Defense Ministry Mobilizes Aid for Flood-Hit Students, Muslim Communities in Bangkok

On September 28, Defence Minister Anucha Boonyathammachon ordered an urgent coordinated response to help Ramkhamhaeng University students from three southern border provinces affected by flooding in the Huamark area. Some students are trapped in dormitories unable to obtain food and essentials normally available to them.

The Defence Ministry coordinated assistance with the Interior Ministry and ordered the Army to deploy relief supplies to the affected areas through the First Army Region. Aid was extended to residents and Muslim communities in the Ramkhamhaeng Soi 24 area and nearby neighbourhoods to ensure rapid assistance across all groups. Local coordination revealed that some communities have cooking facilities and personnel but lack raw materials—rice, fresh food, dried goods, drinking water, and packaging—because flooded internal routes make regular vehicle access difficult and some residents cannot travel to purchase food.

Affected residents requested food consistent with their religious practices. In urgent cases where halal-certified food cannot be sourced immediately, they requested food or ingredients containing no pork components so meals can be prepared and distributed at once. The Interior Ministry coordinated the supply of halal meals to the area and established direct contact with community leaders and coordinators to accelerate delivery. The First Army Region provided additional relief supplies.

The chairman of Thammaanarak community reported hardship in the Rama 9–Suan Luang area and nearby neighbourhoods. Although some main roads remain passable, many internal streets and sois are flooded, preventing residents from obtaining food and making goods transport difficult. However, the community can establish a central kitchen with equipment and personnel capable of preparing thousands of meals for distribution, but requires support in raw materials, rice, fresh and dried food, drinking water, packaging, and vehicles that can access flooded areas.

This coordinated relief effort integrates the Defence Ministry, Interior Ministry, Army, First Army Region, the Prime Minister's Office, community networks, and the Halal Business and Social Development Institute to link government agencies and volunteer networks for rapid, targeted assistance without duplication.

Defence Minister Anucha stressed that when people are suffering, all agencies must coordinate and act immediately, continuously monitoring their needs. The priority is delivering food, raw materials, drinking water, and relief supplies to students trapped in dormitories, isolated households, and supporting community kitchens to serve affected residents comprehensively and continuously. In crisis situations, every life must receive assistance.