Bangkok: The Cabinet has approved nine measures to prepare for the 2026 rainy season, aiming to integrate all relevant agencies for effective monitoring, warning, drainage, and public assistance to mitigate the impacts of floods and droughts.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, stated that these measures were proposed by the National Water Resources Committee (NWRC) and acknowledged by the Cabinet. The Cabinet instructed relevant agencies to strictly implement these measures and report results to the NWRC for ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
The measures aim to prepare for potential heavy rainfall, flooding, flash floods, landslides, and drought in different areas of Thailand. The country experiences the rainy season from May 1st to October 31st annually, except for the eastern coast of the South, which spans from September 1st to February 28th the following year. The government has outlined nine key measures to mitigate the impact on the public.
The measures include forecasting and providing advance warnings for at-risk areas by improving rainfall and water situation forecasting, creating risk maps, and developing an early warning system for quicker and accurate public dissemination. There will also be a review and revision of systemic water management criteria for river basins to align with real conditions, enhance data linkage between agencies, and develop proactive water management plans for crises.
The government will ensure machinery, equipment, hydraulic structures, drainage systems, and personnel are ready for continuous operation. This includes surveying, repairing, and removing obstructions in waterways. Structural integrity inspections for dikes, dams, embankments, and flood barriers will be conducted, with contingency and emergency response plans prepared.
Efforts will be made to improve the efficiency of drainage systems, accelerate the removal of water hyacinth and aquatic weeds, and dredge drainage channels, especially in key economic and vulnerable areas. A water management center will be established before disasters to conduct emergency drills, prepare shelters, and care for vulnerable groups and livestock in high-risk areas.
There will be a focus on accelerating water storage and resource development during the late rainy season to reserve water for the dry season. Community networks will be strengthened to participate in monitoring and disseminating accurate information while promptly addressing misinformation.
Monitoring, evaluation, and measure adjustments will be conducted by the National Water Resources Office and river basin committees throughout the rainy season. Ms. Lalida emphasized that the measures for 2026 have improved from previous years, focusing on spatial data and proactive risk management, including monitoring vulnerable areas like hospitals and high-risk communities.
The government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, prioritizes preventing and mitigating the impact of natural disasters, particularly floods and droughts affecting livelihoods, the economy, and agriculture. Proactive preparedness, accurate warning systems, and integrated agency collaboration aim to ensure efficient public care and minimize potential damage.