The army, navy, and officials in southern Thailand are on high alert for flash floods and landslides amid warnings of extreme weather due to a low-pressure system that will hit the region today and tomorrow.
Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paojinda said yesterday he has instructed the provincial governors of Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and all 14 southern provinces to be on watch around the clock until the weather system clears.
Deputy army spokesman Winthai Suvaree said the Fourth Army has soldiers and equipment on standby to rescue victims in the event of any natural disaster resulting from severe weather.
The Thai Meteorological Department issued a warning saying that gusts and torrential rain are set to batter Chumphon. Waves are expected to measure between 2m and 4m high.
People in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun have been told to brace for extreme weather and inshore surges.
Communities in Pak Phanang district of Nakhon Si Thammarat suffered coastal surges last night. Surat Thani meanwhile experienced heavy rainfall, resulting in floods 30cm deep in some parts of Koh Samui.
Navy commander Adm Kraisorn Chansuvanich said the force has prepared a special natural disaster relief fleet, including two warships and two aircraft. A unit of 28 Royal Thai Navy Seals is also on standby.