Thailand Escalates Flood and Drought Response in Eastern Region
Thailand's government escalated disaster preparedness across eight eastern provinces with a coordinated flood and drought response plan, establishing three sub-committees and requiring agencies to integrate emergency operations through unif
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin chaired a meeting of the Committee for Flood and Drought Prevention and Management in the Eastern region on August 10 at Chachoengsao provincial hall, bringing together government officials, provincial governors, and relevant agencies to bolster disaster preparedness across eight provinces: Chachoengsao, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chachoengsao, Sa Kaeo, and Nakhon Nayok.
Suchat stated that the government under Prime Minister Anusit Charnvirakul is committed to systematic, swift, and coordinated disaster management to help citizens efficiently. He ordered local authorities and the private sector to plan operations collaboratively, reduce redundancy, and support affected populations effectively. Key measures include installing pumps, opening waterways, clearing obstructions, and coordinating water drainage with the situation.
The minister instructed the Natural Resources Ministry to prepare fully with personnel, equipment, tools, and resources to provide immediate assistance when floods or droughts occur. The government will coordinate emergency shelters with sufficient capacity in collaboration with hotels and businesses, and health authorities are ordered to prepare medical personnel, vehicles, medicines, and 24-hour emergency services, prioritizing vulnerable groups.
Suchat established three sub-committees to oversee the eight Eastern provinces, monitor situations closely, assess problems, and report to the main committee for rapid solutions. All agencies are directed to integrate work through national disaster prevention and mitigation command centers and incident command centers at all levels to ensure unified coordination and reduce delays in public assistance. "People's hardship is urgent and cannot wait," Suchat said. "The state must prepare before disaster strikes, establish effective water management systems, and unite all sectors as one team to respond quickly and stand beside the people."
