PM warns of rain as cleanup begins

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul urged authorities to accelerate post-flood recovery efforts and warned 14 southern provinces to prepare for another round of heavy rainfall.

Mr Anutin was chairing a video conference on flood relief operations attended by senior Interior Ministry officials, provincial governors, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the military.

He said the first wave of flooding has largely subsided in major affected areas, making rehabilitation and assistance a priority.

Officials were told to provide medical care for people suffering flood-related illnesses, clear rubbish and restore water, electricity and other public utilities. Provinces were told to quickly survey the damage and submit lists of eligible households to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) so payments could be transferred as soon as possible.

The Interior Ministry has so far completed compensation payments to 48,600 households, or about 12% of the projected total, Mr Anutin said.

He also urged all agencies to remain vigilant, with 14 southern provinces, as well as Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan in the west, told to prepare for further heavy rain.

He said the Royal Irrigation Department must work with local authorities to notify residents before releasing water that could affect communities, while managing water levels carefully to minimise disruption.

Authorities must follow emergency plans and issue clear, concise warnings without technical jargon, he said. If evacuations are ordered, officials must ensure everyone has left their homes, particularly bedridden patients, children, older people and other vulnerable residents, he said.

Provinces outside risk areas were also told to create a detailed, itemised list of all equipment, including mobile toilets, water pumps, trucks and excavators, so resources could be deployed to affected provinces when needed.

The Meteorological Department forecast more rain from Oct 9–13, particularly in western Thailand from Oct 10–12. It warned of very heavy rain in the South on Oct 12–13 and urged residents to remain alert for heavy and accumulated rainfall.

The DDPM said last week that authorities had begun transferring the first flood relief payments. More than 1.42 million households have so far registered for assistance via the Tang Rat mobile app.