Patthapong has instructed the Department of Airports to prepare southern airports for heavy rain after warnings of risk in 10 provinces. He emphasized integrating weather and water situation data with 24-hour monitoring, underscoring passenger safety as paramount.
On 25 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Patthapong Patraprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport, stated that according to the Meteorological Department's forecast, the south will experience continuous rain, with some areas seeing heavy to very heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, the National Water Resources Office (NWRO) has issued warnings to watch for flooding, flash floods, flash torrents, and landslides in 10 southern provinces—Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Satun, Yala, and Narathiwat—from 23 to 26 October 2026. Therefore, he has instructed the Department of Airports to ensure all southern airports under its jurisdiction prepare thoroughly, closely monitor the situation, and strictly adhere to safety standards.
Patthapong said he ordered airports to coordinate weather forecasts, warnings, and aviation meteorological information from the Meteorological Department alongside monitoring water situation data and flood forecasts from the NWRO, the Royal Irrigation Department, and local water agencies. They are also to coordinate with provincial offices and provincial disaster prevention agencies to jointly assess risks around the airports, surrounding areas, and access routes. Staff will monitor and report the situation 24 hours daily during the alert period. Preventive measures include checking and clearing drainage obstructions, ensuring readiness of water pumps, electrical systems, backup power, and necessary equipment. Continuous monitoring of rainfall, water levels inside and outside airports, and runway, taxiway, and apron conditions will enable timely prevention and response.
"Passenger and user safety must come first. If assessments determine that the area or facilities are unsafe for flight operations, restrictions or suspension of affected areas must be implemented as necessary, with coordination to issue notices to pilots according to procedures. Coordination with air traffic control, airlines, and relevant agencies will manage flights and passenger care, providing accurate, up-to-date information continuously," said Patthapong.
Danai Ruangsorn, Director-General of the Department of Airports, said preparations are underway at Narathiwat Airport, coordinating with Narathiwat province and the 17th Royal Irrigation Office to ready pumping and drainage systems. Plans to request additional water pumps are in progress, along with dredging approximately 4,110 meters of drainage channels to improve water flow and reduce flood risk at the airport. Other southern airports under the department have been instructed to review emergency response and service continuity plans, prepare personnel, equipment, and communication channels with local agencies, including air traffic control, Provincial Electricity Authority, disaster prevention offices, and airlines.
Additionally, earlier in October, he participated in a meeting on transport emergency preparedness with the Ministry of Transport to integrate monitoring and closely track water situations. They planned preventive measures to minimize impacts on passenger travel effectively, ensuring readiness to handle situations and provide appropriate passenger assistance.