Defence Minister Orders the Armed Forces to Stand Ready to Assist Flood-Affected Citizens Nationwide

Col. Veerayuth Nomsiri, Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, revealed that on 8 October 2025, Gen. Natthaphon Nakpanit, Minister of Defence, instructed the Disaster Relief Center of the Ministry of Defence (DRC-MOD) and all branches of the armed forces to prepare personnel, equipment, and specialized tools to assist people affected by flooding in various parts of the country.

He emphasized the importance of following the 2021 Ministry of Defence Disaster Relief Plan (Revised 2025), approved on 29 August, to ensure efficient, coordinated disaster management and humanitarian relief. The Minister stressed the principle of “Helping the people with the heart of a soldier”, focusing on operations before, during, and after disasters.

🪖 Royal Thai Army

The Army has activated disaster relief centers nationwide and mobilized units to assess risk areas and provide immediate assistance: The Artillery Regiment 1, Battalion 5, deployed in Tha It Mosque Community, Nonthaburi Province, to reinforce flood barriers and monitor rising water levels in the Chao Phraya River. The 2nd Infantry Regiment, King’s Guard, sent volunteer troops to assist flood victims in Prachin Buri Province, delivering essential goods and moral support. The 32nd Military Circle in Lampang Province visited vulnerable communities, delivering relief supplies and mobile medical services to alleviate hardship.

⚓ Royal Thai Navy

The Navy prepared its Disaster Relief Units and essential assets, including the “Water Propulsion Boats”, a royal initiative of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, designed to help drain floodwater in low-lying areas. Naval forces from Regions 1, 2, and 3, together with Bangkok Naval Base, Sattahip Naval Base, Chanthaburi-Trat Defence Command, and the Mekong Riverine Peacekeeping Unit, stand ready for immediate deployment when requested.

✈️ Royal Thai Air Force

All air bases have been ordered to prepare personnel, vehicles, and tools to support flood relief missions—including transportation of supplies, evacuation of civilians, and distribution of survival kits. Air Bases 21, 23, 4, 41, and 46 are actively conducting relief operations in their respective areas.

The Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rainfall between 7–8 October 2025 in the North, Northeast, and East, and increased rainfall between 9–13 October in the Central, Eastern, and Southern regions.

People living in flood-prone or low-lying areas are advised to remain cautious of heavy rain, flash floods, and runoff, and to stay updated with official announcements.

Gen. Natthaphon reaffirmed: “The Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces will work with all sectors to the fullest extent to protect the lives and property of the people, because helping our fellow citizens is the foremost mission of the military.”

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Office of the Spokesperson, Ministry of Defence : 8 October  2025