Thongsak confirms Thai govt readiness for southern floods
Deputy PM Thongsak Thongsi stated at Government House on Oct 29, 2026, that proactive flood measures, relief plans, and water retention solutions are underway for southern Thailand.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Deputy PM Thongsak affirms comprehensive flood preparation for southern Thailand
- Government prioritizes swift relief and minimizing damage to citizens
- Identifies insufficient water retention areas, mostly privately owned, as a core issue
- ONWR creates systematic retention mapping to resolve both floods and droughts
Deputy Prime Minister Thongsak Thongsi addressed the ongoing flood situation in southern Thailand, emphasizing that water management is handled with utmost caution to reassure the public. He confirmed that the government has established proactive preparedness measures, predictive scenario assessments, personnel mobilization, and financial relief frameworks. The primary objective is to deliver rapid assistance to affected citizens and minimize overall losses. Although natural disasters inherently defy precise prediction, state agencies remain fully committed to deploying immediate rescue and compensation operations whenever emergencies arise.
The southern region consistently faces predictable seasonal pressures as runoff water originating from northern and northeastern watersheds eventually drains southward. Serving as the supervisor of the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), Thongsak noted that past experiences are being thoroughly reviewed to formulate sustainable solutions. The principal obstacle identified is the lack of adequate water retention zones, as the majority of these parcels belong to private landowners. Consequently, the ONWR has mapped out specific retention points to strategically manage excess flows, addressing both seasonal flooding and drought conditions simultaneously for long-term resilience.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Thailand's water management policy frequently encounters structural bottlenecks, particularly regarding cross-basin management and establishing flood retention basins during monsoon peaks. While government efforts to map out retention zones via the ONWR represent a crucial step, the primary hurdle involves negotiating land use rights or securing private property acquisitions, which typically require extensive compensation budgets. Achieving sustainable flood and drought mitigation therefore depends heavily on enforcing strict urban planning laws alongside providing financial incentives for private landowners to participate in natural water retention initiatives.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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