Bangkok: “Bhumtham” has ordered governors nationwide and Bangkok to closely monitor the situation of Tropical Storm “KAJIKI” and prepare to provide assistance to citizens 24 hours a day. Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, in his capacity as National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Commissioner, revealed the situation of Tropical Storm “KAJIKI.”
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Interior, through the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, has been monitoring and assessing the situation in collaboration with the Meteorological Department and relevant agencies. The Ministry of Interior has found that Tropical Storm “KAJIKI” is currently located in the upper South China Sea, approximately 570 kilometers from Dong Hoi, Vietnam. It is moving west at a speed of 20 km/h and is expected to intensify as it moves into the Gulf of Tonkin. It will gradually weaken after making landfall in northern Vietnam between August 25-26, 2025.
The storm is expected to bring increased rainfall in Thailand, with heavy to very heavy rain and strong winds in many areas of the upper Northeast, the North, the Central, the East, and the western coast of the South, including Bangkok and its vicinity, from August 24-27, 2025.
Mr. Phumtham stated that he has instructed all 76 provincial governors, acting as provincial disaster prevention and mitigation directors, as well as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, to coordinate and closely monitor the situation with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, acting as the Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Center. He has also assigned the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to establish a war room with all provinces to assess the situation. If the assessment indicates that the situation is becoming more severe in any area, the governors, acting as provincial directors, will instruct district chiefs, as district directors, and local administrative executives, as local directors, to implement the emergency response plan, which has been continuously reviewed and rehearsed. This includes evacuation to safe areas, ensuring food and basic necessities. For areas prone to recurring flooding, preparations are being made, including dredging and removal
of water obstructions. For areas with large signs or tall objects, as required by building regulations, coordinate with the owners to inspect their stability. If any impacts or damage to the public are found, they must be expedited for demolition.
Mr. Phumtham further stated that heavy rainfall or accumulated rainfall can lead to flash floods and landslides, particularly on hillsides near waterways and lowlands. Coordinate with village headmen and subdistrict heads to communicate and raise awareness through loudspeakers and all village/community communication channels to ensure that citizens receive accurate information and comply with government recommendations. This includes raising awareness and caution regarding fake news that may be spread by ill-intentioned individuals in the area.
“Provinces with coastal areas, both on the Andaman coast and the Gulf of Thailand, should closely monitor the situation. If high waves are observed, implement disaster prevention and mitigation plans. This includes raising flags to prohibit tourists and the general public from swimming, and considering the navigation of both passenger and fishing vessels. If the situation worsens and boats are found to have left the shore, coordinate with relevant agencies to steer them to a safe area,” said Mr. Phumtham.
Mr. Phumtham added that the Ministry of Interior is concerned about the people and is working with all sectors and networks in every area to continuously provide disaster prevention and control 24 hours a day. Members of the public can contact the 1784 safety hotline for information or assistance, available 24 hours a day.