Prime Minister declares Songkhla a disaster zone! Denies government’s slow response – Insists situation under control – Stresses Thammanat’s field visit is not political

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On 25 November 2025, at Government House, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, announced an emergency situation in the southern region and appointed the Chief of Defence Forces as the “Director of the Situation”, granting him full authority to command and coordinate assistance for the public.

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The Prime Minister stated that all sectors are fully mobilizing support, budget, resources, food, and essential supplies to affected areas. He emphasized that the government is simultaneously managing the situation and water drainage, affirming that all systems are fully prepared.

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When asked about public criticism that the government’s flood response has been slow, he insisted, “The government has not been slow. Although there are public concerns, there has been no delay or obstruction in operations. We are working at full capacity.” He also explained that the establishment of a forward command center, a support command center, and the implementation of the Emergency Decree are intended to expedite crisis management.

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The Prime Minister further discussed the creation of a special spokesperson team, similar to the COVID-19 response, and the establishment of an operations center at the Phakdibodin Building in Government House. The Chief of Defence Forces, as Director of the Situation, will consolidate and command all operations. In addition, the Permanent Secretary of the Interior will serve as Incident Commander, with authority to coordinate and issue directives across agencies.

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Reporters also asked about the deadline for assisting evacuees. The Prime Minister replied that there is no exact deadline, but all agencies are racing against time to provide support as quickly as possible. Once the situation eases, the government will move into rehabilitation efforts and ensure safety for people returning home, along with providing essential relief supplies.

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Regarding Hat Yai’s flooding, he said the area is awaiting water drainage. If no additional rainfall or upstream flow arrives, the city’s floodwater will gradually recede. He added that if no obstacles arise, the government will swiftly send full assistance to affected communities. “The goal now is to help affected citizens and ensure the highest level of safety for those in the disaster zone,” he stressed.

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Reporters also questioned who holds the highest decision-making authority in the field, the Chief of Defence Forces as the Director of the Situation or Capt. Thammanat Prompao, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, who is currently in the affected area. The Prime Minister clarified that any order issued by any minister in the field is effectively an order from the Prime Minister. There is no need to wait for approval from any particular individual. All personnel on the ground have the authority to issue directives for maximum public benefit. He added that he himself will monitor operations from the government operations center because capable personnel are already present at the scene.

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The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Capt. Thammanat’s visit is not political, but rather to closely monitor the situation. He explained that Capt. Thammanat was unable to visit the disaster area on 24 November due to heavy rain preventing his aircraft from landing.

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In closing, the Prime Minister emphasized that the authorities of the Chief of Defence Forces and Capt. Thammanat will not overlap, as all parties work and meet together without separate chains of command.

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Copywriter: Siam Associated Press (SAP) Editorial Department
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Source of material: official media /online news