Deputy PM Yosschanun Announces Early Flood Preparations for Northern Thailand
Deputy Prime Minister Yosschanun Wongsa-wat announced that northern Thailand has been preparing for floodwaters two months in advance, establishing a 24‑hour war room and household‑level alert systems. He said digital‑sonar and digital‑twin technology are being used to survey rivers and plan dredging to improve drainage, while training and shelters are being readied across the region.
Yosschanun Wongsa-wat said preparations for northern floodwaters began two months ago, with a 24‑hour war room and plans to raise household‑level alert systems using technology. He highlighted the use of a digital‑sonar model to survey and plan river dredging to improve drainage.
Speaking on Oct 3, 2026 on NBT’s ‘Chat with the Cabinet’ program, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation said the preparations started two months earlier. In particular, a single‑command center has been established together with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), integrating data and conducting drills. Rain‑gauges installed on high ground measure rainfall; if it exceeds set levels, alerts are sent to communities.
In addition, training has been provided to various communities so they can look after themselves, access information and response plans. This has been carried out in every province of the northern region. Evacuation shelters are kept ready at all times, whether in universities or other government agencies assigned the task.
We now have a war room that monitors the situation 24 hours a day, drawing data from the Water Resources Information Institute (WRII), the Meteorological Department, the Irrigation Department and universities. If the data disagree, we prepare for the worst‑case scenario.
Yosschanun added that, overall, some areas cannot avoid water, so community structures must be adjusted to allow people to remain, while other communities wish to relocate because of flood impacts. The ministry is cooperating with agencies and institutes to discuss finding new sites for those wanting to move.
Furthermore, the ministry is using a real‑time digital twin and sonar to survey river‑bed depth, analyse underwater topography and plan dredging for efficient drainage.
He noted that earlier warnings were issued at the sub‑district level, but because ground elevation varies, some spots do not flood and residents may not know their exact risk. Therefore the ministry has introduced technology that raises alerts to the household level, giving each house a specific warning so people know whether their area is low‑ or high‑risk and what would happen if water arrives. Community leaders are being trained to view this information, and the work is being carried out urgently.
