Thailand Mobilizes Eastern Region Against Floods and Drought

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin has ordered eight eastern provinces to prepare comprehensive defenses against both flooding and drought threats. At a meeting on August 4, 2025, Suchat chaired the first session of the Eastern Region Committee for Flood and Drought Prevention and Management to implement Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's policy directing all agencies to take proactive measures, integrate efforts across sectors, and minimize impact on residents.

Suchat revealed that the committee has established coordinated working guidelines across eight eastern provinces: Chachoengsao, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chon Buri, Sa Kaew, and Nakhon Nayok. All agencies must strengthen monitoring systems, develop warning alert infrastructure, ready equipment and personnel, prepare emergency response plans, establish command centers, and set up evacuation shelters to enable rapid assistance to the public when emergencies occur.

Regarding drought management, the minister emphasized integrated water resource management for both short and long-term periods, close situation tracking, and prioritizing provision of drinking water and household water supplies to residents. The committee will also survey damages and provide assistance according to government regulations. All operations must align with the prime minister's directives, with each province required to maintain full personnel readiness, equipment availability, and operational plans to respond immediately to any crisis and reduce losses while maintaining public confidence. The first committee meeting follows the prime minister's recent appointment of regional flood and drought prevention committees, with the next progress review meeting scheduled for August 10, 2025.