Bangkok: The Prime Minister has mandated comprehensive flood relief efforts in the southern region, focusing on Hat Yai, which is experiencing severe flooding with rising water levels. He has assigned Thammanat to closely monitor the situation, expressing optimism for a swift improvement. Additionally, he emphasized the need for expedited relief and rehabilitation for affected residents, ensuring that all households in the economic zone meet the required criteria.

According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister, alongside Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, chaired the 5th Economic Policy Committee (Economic Cabinet) meeting of 2025. Before the meeting, he outlined instructions and policies regarding the ongoing floods in the South, particularly highlighting the situation in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. Over the past weekend, Hat Yai experienced severe flooding, disrupting the annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce due to power outages. The Prime Minister met with the Chamber President at the airport and managed to facilitate his return to Bangkok, expressing apologies to the public for the inconvenience.

The Prime Minister has instructed local agencies to address immediate issues and provide comprehensive assistance to those affected. Although relief efforts have commenced, continuous rainfall has exacerbated the situation, causing water from surrounding areas to inundate Hat Yai City. The Royal Irrigation Department is actively managing water levels, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Colonel Thammanat Prompao, has been dispatched to the area to expedite disaster mitigation. The Natural Disaster Management Committee, led by Colonel Thammanat, is coordinating efforts with various agencies, including the Fourth Army Region and the Irrigation Department, to control the situation. The Prime Minister expects a quick resolution.

Hat Yai District, as a critical economic and tourist hub, requires rapid recovery efforts. The Prime Minister has tasked Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanpraphat, with ensuring provincial governors survey all affected households. Necessary assistance will be provided to those who meet the criteria for flood damage, with a focus on initial recovery and compensation for property damage. The public has been encouraged to prepare for these recovery measures.