Bangkok: Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Industry, has mandated the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) to enhance flood prevention measures to the highest level across industrial estates, particularly in high-risk areas. This directive is a preemptive measure against potential heavy rainfall and flooding, attributed to rain bombs and the El Ni±o phenomenon, which may significantly impact industrial and low-lying regions nationwide.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Varawut emphasized the importance of this initiative to safeguard production and investment, especially in critical economic zones like Chonburi, Rayong, and Chachoengsao. These areas house over 103,057 businesses with a combined registered capital exceeding 2.19 trillion baht. Mr. Sumet Tangprasert, Governor of IEAT, reported that the current water situation across all industrial estates and ports remains stable, with no present flooding issues.
Despite the absence of immediate threats, Mr. Varawut has instructed IEAT to work closely with industrial estate developers to preemptively analyze and prepare for risk factors, particularly the threat of "rain bombs"-intense rainfall events characterized by over 100 millimeters of rain in three hours. Additional concerns include high tides in low-lying areas around Samut Prakan province and potential blockages in public waterways. The measures include inspecting monitoring points and the readiness of water pumps and sandbags to combat high tides. The IEAT Governor has outlined four main measures, including daily draining of water from reservoirs and retention areas to sustain minimum levels in anticipation of future rainfall.
Moreover, the IEAT has been tasked with devising strategies to mitigate drought risks due to the El Ni±o phenomenon, anticipated to extend its influence from mid-year until August 2027, potentially causing below-normal rainfall. The IEAT will collaborate with relevant agencies to integrate water management strategies within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), conserving rainwater as a reserve to ensure an adequate water supply for the industrial sector during this period.