Government orders 24-hour command centres to tackle floods, drought in northern Thailand

BANGKOK, 10 August 2026 — In response to unpredictable weather patterns, the Thai government has established 24-hour command centres in northern Thailand to prepare for both flooding and drought. Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat, who leads the committee responsible for flood and drought prevention in the North, has ordered agencies to adopt a proactive approach.

Relevant agencies are instructed to maintain personnel, machinery and water pumps on standby around the clock, and provinces must coordinate with military units and regional Disaster Prevention and Mitigation centres if local resources are insufficient. If an area is deemed high-risk, emergency government advances can be used to mitigate potential damage ahead of time.

Vulnerable groups are prioritised in relief efforts, with evacuations ordered if conditions worsen. Following flooding, officials will conduct comprehensive assessments and expedite compensation and rehabilitation payments to help residents return to normalcy. For drought-prone areas, the government plans to accelerate assessments of water supplies, reserve water for household use, and coordinate with farmers to adjust planting schedules.