Deputy Agriculture Minister Orders Boats, Pumps for Heavy Rains
Thailand's Deputy Agriculture Minister has ordered preparations for two rounds of heavy rain expected in early and mid-October, mobilizing 30 boats and nearly 2,000 water pumps. Safety zones are being set up and relief supplies readied for flood-prone areas, with officials coordinating evacuations, shelter, and farmer recovery efforts.
Deputy Minister Wacharachan Khao-kham said after the Meteorological Department forecast rain for October 4-7 and heavy rain for October 9-12, similar to late September. He directed the Fisheries Department to set up special teams with staff, vehicles, and 30 patrol boats to assist flooded areas, prioritizing high-water zones, hard-to-reach communities, and transport of essential goods. Provinces are coordinating to select safety areas for receiving and distributing rice, food, milk, and animal feed, ensuring safe access, responsible oversight, and delivery to residents. The Land Reform Office has established a safety area at the Career Promotion and Development Center outside the agriculture sector in Bang Sai district, Ayutthaya Province, to shelter flood victims and provide proper care. Departments of crops, fisheries, and livestock are assessing damage, preparing rehabilitation for farmers—moving livestock, arranging fodder and animal feed, providing animal health advice, and surveying losses to guide aid. Effective microbial balls (EM Ball) are being prepared for distribution to counter stagnant water odor and rot. On October 5, the Deputy Minister plans to visit Pathum Thani to monitor water levels and deliver relief kits to Sam Khok district where the Chao Phraya River has overflowed after increased dam discharge. Ministry spokesperson Kris Ottamawetin said the Minister has ordered all agencies to integrate monitoring, preparedness, water management, victim assistance, and agricultural recovery, including equipment, personnel, damage assessment, and ongoing farmer support, while providing food, drinking water, relief kits, and necessities. A system for tracking and assisting four regions—Eastern, Chao Phraya basin, Bangkok and vicinity, and Mae Klong basin—has been set up, and daily briefings and live water-situation updates at 09:00 will continue until conditions improve.
