Thai PM Orders Urgent Flood Measures and Smooth Transport for IMF-World Bank Meetings

Thai PM Orders Urgent Flood Measures and Smooth Transport for IMF-World Bank Meetings

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul instructed all relevant agencies to manage water and transport so that nothing disrupts the IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok on 12-18 October 2026, as more than 15,000 delegates from 191 countries are expected to attend.

8 urgent directives on the floods:

1️⃣ Speed up drainage in reservoirs and waterways nearing full capacity to appropriate levels, while preventing impacts on downstream areas.
2️⃣ Quickly clear garbage, weeds, and bottlenecks at bridges to increase drainage rates.
3️⃣ Accurately identify risk zones so officials and machinery can be deployed in advance and on time.
4️⃣ If government machinery is insufficient, provinces should mobilize or source machinery from local private operators to support drainage, clear routes, and assist citizens promptly.
5️⃣ Begin recovery in receding zones right away by cleaning and inspecting utility systems, without waiting for floods to fully clear.
6️⃣ Survey and register disaster victims, and have the Ministry of Finance coordinate with the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives on assistance guidelines and loans for affected farmers.
7️⃣ Direct the Metropolitan and Provincial water and electricity authorities to consider lowering or waiving utility bills for flood-affected households.
8️⃣ Instruct the Ministry of Transport and Airports of Thailand to fully manage passenger travel and logistics during the IMF and World Bank meetings, while ensuring fast service restoration.

These proactive actions reflect Thailand's dual commitment to easing the public's hardship and staying ready on the international stage.

Source: PR Thai Government