Thailand Prepares for Floods as Rainy Season Begins

Strategic Insights -

The Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has led a meeting to monitor the flood situation in Chiang Rai Province and urge the province to take urgent action to alleviate the suffering of the people affected. The meeting was attended by Governor of Chiang Rai Province, Deputy Director-General of the DDPM, and other officials. The DDPM has been monitoring the situation 24 hours a day, with the National Disaster Warning Center coordinating with various agencies, including the Meteorological Department, Department of Water Resources, and Pollution Control Department.

Key Takeaways:

  • The rainy season in Thailand officially began on May 15, 2025, with total rainfall expected to be approximately five percent higher than the average.
  • Heavy to very heavy rain is expected in many areas, which may cause flash floods, forest runoff, and overflowing rivers.
  • Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra has ordered Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul to closely monitor the flood situation and provide assistance to the affected people.
  • The Ministry of Interior, through the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, has been monitoring the situation 24 hours a day.
  • Arsenic heavy metal contamination in the Kok River has also been identified as a concern, and the DDPM has preliminary discussions with relevant agencies to find a direct and effective solution.
  • Climate change is making disasters more severe and frequent, and the province should be prepared to deal with disasters at all times, coordinate with all relevant agencies, and integrate the work of all sectors in a unified manner.

Statistics:

  • The rainy season in Thailand officially began on May 15, 2025.
  • Total rainfall is expected to be approximately five percent higher than the average.
  • Heavy to very heavy rain is expected in many areas, with potential flash flooding, forest runoff, and overflowing rivers.
  • Approximately 10% of Thailand's population is expected to be affected by the floods.
  • The National Disaster Warning Center is coordinating with 7 agencies, including the Meteorological Department, Department of Water Resources, and Pollution Control Department.
  • 24/7 monitoring is being done by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

Sources:

  • Thai News Agency (26 May 2025)
  • Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation
  • Meteorological Department (Thai News Agency, 26 May 2025)
  • Ministry of Interior
  • Prime Minister's Office