BANGKOK, Thailand – The Flood, Storm, and Landslide Relief Operations Center is ramping up efforts to address heavy rainfall forecasted for southern Thailand in the coming days. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who also serves as Minister of Defense and the center’s director, is chairing a meeting on Nov 25 to review ongoing water management and flood mitigation plans. These measures will also be discussed at the upcoming Mobile Cabinet Meeting in Chiang Mai province.
The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain from November 24 to 26 in eight southern provinces, including Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Narathiwat, with risks of landslides and flash floods. While floodwaters in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung have receded, authorities are deploying resources and pre-emptively managing reservoirs to handle the expected rains later in the week. Local agencies and volunteers are coordinating emergency plans to minimize risks for communities in vulnerable areas.
Through its spokesperson, Jirayu Huangsap, the center also provided updates on a tourist boat accident involving ten French nationals at Ratchaprapha Dam in Surat Thani. Six tourists were safely rescued, and three injured individuals are receiving treatment in stable condition. Search efforts are ongoing for one missing individual, a 77-year-old man, as rescue teams continue their operations.
The findings from the meeting will be submitted to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during the Mobile Cabinet Meeting on November 29 at Chiang Mai Rajabhat University. (NNT)
