Hat yai: Prime Minister Anutin is preparing to declare a state of emergency to address severe flooding in the southern region of Thailand. Thammanat and Big Lek will attend a conference in Hat Yai to establish a unified command center to coordinate aid distribution. The Royal Thai Army has bolstered its resources by deploying navy ships as evacuation centers and sending divers to assist residents in high-risk areas.
According to Thai News Agency, General Nattapol Nakphanit, the Minister of Defense, visited the Forward Defense Disaster Relief Center at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters in Khlong Hoi Khong District, Songkhla Province. The mission was to assess the flood situation and identify the needs for support, including the operations of engineers and special rescue teams. These operations will back the Center for Water Management in Natural Disasters, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Captain Thammanat Prompao.
Colonel Thammanat, Ms. Nattariya Thaweewong, Mr. Winaroj Sappasongsuk, Mr. Suriyapol Nuchonong, and Lieutenant General Norathip Poynok attended a video conference with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The meeting, held at the Phakdi Bodin Building, Government House, focused on addressing the flooding in southern provinces.
The Prime Minister emphasized that due to the worsening situation, particularly in Hat Yai District, extensive assistance has been deployed, and additional measures are underway for areas still in need. He announced intentions to escalate the response to a state of emergency, with the Secretary-General of the Security Council tasked with drafting the declaration.
Captain Thammanat informed the Prime Minister of the Air Force’s temporary task force center and highlighted that communication issues were a major challenge in coordinating relief efforts. Efforts are being made to resolve these issues promptly. With the current unavailability of flat-bottomed boats due to strong currents, helicopters will be used if weather conditions permit. The Meteorological Department forecasts a reduction in rain, and the Royal Irrigation Department plans to expedite water drainage.
For current assistance measures, the Minister of Defense and the Fourth Army Region Commander have devised a systematic, integrated plan through a single command center. This approach aims to ensure rapid improvement in the situation.
General Nattapol reported that a reinforced communications network has been set up to mitigate disruptions. The Royal Thai Army will provide boats and military communications equipment to affected areas. Additionally, the Royal Thai Navy will deploy HTMS Chakri Naruebet and HTMS Chang to support evacuation efforts and equip divers to assist in areas with strong currents.