Authorities are intensifying disaster response and relief efforts ahead of heavy rain forecasted from December 12 to 16. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Wechayachai, overseeing the Flood, Storm, and Landslide Relief Operations Center, has directed agencies to maintain round-the-clock readiness. Preparations include equipping emergency shelters, mobilizing machinery, and providing specialized support for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and bedridden patients.

The Southeastern Meteorological Center has warned of heavy to very heavy rains and strong winds driven by a high-pressure system intensifying the northeastern monsoon. The provinces expected to be most affected include Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Residents have been urged to brace for potential flash floods, overflowing rivers, landslides, and hazardous sea conditions. Small boats are advised to remain ashore until conditions improve.

Flooding continues to impact communities in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla, where more than 25,000 households remain affected. Emergency shelters in four provinces currently house nearly 21,000 evacuees, with food distribution centers providing meals, clean water, and survival kits. Between late November and early December, 10 provinces declared disaster zones, affecting over 3,500 villages and thousands of families across southern Thailand.

Recovery efforts are also underway, with the Ministry of Industry reporting damages to 52 factories, 14 SMEs, and 23 community enterprises, resulting in an estimated 23 million baht in losses. Immediate relief measures include machinery restoration and working capital support. In addition, the Ministry of Justice has deployed inmates to assist with public cleaning and repair services for motorcycles and electrical appliances in Narathiwat and Yala provinces.

Flood Readiness Bolstered Ahead of Southern Downpours - The Phuket Express