Thailand Sets Up 24-Hour Flood, Drought Command Centers

The Thai government has ordered authorities to establish 24-hour command centres in northern Thailand to prepare for flooding and drought, while instructing provincial governors to use emergency funds to provide immediate assistance to residents in high-risk areas. Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat, who chairs the committee overseeing flood and drought prevention in the North, has ordered relevant agencies to adopt a proactive approach. The measures come amid highly unpredictable weather, including heavy rainfall that could trigger flash floods and forest runoff, as well as drought conditions in some areas. Authorities have been instructed to establish local incident command centres and ensure that personnel, machinery and water pumps are ready for deployment around the clock. If local resources are insufficient, provinces are to immediately coordinate with military units and regional Disaster Prevention and Mitigation centres for additional support. Provincial authorities have also been told that if an area is assessed as being at high risk, they may use emergency government advances to mitigate potential damage in advance. The government said administrative regulations and procedures should not become obstacles to providing assistance to the public. Vulnerable groups are to be prioritised in relief efforts. If conditions deteriorate to the point that evacuations are required, authorities are to respond accordingly. After flooding occurs, officials have been instructed to conduct comprehensive assessments of affected areas and accelerate compensation and rehabilitation payments to help residents return to normal as quickly as possible. For areas at risk of drought, the government's longer-term measures include accelerating assessments of available water supplies, reserving water for household consumption and coordinating with farmers to adjust planting plans.