait for recovery completion and instructed provincial governors to oversee shelter centers while accelerating water drainage to prepare for increased rainfall.
At 08:30 on 5 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul chaired the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command meeting to monitor flood situations and aid efforts. He urged related agencies to promptly assist affected residents, accelerate relief payments, and prepare for increased rainfall expected this week. Ministers and relevant agencies attended the meeting.
Anutin stated that this week, increased rainfall is forecast across all regions of Thailand, including Bangkok, with particularly heavy rains in the south. The Meteorological Department will provide continuous updates. With rising rain and water levels, water drainage may not follow plans, so areas capable of accelerating drainage should act immediately. He emphasized all agencies use the same data on rainfall, upstream water, drainage, and sea levels to create clear maps for dissemination to districts and communities.
If any area needs to adjust plans or requires boats or water pumps, they should notify the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation for support coordination. Risk areas must care for residents, especially vulnerable groups, and prepare routes, vehicles, and evacuation plans to ensure safety until residents can return home securely.
Anutin also instructed the Ministry of Public Health to manage medical supplies and medicines, especially those preventing and treating diseases related to flooding, ensuring sufficient and equitable distribution to affected areas. In areas where water levels are receding, cleanup, waste collection, and water system restoration should proceed immediately without waiting for complete drying. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will coordinate a big cleaning schedule, and related agencies are urged to facilitate and support this effort.
He further emphasized the establishment and management of evacuation centers, requiring provincial governors to collaborate with Provincial Administrative Organization chiefs to mobilize local resources and networks to fully assist residents.
Anutin said that during his visit to Prachinburi Province yesterday, he observed persistent flooding in many areas requiring additional evacuations due to the unresolved situation. Stagnant water is becoming foul and emitting unpleasant odors, necessitating continuous care for residents in these areas.
“Collaboration is highly beneficial because Provincial Administrative Organizations have networks and resources to support aid efforts, while the government is ready to provide support. Provincial governors must manage and ensure adequate budgeting,” he said.
Anutin continued that for provinces declared disaster areas, prompt use of advance government funds is urged to maximize benefits in caring for residents at shelters, ensuring their convenience and quality of life as much as possible. He acknowledged shelters cannot match the comfort of home but requested responsible agencies to provide essential basics, especially clean toilets and bathrooms. With many residents, cleaning demands increase, so governors should prioritize sanitation and consider special compensation for cleaning staff to motivate and ensure thorough care.
“This must be done attentively because unclean toilets and bathrooms can become sources of disease and unpleasant odors, affecting not only residents and staff but also food preparation areas and ingredients,” he added.
Additionally, Anutin requested Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Arsit Sampanrat to expedite coordination and monitoring of flood relief registration after its opening. He urged swift verification and completion to allow immediate phased payments to qualified individuals.
Anutin emphasized that relief payments should not wait for the completion of area recovery. Once eligibility and documentation are verified, payments should proceed in sequence without waiting for all areas to be checked. The budget for assistance was allocated in 2026. “Pay as soon as possible, even daily if needed, so people receive funds quickly,” he said.
Meanwhile, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Nirath Pongsitthaworn reported that 4.7 billion baht has been transferred to the Government Savings Bank. Communities or districts that have completed verification and data compilation can immediately disburse funds to residents.
The Prime Minister reiterated at the meeting that by the end of this week, the first batch of relief payments should have reached the people.