Deputy prime ministers will each receive 100 million baht in emergency funding to tackle flooding and prepare for drought across the nation.

Deputy Interior Minister Jeseth Thaiseth said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had approved the additional allocation after deputy prime ministers reported on preparations for water-related emergencies. The funding is intended to support flood-affected areas while strengthening preparations for possible drought.

Mr Jeseth said the prime minister had also instructed the deputy prime ministers to identify areas where water could be stored during the current rainy season. The aim is to retain water for use early next year, when drought conditions could emerge, despite heavy rain currently affecting several parts of the country.

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department is monitoring the situation and issued Cell Broadcast warnings before noon on Tuesday for areas around the Lao River in Chiang Rai and Phayao in the North. Water levels in the Mekong are also rising, prompting close monitoring across the Northeast.

Mr Jeseth said preparations for flooding in Chiang Rai's Mae Sai district had been rehearsed several times. Provincial governors have been instructed to coordinate with local agencies and communities, with warnings to be issued through Cell Broadcast, village broadcast systems and community leaders.

Residents receiving emergency alerts have been urged to follow evacuation plans and cooperate with local leaders in moving people and vehicles to safer areas.

The Royal Irrigation Department is also closely monitoring rainfall and water levels, particularly in 12 provinces facing higher risk: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Mukdahan, Saraburi, Roi Et, Yasothon, Nakhon Phanom, Udon Thani, Phitsanulok and Amnat Charoen.

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has ordered machinery, water pumps and personnel to remain ready for immediate deployment.

The department reported that major and medium-sized reservoirs held about 44.84 billion cubic metres on Tuesday, equivalent to 58% of combined capacity, leaving more than 31.83 billion cu/m of available storage. The Lao River remained a concern in Chiang Rai.