Anutin Chanvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, has issued policies to the Ministry of Interior emphasizing swift flood problem-solving and relief efforts. He stresses deep, long-term development rather than just short-term fixes, ordering Phuket to expedite the removal of rocks, soil, and mud. Floodwaters have receded, but warnings of heavy rain remain.
On 26 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Anutin Chanvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, chaired a meeting to advance key missions of the Ministry of Interior. Present were Deputy Ministers Polpeer Suwanchawi (Interior Minister 2) and Worasit Liangprasit (Interior Minister 4), Permanent Secretary Atthit Sampanrat, senior ministry executives, and provincial governors nationwide joining via video conference.
The Prime Minister said the Ministry of Interior is prioritizing many issues, especially floods, relief efforts, drug problems, foreign land holdings or nominees, and citizens' livelihoods. He instructed that all actions be swift, transparent, and focused on development—not just temporary fixes. After resolving immediate problems, there must be concrete long-term improvement plans to prevent recurrence, such as flood relief data management, verification, and streamlined compensation processes to ensure funds reach people promptly.
He praised officials for their full support during the late September floods in many provinces. Relief funding used emergency central budget funds reserved before the fiscal year's end, enabling rapid compensation. Previously, payouts waited until floods receded or full surveys were completed by province before transferring funds. Learning from past difficulties, governors declared disaster zones to accelerate surveys, speeding all procedures significantly.
Going forward, relief will be provided through the nationwide disaster insurance program initiated by the government, allowing quick damage surveys and faster payments to citizens. This insurance covers home repairs and death compensation. He stressed that insurance payouts are per incident, not annually, urging local authorities to prepare management systems to implement these measures. Since the policy took effect on 1 Oct 2026, the Ministry of Interior can coordinate with insurers to expedite payments to affected people.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the urgent need to prepare for flood risks in southern high-risk areas. He urged immediate improvements compared to last year’s response, warning against waiting for disasters before acting, which only results in repeated outcomes. He called on all provincial governors to be fully prepared to prevent chaos in case of floods.
He ordered Phuket authorities to speed up clearing rocks, soil, and mud as floodwaters have subsided but warned that heavy rain continues.
Meanwhile, Ms. Ploytale Laksamee Sangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, stated that continuous heavy rain in Phuket from 25 to 26 Oct 2026 GMT+7 caused floods at multiple locations due to poor drainage and flash floods from a 50-year mountain storm. Rocks, soil, and mud flowed onto roads and homes. The Prime Minister has directed all local agencies to urgently assist, deploying personnel and equipment to clean debris, remove waste, and alleviate residents’ hardships from flooding.
As of 08:00, there is no longer standing floodwater; only mud and rock debris remain. Authorities are clearing the area. Phuket and related agencies continue close monitoring and coordinated relief efforts to help affected residents and restore the area. People are advised to stay alert, keep belongings elevated, and follow official updates closely due to ongoing heavy rain, flash flood, and landslide warnings.
Patong Municipality has opened a relief center and shelters for flood victims, with facilities including Patong Municipality Office, Wat Suwannakeereewong School, and Patong Bay Hill Hotel. A 24-hour emergency hotline is available at 0 7634 2600 for those needing urgent assistance or support during the floods.
. Ms. Ploytale added, "The Prime Minister has ordered rapid damage assessments and swift relief in accordance with official procedures. Residents needing additional help should contact district chiefs, subdistrict heads, village chiefs, local government executives, community leaders, or call the hotline 1784."