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Thailand's prime minister says the first wave of flooding has mostly subsided in the major affected areas, so the government is now focused on recovery and aid. Another round of heavy rain is forecast, though. Fourteen southern provinces, plus two western ones, have been told to prepare, with very heavy rain expected in the South on 12 to 13 October. This article covers what officials announced and what it may mean if you are travelling in the South.
What the government announced
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired a video conference on flood relief on Saturday 10 October. Senior Interior Ministry officials, provincial governors, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the military took part. He said recovery and aid are now the priority in the major affected areas.
Recovery instructions
Officials were told to focus on three things:
- Medical care for people with flood-related illnesses
- Rubbish clearance
- Restoring water, electricity and other utilities
Compensation for affected households
Provinces must survey damage quickly and send lists of eligible households to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). The Interior Ministry has so far paid 48,600 households, about 12% of the projected total. The DDPM said last week that the first payments had begun. More than 1.42 million households have registered through the Tang Rat mobile app.
More rain on the way
Fourteen southern provinces, plus Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan in the west, were told to prepare for more heavy rain. The Meteorological Department forecasts rain from 9 to 13 October, especially in the west from 10 to 12 October. It also warns of very heavy rain in the South on 12 to 13 October, and accumulated rainfall is a concern.
Water management, warnings and evacuations
The Royal Irrigation Department must coordinate with local authorities and warn residents before releasing water that could affect communities. It must also manage water levels to limit disruption.
Warnings must follow emergency plans and be clear and short, without technical jargon. If evacuations are ordered, officials must confirm that everyone has left. They should pay particular attention to bedridden patients, children, older people and other vulnerable residents.
Sharing equipment between provinces
Provinces outside the risk areas must compile an itemised list of equipment, such as mobile toilets, water pumps, trucks and excavators. The list can then be sent to the affected provinces.
What this means for visitors
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Peak risk window | 12 to 13 October is the highest-risk period forecast for the South. Expect possible disruption to roads, ferries, boat trips and flights, and possible localised flooding. |
| Koh Lanta | The report does not name individual provinces, so check the forecast for Krabi and Koh Lanta specifically. |
| Travel plans | Allow buffer time around flights and ferries on 12 to 14 October. Expect cancellations and delays if the sea is rough or roads flood. |
| Safety | If an evacuation or water-release warning is issued, follow the instructions early. Local authorities are told to confirm that everyone has left. |
| Recovery areas | Utilities and cleanup are still being restored in the earlier flood areas, so some disruption there may continue. |
| Staying informed | Check Meteorological Department and local authority announcements. |
Information sourced from Bangkok Post.