Bangkok: The Cabinet has approved a central budget of 370,390,200 baht for the fiscal year 2025 to develop a comprehensive landslide and flash flood warning and surveillance system. This initiative, proposed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, aims to enhance disaster preparedness and response in areas prone to geological disasters.

According to Thai News Agency, the budget will be allocated to various components of the project. A significant portion, amounting to 310,840,000 baht, will be used to install 120 rock mass movement monitoring stations equipped with necessary technology. Additionally, 40,351,000 baht is designated for establishing a digital information system dedicated to landslide disasters. Another 19,199,200 baht is allocated for creating a network to enhance landslide disaster preparedness. The implementation will cover several provinces including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Tak, Mae Hong Son, Phrae, Nan, and others that are vulnerable to landslides.

The project is set to be completed within a year and aims to significantly improve early warning and evacuation efficiency in high-risk areas. The installation of soil mass movement monitoring devices in river basins classified as high to very high risk is expected to support timely policy decisions and risk management regarding geological disasters. This initiative is also anticipated to reduce losses impacting people’s lives, properties, and the broader economy, thereby increasing the security of residents in landslide and flash flood-prone areas.