Deputy PM Inspects Flood Relief Shelters in Bangkok

Deputy Prime Minister Yotchanan Wongsawadi, also Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, joined Defence Minister Adulyadej Bunthorntharichon on 27 September to inspect the temporary shelter at Lad Krabang Sports Centre and monitor flood relief operations. The visit followed an urgent government directive ordering universities nationwide to open their facilities as public evacuation centres to ensure swift and efficient flood response. The ministry instructed all public and private higher education institutions to implement three emergency measures: adjusting teaching methods to online formats in at-risk areas for student and staff safety; establishing relief centres in coordination with local agencies, including shelter points, vehicle rest areas, and health services for victims; and preparing post-flood recovery plans to assist residents with housing repairs, vehicle recovery, and health rehabilitation.

Following the inspection, Yotchanan reported that the Lad Krabang centre, which Bangkok has designated as a situation command centre, currently houses over 400 evacuees with numbers expected to reach 1,500 by evening. The centre is equipped with food, drinking water, internet access, and a medical team caring for 11 bedridden patients. However, additional cooked meals and clean water are still needed. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is producing 1,000 meal boxes daily, while the National Housing Authority can produce 1,200 boxes daily. Six additional service points have been opened near the Khemayodhin housing complex, with the Education Ministry being coordinated to establish additional kitchens. Local universities are being asked to contribute cooked meals, while the Commerce Ministry is sourcing food ingredients and the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry is setting up additional kitchens. Military personnel are assisting with food preparation and distribution throughout the complex.

After inspecting the shelter, Yotchanan travelled by boat to survey the Khemayodhin housing area where tens of thousands of residents remain stranded in various buildings. He also visited the forward command centre with Bangkok Deputy Governor Thaiwut Khanankaew. Yotchayan stated that coordination with all sectors is proceeding rapidly and that resources from both public and private sources have been successfully delivered to the affected area. Over 20,000 residents remain stranded in the flood zone.