Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

The government has pledged immediate implementation of flood-prevention lessons following severe flooding in the South, with Deputy Prime Minister Bowornsak Uwanno warning that officials who fail to act will face serious disciplinary consequences, including dismissal without lengthy inquiries. Speaking on 8 December 2025 at the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), he stressed that past reviews had been left “on the table,” contributing to repeated losses. He said new guidelines will be distributed widely to agencies and the public, in formats including documents, infographics and videos, to ensure communities know evacuation points and procedures.

 

Bowornsak noted that flood-response plans already exist but are often not executed, adding that annual review exercises must now be followed by action. He highlighted the need for preparedness in regular flood-risk months, including August, September and November in Hat Yai, and said officials must conduct drills. He added that wrongdoing causing heavy damage would constitute a severe disciplinary offence, with clear consequences.

 

He also addressed criticism from the opposition over the use of military personnel in flood-hit areas, insisting that any future government would find the armed forces indispensable. He cited his visit to Songkhla during power outages, where soldiers worked with heavy machinery until late night hours. Bowornsak said the Royal Thai Air Force also supported travel when commercial flights were fully booked, demonstrating the military’s essential role in national disaster response.

 

Bowornsak added that government plans would not be hindered by its remaining time in office, as they involve no additional spending and fall under cabinet-approved frameworks that remain valid after dissolution. During his meeting with OAG governor Monthian Charoenphol and related agencies, he sought to streamline emergency relief payments and ensure consistent interpretation of auditing rules. He said the Interior Ministry, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), Comptroller-General’s Department and others had coordinated to remove administrative delays.

 

He confirmed that flood-relief payments would rely on electronic verification, requiring only a national ID card and a registered PromptPay account, while DDPM Form 14 must designate the rightful recipient for the 2-million-baht compensation for families of the deceased. Monthian said the OAG already supports electronic document checks and reiterated that officials acting without corruption would face only guidance, not disciplinary action, under Section 95 of the new OAG law. He added that paper copies are unnecessary when government data already exists in state systems.

 

Monthian also confirmed an inquiry into the reported purchase of over 100 million baht worth of disinfectant in Songkhla, compared with an estimated actual cost of 30 million baht. He said price comparisons must consider emergency shortages but confirmed that inspectors would review the procurement for irregularities.

 

Naewna reported that Bowornsak said the government will work with the Council of State, DDPM and the Comptroller-General’s Department to formalise nationwide disaster-relief rules that remain valid across future administrations. He said proposed guidelines will outline permissible flexibilities during emergencies and provide a standard national framework for auditing and disbursement.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Officials failing to act on flood-prevention lessons may face dismissal without extensive inquiries.

• Electronic verification will streamline relief payments, with only a national ID card and PromptPay details required.

• The OAG has launched an inquiry into Songkhla’s disinfectant procurement valued at over 100 million baht.

 

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna  2025-12-09

 

 

Yet more talk.

 

When can we substantive viable action?

Thailand the HUB of talk NO action 

I remember it must be about 23 years ago when the same happened in Hat Yai, I was living in BKK and was taking a flight to Hat Yai a couple of days after a huge flooding had cleared, you could see in the shops the water line on the walls, by all accounts it was a disaster. 

Now you can see the water line by plastic bags in the trees out in the bush