Thailand braces for heavier rain from Oct 5 to 10 as flood threat grows

BANGKOK: Authorities in southern Thailand are stepping up preparations and readying personnel, machinery and emergency resources for immediate deployment as heavier rainfall looms in the coming days.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also Commander of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command, said rainfall in the South was expected to increase as the weather system moved into the region.

"Authorities should use weather forecasts to identify areas at risk of flash floods, forest run-off and landslides, and ensure that personnel, disaster-response machinery and resources are ready for immediate deployment," he said after chairing the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command meeting on Friday.

The Thai Meteorological Department on Thursday issued a nationwide weather advisory, warning of heavy rain between Oct 5 and 10 that could trigger flash floods and landslides in the North and South.

Anutin, who is also interior minister, said provincial governors must take the lead in managing the situation in their respective areas, with a clear understanding of risk areas, public needs and resource limitations.

"If a situation exceeds their capacity, they must immediately seek support from the central authorities or neighbouring areas," he said.

He instructed the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to coordinate with provincial authorities, regional disaster prevention and mitigation centres and relevant agencies to monitor the situation around the clock.

The DDPM was ordered to ensure personnel, pumps, boats and other emergency equipment were ready, while drawing up plans to deploy additional resources and disaster-response machinery to the South, he said.

Anutin stressed the need for provinces to prepare evacuation centres and warning systems, as well as ensure adequate food, drinking water, sanitation, bedding and healthcare for evacuees, particularly vulnerable groups.

"The government's response must cover all stages of a disaster, from preparedness and early warning to evacuation, relief, rehabilitation and compensation," he said.

Southern Thailand is a major destination for Malaysian tourists, with over 3.5 million Malaysian visitors recorded in Thailand in 2024.

The region was badly affected by severe flooding in November 2025, which reportedly claimed over 145 lives and affected about 3.54 million people. - BERNAMA