National Police Chief Mobilizes Regions 8 and 9 for Flood Relief Efforts.

Bangkok: The National Police Chief has mandated Police Region 8 and Region 9 to provide comprehensive assistance to residents in areas affected by flooding. Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, stated that the Royal Thai Police Office has been closely observing the flood situation in various areas to ensure swift support for those affected, alongside maintaining safety for life and property, facilitating traffic in flooded areas, and ensuring the welfare of police officers and offices impacted by the floods. According to Thai News Agency, the current flood situation persists in six provinces in the southern region. In Surat Thani Province, the water levels in Kanchanadit and Don Sak districts have decreased. Nakhon Si Thammarat Province sees reduced water levels in Cha-uat, Chaloem Phra Kiat, Phra Phrom, Mueang, and Ron Phibun districts. In contrast, Songkhla Province's Ranot district experiences stable water levels, while Pattani Province's Mayo and Thung Yang Daeng dis tricts, Yala Province's Bannang Sata district, and Narathiwat Province's Bacho, Waeng, Rueso, Cho Airong, and Sukhirin districts face increasing water levels. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued notices to 13 southern provinces to be vigilant of potential flash floods, forest runoff, landslides, reservoir and river bank overflows, and adverse weather conditions from November 27 to December 4, 2024. The national police chief emphasized that Regions 8 and 9 have been instructed to support people in every aspect until normalcy is restored. They are expected to collaborate with relevant agencies for rapid response when situations arise, assess flood conditions, disseminate information about problem areas, and ensure safety by patrolling and preventing criminal activities. Legal actions will be pursued where necessary. Additionally, the Central Investigation Bureau, along with Highway Police, Marine Police, Border Patrol Police, Tourist Police, and the Logistics Office, has bee n tasked with providing resources and personnel. The Police Aviation Division is also on standby for evacuations and medical assistance. Furthermore, operational strategies from past flood and disaster responses in northern and northeastern regions are to be applied. Commanders at all levels are urged to prioritize the welfare of police officers affected by the floods. Citizens in need of assistance can reach out to police officers via hotlines 191 or 1599, available 24 hours a day.