Anutin Urges Southern Provinces to Prepare for Floods, Clear Debris
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired a meeting of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command, urging officials to focus on remaining flooded areas and accelerate waste removal before the October‑December flood season. He warned southern provincial governors to prepare thoroughly and not to let debris block traffic or waterways. The meeting was held on October 9, 2069, at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
At 7:45 a.m. on October 9, 2069, at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over a meeting of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command to monitor flood conditions and relief efforts. Attending were Defence Minister General Adul Bunthammajareen, Energy Minister Ek nath Phanphu, Interior Ministry Under‑Secretary Paradon Prisanananthakul, officials Pholpeer Suwannachawi, Jetsadat Thaiseksat, Worasit Siangprasit, Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Arsith Sampantharat, military commanders and other relevant agencies.
Anutin apologized for calling the meeting earlier than usual, explaining that the Timor‑Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Sananana Gusmao was visiting Thailand for talks that morning. He noted that this was the tenth consecutive day of joint meetings on the flood situation and praised the integrated cooperation that had helped address the problems. However, he stressed that any overall improvement must not hide the fact that some areas remain severely flooded, which are now few but still need attention.
He directed officials to concentrate on communities still facing difficulties, especially drainage in Bangkok and a few provincial spots, and to provide full support there. For areas where water has receded ahead of the next rainy round, he urged rapid planning to collect and dispose of flood‑generated waste, conduct big‑clean‑up activities, and prevent garbage from obstructing traffic, clogging drains or blocking waterways.
Anutin added that each locality already has a waste‑management authority; if extra help is needed, requests should be made based on the area’s importance and the situation’s necessity. He specifically instructed southern provincial governors to prepare in every respect, noting that although current rainfall is lower than forecast, complacency is not an option because the October‑December period normally brings abundant water. He concluded by thanking all participants, saying their collective effort reflects the effectiveness of the response and will help bring the situation under control.
