Government Mobilizes Flood Response, Orders University Safety Protocols
The government deployed troops and activated full drainage capacity in Bangkok to combat flooding, with Deputy PM Yuthasak ordering repairs to pumping systems while universities review safety protocols for students and staff.
Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Sasraku, who oversees human capital and agricultural development, outlined government flood response measures for central Thailand and Bangkok during a seminar titled "Understanding Floods: Safe Homes, Organizations, and People Through Research and Innovation," organized by the National Research Council's Hub of Talents for disaster management.
Sasraku said that after coordinating with the Prime Minister and relevant officials, the Defence Ministry has deployed troops to help affected residents. On water management, Bangkok is operating drainage systems at full capacity. At Royal Irrigation Department water diversion points to the Chao Phraya River, water from Rangsit Canal flows naturally by gravity for 2-3 hours, but when river levels are high, about 20 pumps are needed. Sasraku confirmed that roughly 70 percent of the pumps are operational and ordered immediate repairs or replacement of faulty units, with adequate specialists on standby.
The Agriculture Ministry is similarly overseeing pump operations. Sasraku expects that if outflow improves, downtown and Pathumwan zones will see faster drainage and some flooded areas could recede in 1-2 days, with no area remaining inundated longer than 3-5 days. Lat Krabang and inner Bangkok are prepared with contingency plans in place.
Regarding public welfare, the Higher Education Ministry has circulated a notice to universities to safeguard students, teachers, and staff. Institutions are asked to review teaching formats for the coming Monday based on safety principles. Sasraku has also tasked the Hub of Talents project with releasing guidance on safety, personal conduct, and health during flooding, and has encouraged the public to monitor water situation data through thaiwater.net, a portal integrating information from the Meteorological Department, the Water Resources Information Institute, and Big Data systems.
