Bangkok: “Phradon” presided over the first meeting of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and revealed that the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces is preparing to divide the area of responsibility. He stated that the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has already jumped power to Hat Yai Hospital and transferred over 80% of critically ill patients to Prince of Songkla University Hospital. He also stated that he plans to add more oxygen tanks to Hat Yai Hospital. He also indicated that flat-bottomed boats and jet skis with drivers are needed, and he is working to find additional shelters.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Paradorn Prisananantakul, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office and Director of the Flood Emergency Operations Center (FOC), addressed the flood situation in the southern region, which has led to public confusion regarding the work of officials. He stated that the government has begun data management today. Last night, the FOC had gathered information from public complaints filed through various channels, including the 1784 and 1111 hotlines, as well as jitasa.care. Many citizens have also contacted various agencies. Therefore, a centralized center is needed to gather all the information and filter it. This center will consolidate all information, including from networked local administrative organizations. Local administrative organizations will coordinate with local administrative organization presidents, kamnans, and village headmen to scan each subdistrict under their responsibility to determine the number of affected individuals and areas.
Today, at the Supreme Command meeting, it was announced who is responsible for each zone. Once this center receives the information, it will know who to coordinate with. The yellow and red information will then be forwarded to the forward command centers in each zone, which will be responsible. Equipment including ships, helicopters, vehicles, and even larger drones are currently being contacted. If the Army or Air Force has drones capable of transporting relief supplies, they will use every means possible to reach the population as quickly as possible.
Additionally, Deputy Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen has been stationed at the Air Force Museum, awaiting public donations and those wishing to deliver relief supplies to disaster victims. The government has coordinated with the Air Force to deploy a C-130 aircraft to the South, departing from Bangkok five times to transport essential items, particularly jet skis and boats.
As for the evacuation center, the main one is currently at Prince of Songkla University. We know that the number of flood victims is increasing, so many essential supplies are still in short supply. We may have to bring them from Bangkok to help. The government is ready to donate supplies to those interested in helping. Currently, what’s needed are flat-bottomed boats with engines and drivers, and jet skis. We already have a sufficient number, but the more we have, the more people we can help.
When asked about the current situation, how many red cases are awaiting assistance in the area, Mr. Paradorn said that information is being gathered to gradually send out all assistance today. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Colonel Thammanat Prompao is still in the area.
When asked about the centralized information center, which has faced criticism from the public, particularly regarding the evacuation plan, as people await government assistance, Mr. Paradorn stated that he understands this and is expediting the process. The center was established yesterday afternoon following the Cabinet’s decision to declare a state of emergency and establish it immediately. The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces also visited the area, along with representatives from all sectors. He believes that today, the system will be clearly visible and information will be quickly filtered to mobilize all personnel to assist stranded people.
Regarding the flood response plan in Songkhla city, Mr. Paradorn stated that it’s not just Songkhla or Sathing Phra, but also in Phatthalung and Satun provinces, which are currently experiencing similar hardship. Yesterday, he coordinated with the provincial governor and MPs to inform the public that if possible, they should evacuate the area so that assistance can be centralized at evacuation centers.
Regarding reports that Hat Yai Hospital is experiencing problems with medical personnel and patients, Mr. Paradorn stated that late last night, he inquired with Mr. Phatthana Promphat, Minister of Public Health. Regarding the power supply at Hat Yai Hospital, he has coordinated with the Provincial Electricity Authority, who has successfully restored the power. Regarding cases requiring evacuation and patient transfers, 80% of the patients were transferred yesterday, and they will be transferred to Songklanagarind Hospital. He expects that all patients in need of transfer will be depleted by today. Oxygen tanks have been prepared and transported via Royal Rainmaking Department aircraft, which are on standby at Hat Yai Hospital. Today, the Deputy Minister of Defense coordinated with the Royal Thai Army to transport additional oxygen tanks. Each person uses approximately 10 tanks per day, so at least 500-600 tanks will be transported per day. Army vehicles have been prepared for transport, and coordination has b
een made to provide oxygen support to Hat Yai Hospital.