Thai PM apologises over floods, vows faster drainage and aid

BANGKOK — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul apologised to people affected by flooding on Monday, saying the government would listen to public criticism and speed up efforts to drain floodwater and provide assistance.

Speaking at a meeting of the Police Commission at the Royal Thai Police headquarters at 16:00, Anutin urged government agencies to listen to residents’ problems, address shortcomings and ensure assistance reaches people who need it.

“I am not discouraged by criticism from the people,” Anutin said, apologising for the hardship caused by the floods.

He said the government would not simply listen to complaints without taking action, and would do everything possible to remove water from affected areas as quickly as possible through pumping and accelerated drainage.

Anutin said he would continue visiting affected areas to monitor the situation and hear directly from residents.

He also urged people who are sick to seek medical treatment and those in high-risk areas to move to safer locations. Police and government agencies are prepared to provide assistance, he said.

The government is also preparing for post-flood recovery, including repairs to public infrastructure and compensation for affected people. Anutin said the government would coordinate with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to avoid duplicated work and ensure public funds are used efficiently.

Meanwhile, Teerapat Kachamat, director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said heavy to very heavy rainfall in several areas, combined with water flowing south from the North into the Central Plains, has caused flooding in 29 provinces and all 50 districts of Bangkok.

As of 06:00 on 29 September, flooding was reported across 167 districts, 890 subdistricts and 5,077 villages, affecting approximately 940,300 households and 2.6 million people, according to the department’s Emergency Operations Centre.

The affected provinces are Tak, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lopburi, Sing Buri, Chai Nat, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ang Thong, Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Sa Kaeo, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Buri Ram, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima and Surin.