Floods Kill 19 Across 23 Thai Provinces
Flooding across 23 Thai provinces has killed 19 people and impacted 49 hospitals as of late September, with Rayong and Ranong provinces facing the most critical situations requiring patient transfers and emergency support.
The Ministry of Public Health reported flooding affecting 23 provinces, with 49 hospitals impacted and 19 deaths as of September 28, 2569. Public Health Minister Pattana Prompattana, speaking after chairing a remote meeting on flood and storm response, detailed ongoing relief efforts with medical teams and health workers deployed across affected areas. The Department of Medical Services has sent small emergency medical response teams (MiniMERT) to areas including Khemarak Rim Klao, while Health Region 9 deployed three teams to Pak Chong District in Nakhon Ratchasima to assess damage and support evacuees at shelters. Rayong Province presents the most urgent concern, where Ban Kaai Hospital is limiting services to emergency cases with plans to relocate 30 patients, while Kaeng Hospital faces rising floodwaters and is transferring 8–10 critical patients to Rayong Hospital and approximately 100 others to Chaloem Phra Kiat Hospital. Rayong and Ranong provinces require close monitoring of hospital readiness, including backup power, water supply, oxygen systems, and medicines. The Minister issued directives including strict oversight of hospital support systems, rapid distribution of medicines and medical supplies, health risk communication to the public, preparation of repair teams for post-flood infrastructure restoration, and urgent support for homebound and bedridden patients to ensure continued access to medication and health monitoring.
