Prime minister fears for Trat amid worsening floods

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin voiced serious concern about the ongoing flooding in Trat, which has persisted since it was first reported last week.

The government is closely monitoring the situation in the eastern province, according to a Facebook post by the Thai premier yesterday, July 29. The 62 year old Thai prime minister expressed gratitude to the Royal Thai Armed Forces and the Royal Thai Police for their efforts in evacuating residents trapped by the rising waters.

“All my prayers are with every officer in the area … as I have been keeping a close watch on the situation.”

Heavy continuous downpours starting on July 22 caused the flooding, primarily affecting Khao Saming, Muang, and Bo Rai districts. The situation worsened on Sunday when runoff from the Bo Rai district inundated the Khao Saming and Mueang districts, submerging roads and houses.

Local officials reported that the situation in the Bo Rai district has improved as floodwater started to flow into the Kiri Tharn dam through the Sato and Sato Noi canals. Despite this, weather forecasters have urged residents to remain cautious, predicting more heavy rain and strong winds in the coming days.

In response to the adverse weather, Laem Ngob Witthayakhom School in Laem Ngob district suspended all in-person classes until Friday for student safety, opting for online education during this period.

Farms in the affected areas have sought help to relocate their livestock to higher ground. In Mueang district, officials from the local livestock office rescued 1,200 piglets and pigs from Saknarin Pig Farm, although at least ten pigs perished. The surviving animals have been moved to another farm in Sa Keao’s Wang Nam Yen district.

An anonymous chicken coop owner from the Bo Rai district remarked that this is the worst flooding he has witnessed in over 20 years.

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Propow visited the province yesterday to assess the situation. He instructed all relevant agencies to evaluate the flood damage and develop a compensation plan for those affected.

Separately, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has designated Trat’s Muang, Laem Ngob, Koh Kud, and Khlong Yai districts as flash flood risk areas. Other provinces at risk include Tak, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Rayong, and Chanthaburi. Motorists have been advised to avoid travelling through these regions during adverse weather conditions.