More than 10,000 troops and 1,000 vehicles have been deployed nationwide to help people hit by heavy rain and flooding.
Defence Minister Lt Gen Adul Boonthumjaroen ordered units to keep round-the-clock operations in flood-hit areas, supplying transport and equipment to residents and local agencies.
He inspected flooding along the Pak Kret bypass at Chaeng Watthana Road and Soi Chaeng Watthana 14 in Nonthaburi on Saturday, found people stranded beside the road and had them taken to their destinations on military vehicles.
He told commanders to watch the situation closely and get help to communities quickly. The Defence Ministry and armed forces will also support the government when agencies in affected areas ask.
Lt Gen Adul ordered units to prepare for recovery once the water recedes, with troops and equipment ready to restore communities.
“During a crisis, we must provide timely assistance. Once the water recedes, we must help people get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” he said.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa and Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Paradorn Prissananantakul inspected flood-hit areas in Ayutthaya.
Mr Ekniti said water from the North and heavy rain in the east required advance preparations. Some water would be diverted into fields to spare communities, with management taking account of farmers who have begun harvesting rice.
He said Bangkok was being watched, with information exchanged with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt as authorities prepared for possible flows into the capital. Some government facilities were being arranged as temporary car parks.
Mr Paradorn said district chiefs and disaster-prevention teams had been told to assess damage, install pumps and prepare transport, tents and shelters.
He expected rainfall to ease within two days, although the Chao Phraya River could stay at current levels. High tides were slowing drainage into the sea, requiring close monitoring.