PM declares state of emergency in Songkhla, appoints Chief of Defence Forces to oversee response

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed a declaration on Tuesday announcing a state of emergency in Songkhla Province due to catastrophic flooding caused by heavy rainfall. The flooding has caused unprecedented damage, severely affecting daily life and posing a danger to residents’ safety, while also damaging both public and private property on a large scale.

The government has determined that urgent measures are necessary to maintain public safety, restore order, and mitigate the damages caused. In line with this, the Prime Minister, with Cabinet approval, has declared the state of emergency in Songkhla and appointed the Chief of Defence Forces as the lead official in charge of managing the emergency response.

This declaration will remain in effect from 25 November 2025 until 25 February 2026.

Following the Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister spoke to the press, stating, "Right now, the priority is to manage the water drainage as quickly as possible. If no more rain falls, the water should be drained faster. The most important thing now is to urgently assist the people in the affected areas. The armed forces and relevant agencies are fully prepared, providing food, essential supplies, and transport to support the relief efforts. I assure you that there is no delay, no obstruction. We are working at full capacity to save lives first. Given the severity of the situation, we have to use the Emergency Decree to oversee the operations."

Anutin added that a spokesperson committee would be appointed to provide updates and information to the public throughout the crisis until the situation is resolved. "Once the situation is under control, the focus will shift to recovery, helping the people return to their homes and resume their normal lives. I’ve spent the first two days on the ground to understand the situation better. This will allow us to make quicker decisions and manage the situation more effectively from the central command."

The Prime Minister also confirmed that there is no overlap in authority in the decision-making process. "There is no power struggle; everyone is working together to help the people. Let’s not bring politics into this. The priority is helping the people. Meanwhile, the electricity authority is repairing the power supply for hospitals, deploying electricians to ensure that essential facilities can function properly."