Je Setth, Deputy Minister of Interior, visited Rayong Province to prepare a long-term flood response plan, ordered protection of Klaeng Hospital, and emphasized readiness in patient care, medication, and water supply to ensure preparedness.
On 21 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Je Setth Thai Setth, Deputy Minister of Interior, visited Klaeng District, Rayong Province, to monitor the flood situation, listen to residents' hardships, and distribute relief bags to mitigate flood impacts. He instructed related agencies to prepare for ongoing situations, particularly focusing on protecting Klaeng Hospital from flooding, maintaining public health systems, and ensuring the continuity of utility services.
At a meeting held at Klaeng District Office, Je Setth received flood situation reports from provincial and related agencies. Attendees included Rayong Governor Traiphop Wongtrairat, Klaeng District Chief, Inspector of the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, Head of Rayong Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, and other relevant government officials.
Je Setth stated that the Prime Minister emphasized flood management focused on prevention to address problems systematically and sustainably over the long term, rather than only providing aid after damage occurs. Therefore, all agencies must urgently assess risks, plan prevention measures, and prepare for potentially more severe future scenarios.
"I am concerned that future conditions may be more severe than current ones. I urge all agencies to prepare comprehensive response plans, especially regarding population evacuation. Should the situation worsen, there must be clear plans defining responsibilities and how to ensure public safety," he said.
Je Setth further emphasized the special importance of Klaeng Hospital as a key health facility serving the public. He called for coordinated planning among relevant agencies to comprehensively manage health services—from patient care, evacuation plans if necessary, continuous medication management, to preventing floodwaters from entering hospital grounds—to maintain safe and uninterrupted medical services even during emergencies.
He also urged responsible agencies to promptly assess the need for budget support for flood prevention measures around Klaeng Hospital, considering risk conditions and urgency to ensure effective protection and minimize disruption to health services.
"Beyond patient care, please fully support medical personnel—including doctors, nurses, and all staff—as they are essential in caring for the public during crises. They must be prepared in terms of safety and operations to allow the health system to continue functioning," he added.
In addition, Je Setth instructed the Provincial Waterworks Authority to closely monitor water production and distribution systems, ensuring readiness to provide continuous service during floods. Efforts should be accelerated to resolve any issues that may affect water production and distribution, so the public can maintain access to clean water essential for daily life.
After the meeting, Je Setth and his team visited Ban Na Subdistrict in Klaeng District, distributing 50 survival kits to residents at Nong Rajet Temple. They inspected damage to Krasae Bon Bridge caused by flooding to monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant agencies to find solutions. They then proceeded to distribute another 50 survival kits at Thung Kwai Kin Subdistrict Administrative Organization to alleviate residents' hardships.
This visit focused on both immediate assistance to residents and preparing for future risks. All agencies were urged to integrate efforts closely in flood prevention, hospital and medical personnel care, evacuation planning, and maintaining public utilities, to ensure comprehensive care for the public and effective response to potentially worsening situations.
