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Fighting floods: Thailand's new measures for safety
Thailand: Prime Minister Anutin chairs meeting on disaster relief after devastating floods. Effective management required.
Fighting floods: Thailand's new measures for safety
On October 6, 2025, Anutin Charnvirakul, the Prime Minister and Interior Minister of Thailand, will chair a crucial meeting of the new Natural Disaster Management Committee (KOP). The meeting will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Phakdi Bodin Building, the government headquarters. This initiative, resulting from a Prime Minister's Decree dated September 30, 2025, comes at a time when Thailand is facing repeated severe flooding.
The KOP was created to provide systematic and effective support to disaster victims. The establishment followed an inspection by the Prime Minister in Bang Ban, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, where recurring flooding was noted. The focus of the KOP is on the comprehensive coordination of all disaster management measures, covering the spectrum from preparation to assistance during the disaster to recovery. Anutin emphasized the urgency of quick and transparent help for affected citizens.
Background to the floods
In recent months, Thailand has struggled with devastating floods in the north and south, pointing to a failing disaster response system. tdri.or.th reports that from 2000 to 2019, a total of 146 natural disasters were recorded, claiming an average of 138 lives annually and costing around USD 7.7 billion. These figures make it clear that floods in particular are one of the most common and destructive natural disasters in Thailand.
Thailand is now one of the four countries with the highest risk of flooding in the world. According to thailandtip.info, climate change could increase the number of people affected by flooding by 30% as temperatures rise. The combination of low-lying terrain and intense monsoon rains makes Southeast Asia particularly vulnerable.
Failures in disaster prevention
The weaknesses in Thailand's disaster management often result in emergencies turning into tragic events. The inadequate coordination of water management across 48 authorities in 13 ministries represents a significant obstacle. tdri.or.th criticizes the outdated early warning systems, almost half of which do not work reliably. Therefore, the accuracy of flood forecasts, which is only 33%, is an alarming sign.
At the same time, the global perspective shows that around 1.47 billion people, equivalent to around 19% of the world's population, are at high risk of severe flooding. While China and India have millions of people living in vulnerable areas, Thailand has around 66 million people potentially affected. Financially, the latest floods could cause up to 60 billion baht in damages, underscoring the great economic significance of these natural disasters.
The next steps
The Prime Minister has directed the Disaster Relief Centers (CCP) to work closely with all relevant authorities and the private sector to ensure comprehensive assistance. Long-term relief measures for citizens who have to sacrifice their lands in flood zones should be developed, as well as transparent compensation policies that avoid repeated requests. A systematic approach to registering those affected will also be sought to ensure that aid payments reach everyone.
Despite the challenges presented by Thailand's disaster response system, there is hope. Models for successful disaster management, such as those developed in Hat Yai and based on science and teamwork, can serve as a source of inspiration. The right course for Thailand could be a shift in focus from response to prevention – not just from a national approach, but also from a locally focused approach.