Deputy PM Explains Delay in Pathum Thani Flood Disaster Declaration
Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri explained that Pathum Thani’s governor delayed declaring a flood disaster zone until all required criteria were met to avoid legal issues. He said heavy rain exceeded forecasts and ordered extra pumping stations to redirect water from low areas to higher ground, aiming to dry Khlong Luang quickly. Preparations are underway for additional rain expected between 5 and 8 October.
Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri said the governor of Pathum Thani could not immediately declare a flood disaster area because detailed information meeting the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation’s criteria was required first. Speaking at the Khlong Luang municipal office on 1 October 2026, he noted that the delay was to ensure local authorities could use disaster funds legally and to avoid potential legal repercussions for the governor. He added that the current flooding resulted from unusually heavy rain, and that extra pumping stations had been ordered to reverse‑flow water from low areas to higher ground to dry Khlong Luang swiftly, with preparations underway for additional rain expected from 5 to 8 October.
