PM Warns of Heavy Southern Rain, Urges Public Safety First
The Prime Minister warned of heavy rain across southern Thailand from October 4 to 10, urging people to put their own safety before livestock. He said the government has activated flood management centres, prepared compensation and insurance schemes, and is readying provincial command centres to respond to potential flash floods. While Nakhon Sawan remains a concern, the focus is on rapid rescue and relief for affected communities.
Anutin explained that the government had set up a flood management centre and convened with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, ordering all provinces—especially those at risk—to establish flood command centres led by governors. He said preparations for rescuing residents and registering for damage compensation could begin immediately. In Nakhon Sawan, water levels remain high because rain may continue from October 4, increasing accumulated water. Rain in the upper North, Northeast and Central will be lighter than in the South, where heavy rain is forecast from Phetchaburi through Prachuap Khiri Khan to Narathiwat, raising the risk of sudden floods. Although heavy rain cannot be stopped, the focus must be on rescuing and relieving affected people as much as possible. For vulnerable areas or downstream of dams, provinces register affected households; each receives 9,000 baht in legal compensation and up to 80,000 baht for home repairs, a scheme that was in place before October 1. The government has also allocated funds to provide flood insurance for 30 million at‑risk households nationwide, offering an additional 10,000 baht in compensation for homes flooded within seven days, with policy details under review. Overall flood relief per household is set at 10,000 baht per incident, with total damage compensation not exceeding 100,000 baht per incident; the Ministry of Interior has tasked the Department of Public Works and Town Planning to conduct surveys to ensure fairness. Anutin added that compensation for death resulting from any disaster—floods, storms, or earthquakes—will be 2,000,000 baht per person. He expressed concern about the forecast heavy rain from October 4 to 7 and urged all agencies to prepare fully to meet the impending situation.
