BANGKOK, Thailand – Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa has ordered industrial estates in areas at risk of heavy rain to raise flood surveillance and preparedness to the highest level. The directive follows a Thai Meteorological Department warning of heavy to very heavy rain from 23 to 27 September, prompting the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand to closely monitor conditions nationwide.

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IEAT Governor Sumet Tangprasert reported that Bangpoo Industrial Estate has a combined pumping capacity of up to 100,000 cubic metres per hour and is clearing drainage channels, maintaining available space in retention ponds and inspecting vulnerable drainage points. CCTV, SCADA controls and automatic rainfall monitoring systems are operational, and flood-protection barriers for Zones 1 and 2 have been completed.

Industrial estates in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, including Nakhon Luang, Bang Pa-in and Ban Wa, have activated emergency plans and prepared embankments, retention ponds, pumping systems and backup generators capable of providing power for at least eight hours. Personnel are monitoring water levels around the clock while tracking weather forecasts and releases from the Chao Phraya and Rama VI dams. Estates in Prachin Buri and Chachoengsao are expected to remain operational despite flooding in some nearby low-lying areas.

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All industrial estates under IEAT supervision have been instructed to implement eight flood-prevention measures and maintain emergency response and business continuity plans to protect infrastructure, production and supply chains. The Ministry of Industry’s Industrial Relief Centre is also on 24-hour standby with relief supplies for affected communities, and people requiring assistance can contact the ministry’s 1564 hotline at any time.

-Thailand News (TN)