Anutin Warns South to Prepare for Heavy Rain Starting Oct 5
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Chanvirakul warned that heavy rain will hit southern Thailand starting October 5, urging provincial authorities to ready evacuation shelters with proper food, medicine and clean facilities. He called on the public to rely on official government forecasts rather than unverified social‑media posts, and noted that naval water‑pumping units are on standby to assist drainage efforts.
Anutin Chanvirakul warned that heavy rain will begin affecting the south on October 5, ordering provincial authorities to ensure evacuation shelters meet proper standards—providing safe sleeping areas, food, clothing, bedding and clean toilets—not just temporary cover. He said the current water situation has improved because there has been little rain, but forecasts indicate rising and heavy rain in the south from October 5, requiring all agencies to prepare as thoroughly as possible, especially food, medicine and shelters. He emphasized that shelters must be places where people can relocate for safety and convenience of officials, not merely spots to hide their heads. He instructed governors to ensure shelters have adequate sanitation, with clean toilets being the top priority. When asked whether the predicted rain would be heavier than previous years, Anutin said meteorological models show red and orange levels, but stressed that preparations must be maximized regardless. Regarding special focus on Hat Yai, he noted weather radar indicates the rain band will stretch from Prachuap Khiri Khan province down to Narathiwat, becoming denser and peaking around October 10‑12. He added that the central and northern regions are not expecting significant rainfall, which is favorable as Thailand prepares to host the IMF‑World Bank conference in 2026, and that the government must rely on official forecasts to ensure smooth operations. Concerning the October 1 hail incident in Bangkok, he said preparations are continuous, having invited the Meteorological Department director‑general to update weather forecasts, especially rainfall, and that daily briefings are held to keep all units ready, not only for public assistance but also for water‑drainage operations, including deploying about 100 navy vessels to pump water in various provinces. He expressed concern over water levels in the Chao Phraya River, stating that any area able to drain will be done immediately, with equipment fully ready and cooperation between the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the government. He thanked all parties for attending daily morning meetings, which foster shared understanding and collaboration. When asked if he had given special instructions to the Meteorological Department due to some citizens trusting independent social‑media pages, Anutin said the government has consistently urged reliance on official press releases only, acknowledging it cannot control information from other pages, but encouraged the public to read official updates.
