Deputy PM Orders Northern Provinces to Set Up Flood Command Centers
Thailand's deputy prime minister ordered northern provinces to establish emergency command centers in preparation for incoming floods that have already affected multiple areas including Sukhothai and Mae Hong Son. The directive includes man
Deputy Prime Minister Ueachai Wongsuwan, who also serves as Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation and chairs the northern region's flood prevention and drought management committee, traveled to Nan Province on August 20 to monitor the flood situation. He convened an urgent meeting of all northern provincial governors to prepare for an incoming surge of floodwaters, ordering the establishment of emergency command centers (war rooms) in every province and calling for integration of assistance across all sectors.
The meeting was prompted by flooding and mudslides affecting multiple northern provinces including Sukhothai, Mae Hong Son, and Phrae. Attendees included Deputy Interior Minister Jetsada Thaisedsai, Nan Provincial Governor Chainoraong Wongyai, and Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Director-General Theeraphatsn Katchamat, along with governors from all northern provinces.
Ueachai emphasized the need for close water level monitoring and timely public warnings in at-risk areas to minimize losses. The meeting established five urgent orders for northern provinces: establishing single-command war rooms headed by provincial governors; preparing equipment including pumps, vehicles, and rescue gear; setting up early warning systems and evacuation plans; positioning personnel on standby; and reporting emergencies in real time to the deputy prime minister, Interior Ministry, and disaster prevention department.
Beyond these defensive measures, the meeting also evaluated the situation and prepared contingency plans with two additional management approaches: coordinating with the private sector to mobilize resources and support, and integrating assistance from other agencies to enable rapid and comprehensive relief and rehabilitation.
