adminBANGKOK, Aug 4 (Bernama) — Thailand has upgraded its disaster response mechanism to tackle floods and droughts, and is closely monitoring 1,363 flood-risk locations and 444 areas that are vulnerable to prolonged dry spells.
Deputy government spokeswoman Capt Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn said four regional committees had been established to coordinate flood and drought responses through faster decision-making, unified command, and closer inter-agency coordination.
“The government is enhancing its disaster management mechanism to ensure assistance reaches affected communities quickly, efficiently, and in a coordinated manner” to safeguard lives, property, and livelihoods, she said in a statement on Tuesday.
Patdarasm said the committees would monitor weather and water conditions, coordinate emergency operations, oversee relief and compensation, and direct post-disaster recovery efforts.
The committees are also authorised to direct government agencies within their respective regions, assess developments, and disseminate accurate information to the public.
She said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Yodchanan Wongsawat chaired the northern regional committee, which held its first meeting at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) on Tuesday.
The heightened preparedness comes as the Thai Meteorological Department warns of heavy rain, flash floods, and overflowing waterways in northern, northeastern, and eastern Thailand. Small boats have been advised to remain ashore in the upper Andaman Sea from Aug 4 to 9 and the upper Gulf from Aug 6 to 9.
Beyond the immediate flood threat, Thailand is also bracing for drier conditions. The Bangkok Post reported that a Super El Niño anticipated to begin in October through the early part of the 2027 rainy season could reduce rainfall by at least 10 per cent, affecting crops, rice production, and water supplies.
— BERNAMA
