PM Urges Flood Preparedness Ahead of Heavy Rains Oct 4-10
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired a meeting of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command to coordinate flood relief and prepare for heavy rain expected from October 4 to 10, with the central region forecast to receive the most rainfall. He called for cooperation between the military, provincial officials and the Meteorological Department, while dismissing criticism about the warnings and noting that the department’s director‑general has retired. The meeting highlighted ongoing water‑pumping efforts and the need for clear public communication about the forecast.
On the morning of October 3, 2026, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired a meeting of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to monitor the flood situation and coordinate relief efforts. Attending were Deputy Prime Ministers, ministers, the Bangkok governor and military commanders.
Anutin thanked everyone for their cooperation, noting that despite the holiday the participants had shown full readiness. He said the fourth consecutive day of meetings reflected the need for nonstop work during the current flood situation, which overall was improving as water‑pumping operations continued in Bangkok, its vicinity and the flood‑hit provinces, mainly in the central and western regions.
He said the priority for the coming days is to rely on the Meteorological Department’s forecast, which predicts rising rainfall from October 4 through October 10. The forecast shows moderate rain in the Northeast and North, but heavy rain in the central region due to a large red‑shaped water mass visible on satellite imagery over the South China Sea, moving toward Thailand via Vietnam.
During the meeting Anutin asked where the Meteorology Department director‑general was; he said he had never seen him. The acting director‑general, Natthawut Dan‑dee, replied that the director‑general had retired on September 30 and he was serving in an acting capacity.
Anutin added that there had been some bullying regarding the weather warnings, stressing that the warnings are a joint effort and that the National Command Center handles public dissemination, easing pressure on the Meteorological Department. He reminded everyone that weather forecasts are probabilistic, and clear understanding would improve communication with the public.
He also said vigilance is needed in the southern regions, noting that he had just spoken with the commander of the Fourth Army Region about preparations there.
