Arsit Sampantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, announced Anutin, in his capacity as Commander of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, has directed all provincial governors to strengthen early warning systems and expedite disaster response measures.
According to the Thai Meteorological Department, from mid-October onwards, the southern region will come under the influence of the northeast monsoon, while the monsoon trough will shift to cover the lower Central, Eastern and upper Southern regions.
Tropical cyclones are also expected to approach Thailand, potentially bringing flash floods, mudslides and river overflows to several areas.
Of note, Phuket was hit with a fast storm late yesterday, and PhuketMet, the local branch of Thai Meteorological Department, is forecasting more heavy rains coming from the northeast.
Mr Anutin’s directive outlined five key measures for all 14 provinces ‒ especially Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan ‒ to implement immediately:
- Continuous monitoring: Provincial authorities must track rainfall, runoff and reservoir levels, and assess risks in residential areas, economic zones, riversides, coastal areas and foothills to establish localised disaster prevention and response plans.
- Enhanced early warning systems: Officials are to improve communication through all available channels, including village broadcast towers, community radio, social media, local volunteer networks and local administrative leaders, to ensure residents receive timely alerts and can prepare accordingly.
- Infrastructure readiness: Local authorities are to clear drains, canals and waterways, install flood barriers and prepare heavy machinery in advance to respond quickly in flood-prone areas. Coastal provinces are to coordinate with the Marine Department, Royal Thai Navy and Marine Police to ensure boat safety, ban navigation during severe conditions and warn tourists to avoid water activities during strong waves. National parks and natural attractions at risk are to be closed as necessary.
- Emergency response: In the event of flooding or other disasters, civil, military, police and volunteer teams will be mobilised to evacuate residents, provide essential supplies, medical care and traffic management, and assess damage for rapid relief and restoration.
- Post-disaster recovery: Once conditions improve, officials must conduct comprehensive assessments of damages to homes, farmland and infrastructure, and provide assistance according to Ministry of Interior guidelines.
Mr Arsit said the Ministry remains deeply concerned for residents throughout the South and in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan, where heavy rains and changing weather patterns are expected to continue.
He urged people in at-risk areas to remain alert and to contact the 24-hour Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Hotline at 1784 for emergency assistance.