The Ministry of Public Health orders a minimum 7-day medicine reserve and 10-day food supply, plans upgrades to power supply and oxygen provision, warns of electric shock and leakage risks after floodwaters recede. In Bangkok, water drainage in Romklao Housing side alleys is accelerating, with nearly 49,000 people registered for relief aid.
6 Oct 2026 GMT+7 Dr. Sophon Iamsirithaworn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, joined a press briefing at the Government Information Center during the flood crisis at the Nareesamorn Building, stating that a survey of 157 health facilities across 23 flood-affected provinces found 88 fully operational, 14 partially closed, and 55 temporarily closed. The Ministry is providing proactive medical services and supporting over 235,132 medical supplies, with medical teams stationed at shelters caring for vulnerable populations.
Dr. Sophon added that overall, 88,664 vulnerable individuals in shelters and homes have been assisted, mostly elderly, followed by children, bedridden patients, and people with disabilities. They are cared for by rotating Ministry medical teams. Chronic patients, including 663 dialysis patients, continue to receive scheduled treatment. Services necessary for patients remain continuous, appropriate, and accessible.
For areas at risk of future flooding, the Ministry collaborates with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Ministry of Interior, and other agencies to maintain registries of bedridden patients, arrange transport for those unable to care for themselves, and monitor patients requiring home oxygen and chronic medication. Medication delivery and patient visits are organized for hard-to-reach patients. All shelters maintain sanitation and environmental controls to prevent and manage disease and support mental health, providing toilet paper in flood-isolated areas. Influenza vaccinations are also given at shelters.
Regarding weather forecasts of additional rain in the south next week, Dr. Sophon said the Ministry of Public Health is preparing based on lessons learned from last year's major flood in Hat Yai District. Preparations include advance patient transport arrangements, drills for patient transfers, alternative transport routes, and stockpiling medicines and supplies for at least one week. Upgrades have been made to power, communication, and oxygen systems. Food reserves can last up to 10 days, drinking water and oxygen for at least 7 days. Communication systems like radios and satellite phones are enhanced, and plans are in place for acute accident patients.
Dr. Sophon also urged the public to stay informed with up-to-date information, especially about preventing leptospirosis—a waterborne disease. People entering flooded areas should be cautious to avoid water contact, clean and inspect wounds, and seek medical attention if experiencing high fever, headache, red eyes, or jaundice. He also advised on diarrhea prevention by eating freshly cooked food, handwashing, and maintaining clean toilets.
Another major risk and cause of death after drowning is electric shock, one of the top four fatal causes. Electric shocks can come from public streetlight poles or household appliances with wires submerged in water. As recovery begins and people return home, using wet electrical appliances poses a risk of electric leakage.
Bangkok is accelerating drainage in Romklao Housing side alleys; nearly 50,000 people have registered for relief aid.
Ms. Lalida Pertwattana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, said that in Bangkok, some roads remain flooded, including Chalong Krung Road, which the public should avoid. In Romklao Housing community, Lat Krabang, as of 5 Oct, Bangkok aimed to reduce water levels by 25 cm per day, exceeding targets. Water levels now allow mobility with only minor flooding in side alleys, expected to drain within 2-3 days. Heavy rains on 5 Oct in Min Buri, Nong Chok, Prawet, and Saphan Sung districts prompted accelerated drainage. Water drainage is ongoing in Sai Mai and Orn Ngern, with plans to open water gates to assist drainage from Pathum Thani Province.
Mr. Kriangkrai Siwasiriyangkul, Director of Water Quality Management Operations at the Bangkok Water Management Office, said that overall main roads in Bangkok are improving. Concerns remain about some side alleys in Romklao Housing with standing water. If residents experience issues, especially odors, Bangkok will apply biological agents to alleviate smells. As water recedes, accumulated waste will be addressed. Bangkok has a waste collection registration website, and district offices, the Drainage Office, and Environment Office collaborate on-site to manage leftover debris.
Regarding relief aid registration, Mr. Kriangkrai said that currently, flood victims have registered online throughthe website claim.bangkok.go.thwith 49,218 registered as of 08:30 on 6 Oct 2026 GMT+7. Registrations are highest in Lat Krabang, Bang Kapi, and Sai Mai districts. Applicants can request multiple types of aid, with the most requested being living expenses, home repairs, equipment costs, and business capital.
Currently, the system allows applicants to check the status of their requests online. Registration is open both online and at district offices, with online available 24 hours and districts open during official hours. Required documents for district office registration include ID card and house registration copy; photocopies are not mandatory as staff assist with copying on-site.