Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul established a flood-response war room at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) on September 30 to coordinate efforts amid ongoing flooding in Bangkok and surrounding regions. The war room will hold daily briefings at 8 a.m. to synchronize assistance, drainage operations, and resource deployment across affected provinces.

Anutin chaired the inaugural meeting of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command at the DDPM headquarters, with key participants including Defence Minister Abdul Boonuhtamjaroen, Deputy Interior Ministers Polapee Suwanchuewe and Jeseth Thaiseth, senior armed forces commanders, and relevant agencies. Provincial governors joined via video link to enable real-time updates and coordination.

The prime minister emphasized the need to close gaps between agencies, promote effective communication, and prioritize public welfare and safety. He acknowledged volunteers for their active support and underscored the persistent threat of flooding, especially in Bangkok, the central region, and neighboring provinces. The war room aims to deliver daily situational briefings and swiftly address urgent requests from provincial authorities.

Anutin likened the setup to the Public Health Ministry’s daily COVID-19 coordination meetings during the pandemic, with the DDPM director-general responsible for gathering updated information and managing follow-up instructions. Additional operational meetings among agencies will be held following the main briefings. The Cabinet assigned deputy prime ministers and other ministers oversight of different regions to enhance localized response management.

Addressing floodwaters obstructing drainage channels, Anutin called for improved data sharing and joint coordination between Bangkok authorities, the Royal Irrigation Department, and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. He warned that uncoordinated release of water from upstream reservoirs could negate drainage efforts, emphasizing the necessity of managing water flows collectively until water levels recede.

During onsite visits to several affected areas, Anutin reported hearing residents’ concerns about food shortages, electricity outages, and water supply disruptions. He said food supplies are now reaching communities and urged officials to ensure residents receive adequate meals. He highlighted that his visits were intended to assess conditions firsthand rather than directly distribute aid, encouraging officials to listen openly to residents’ frustrations and focus on solutions.

In response to criticism surrounding cash payments he made during a visit to flood-hit residents in Sai Mai district on September 29, Anutin defended the handouts, explaining relief bags had been depleted. He asserted the funds came from his personal money and denied any political motives. When questioned about the integrity of the payments, he dismissed politicization of such assistance and cautioned against using flood victims as pawns in political disputes.

Anutin reiterated that his priority was providing timely help and maintaining unity amid the disaster, noting that residents’ expressions of frustration are understandable and should be met with patience. He urged officials to avoid taking criticism personally and to continue collaborating effectively to address the crisis.