Anutin Urges Flood Readiness Ahead of Expected Heavy Rains
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led a video conference from Singapore to coordinate flood‑prevention efforts ahead of heavy rains expected from October 9 to 13. He ordered the installation of water‑push equipment at the Bang Pakong River mouth and urged southern provinces to fully rehearse disaster‑response plans. Officials were told to combine Meteorological Department alerts with short‑term “Now Class” forecasts to improve accuracy and prepare for possible evacuations.
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, attending the meeting via video link from Singapore, said the gathering marked the ninth consecutive day of monitoring the rainfall situation. He noted that while upper‑regional rainfall was trending downward, the Meteorological Department warned that the eastern, central, Bangkok metropolitan area and southern regions could see increased rainfall, with some areas experiencing heavy to very heavy downpours between October 9 and 13. Anutin stressed the importance of jointly planning drainage preparations, readying water‑retention areas, and informing the public about risks before the next wave of rain arrives. He highlighted the Meteorological Department’s social‑media alerts that pinpoint rain‑affected zones, and urged officials to combine those forecasts with the short‑term “Now Class” predictions from meteorologist Seri Suprathit of Rangsit University to improve accuracy. If assessments show certain spots likely to flood, authorities should evacuate vulnerable residents in advance and clearly communicate the risks. Regarding the Bang Pakong River basin in Prachin Buri and Chachoengsao provinces, Anutin said relevant agencies have been instructed to install water‑push devices at the river mouth to expedite drainage. He also called on southern regions to use this period to drill emergency plans, ensure resources and personnel are fully prepared, and report any shortfalls to the daily meetings so that the government, armed forces and police can provide timely support. Concluding, Anutin thanked all participants for their continued dedication to protecting the public.
