National —
On September 25th, 2024, Deputy Interior Minister Theerarat Samrejvanich addressed the current flood situation, expressing confidence that Bangkok is well-prepared to handle any incoming water, reassuring that the water levels are not expected to reach the scale of the 2011 major floods.
Theerarat noted that Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt had updated her on the situation, confirming that the city has been preparing for potential floods and is ready to respond. She emphasized the need to inspect water pumps and ensure all personnel are on duty. Officials have been instructed to maintain a high level of vigilance to prevent any severe flooding.
In response to concerns about water from the northern provinces flooding Bangkok, Theerarat assured the public that the city is adequately prepared. While heavy rain or a major storm could cause temporary flooding in some areas, she is confident that drainage systems will work quickly to manage the situation.
When asked about the new flood warning system in Lampang Province, Theerarat mentioned that the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has partnered with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to send SMS alerts.
While feedback indicated a preference for emergency alerts via Cell Broadcast, Theerarat explained that SMS was the fastest available system. The new Cell Broadcast system, funded in the 2025 budget, is expected to be operational by mid-2025.
