Hat yai: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is preparing to elevate the ongoing flooding crisis in the South to a "state of emergency," a move prompted by severe flooding, particularly affecting Hat Yai District. He has instructed the National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General to swiftly draft a declaration to deploy state resources urgently. This includes personnel, heavy machinery, and military equipment, to reach areas unreachable due to communication disruptions caused by floodwaters.
According to Thai News Agency, during a video conference meeting from the Songkhla disaster area, Captain Thammanat Prompao reported to the Prime Minister that a "central command center" had been established at Air Force Base Wing 56. This center aims to centralize command and control from all units, reduce redundancy, and expedite rescue efforts. He noted that the current flood conditions were too strong for flat-bottomed boats, necessitating the use of helicopters when weather conditions allow. Additionally, he indicated that today was forecasted to be the rainiest day, prompting the Royal Irrigation Department to expedite water drainage.
The navy has mobilized extensive resources, including a special communications network, flat-bottomed boats, and speedboats from the Royal Thai Army Engineer Corps. Furthermore, the HTMS Chakri Naruebet and HTMS Chang have been deployed to set up floating evacuation centers. Diver teams are also working in at-risk areas to assist with evacuations where currents remain strong. All orders and operations are being coordinated through a single command center to ensure the most efficient rescue efforts.