"Je Seth" is ready to explain anywhere, just asking not to use false information, after the Democratic Party plans to file an administrative lawsuit accusing Bangkok and the DDPM of flawed flood response. He counters by asking where the delay occurred and argues strongly that there were no shortcomings.
At 12:50 p.m. on 27 Oct 2026 at the Government House, Je Seth Thaiset, Deputy Minister of Interior overseeing the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), commented on the Democratic Party’s plan to sue Bangkok, the DDPM, and related government agencies for alleged mismanagement of water control in Bangkok. He said, “Go ahead and sue; let it be settled in court. If you have doubts, just ask—I have no problem. I want real information, though. Don’t spread misinformation. Ask and I’m ready to answer anytime, anywhere. Regarding the DDPM, I’m prepared to respond. Since I took office, point out exactly where I have fallen short or not tried hard enough. But don’t claim that we have all performed poorly because I believe we have exceeded our capabilities, giving our full effort and best ability. The situation is visible as it is.”
When asked about perceptions that DDPM’s assistance was delayed, Je Seth replied, “Where exactly was the help late? I ask, where?” Regarding examples like water pumps being deployed late, he said, “There was no fault with the pumps. I strongly dispute that. Anyone who wants to argue with me, please do. The DDPM never refused any requests from any province, never refused any matter. Whatever Bangkok requested, we provided fully. Other provinces also got everything they requested and sometimes even more. I have clear evidence. I can show it today. I believe everyone is fulfilling their duties to the fullest.”
Asked about criticisms of delayed warnings, Je Seth admitted, “I acknowledge there are gaps in the warning system, but I can explain everything. We have tried our best to improve it as much as possible to cover all areas.” When pressed whether this issue is being overly politicized, Je Seth laughed and said, “Let’s just watch and see. It’s up to them.”
When asked if he needs to prepare this issue for an upcoming no-confidence debate, Je Seth said, “I’m ready and have all the information prepared.” Asked if he can handle the Democratic Party’s challenge, he said, “I don’t fight anyone. Everyone has their capabilities. I confront the truth. Let’s discuss the facts. We have evidence to support our work; it depends if people want to acknowledge it.”
Prepared to handle floods in the South.
Je Seth also spoke about flood situations in the South, saying the region is fully prepared. “We know when the rain will come and have planned for future situations involving measuring stations, landslides, and rainfall amounts to cover streams and risk points. The DDPM will request additional budget to implement technology to reduce reliance on manpower.”
When asked if the South will avoid damages like in previous events, Je Seth said, “We must monitor the situation closely. Currently, we are on highest alert. All agencies responsible for monitoring—including the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior—are closely tracking developments hour by hour. On 31 Oct 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, as chairman of the committee on flood and drought prevention in the South, will visit the area to accelerate readiness and monitoring efforts.”
Asked about flooding in Phuket province, Je Seth said, “We are continuously monitoring. The area is now in recovery. On the afternoon of 27 Oct, I will visit Phuket to expedite the use of the National Catastrophe Insurance so that local officials, who may not fully understand the system, can be assisted. This will help affected residents receive compensation as quickly as possible.”