Minister of Interior (MOI) General Anupong Paochinda, along with Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, Digital Economy and Society Minister; Suthipong Juljarern, MOI Permanent Secretary; Wilas Chaloeysat, Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) Governor; and Chadchart Sittipunt, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Governor, proceeded to inspect flooding areas, follow up progress in resolving the crisis and provide support to victims and frontline staff at Lat Krabang District in Bangkok.
The inspection undertaken at Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) tracked along Khlong Phraya Phet Bridge, Khum Thong Sub-district, Lat Krabang District, and assessed BMA’s Department of Drainage and Sewerage (DDS) in Khlong Thab Yao Bridge area. The ongoing flooding situation in Lat Krabang District was relayed along with overall water supply management solutions, action plans, and supports for flood preventive and resolution measures, including DDPM’s disaster recovery machinery and integrated supports from relevant networks.
The MOI Minister presented the policy and framework for prevention and solutions for the flooding crisis occurring in Bangkok and Metropolitan Areas, Central Business Areas, Urban and Suburban areas. The survey mission continued to Khlong Phraya Phet and Masjid Siratuljannah communities, a severely affected area where 167 victims were given survival kits.
Mr. Wilas Chaloeysat, MEA Governor, stated, “Following the area inspection in collaboration with the Interior Minister, BMA Governor, and related agencies, solutions to the immediate crisis have been acknowledged. MEA takes responsibility for ensuring electricity systems are monitored and approved for distribution stability and ensuring safety in all impacted areas.”
MEA, as a state enterprise under the Ministry of Interior responsible for electricity distribution in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan, is prioritising the quality of efficient electricity distribution and staff availability to support emergency cases and avoid inconvenience 24 hours a day.
MEA Services are extended to 762 pumping stations, water gates and pumping stations in Bangkok, of which 364 stations are directly under MEA responsibility. Main power supply system and standby power system are installed for all water pumping stations to stabilise electricity systems and enable electricity control using SCADA technology and DMS for automatic electricity distribution. The additional system support aims to aid operation management, data analysis, and pressure control monitoring for enhanced efficiency and safety.
MEA has continuously conducted electricity distribution assessment and maintenance to help prevent problems occurring in the system, in particular during the early rainy season period when physical assessments included branch cutting and signage condition monitoring around MEA areas where possible damage may emerge from heavy storms. Other tasks include assessment of electrical equipment capacity to ensure stability of the electricity system in each water pumping station as well as providing staff to monitor significant electricity spots along with maintenance provision for all water pumping stations and the Flooding Prevention Centre in Bangkok to prepare urgent support for emergency electricity outages in advance.
MEA Governor further stated, “MEA is concerned for public safety due to the risks caused by thunderstorms which may lead to abrupt flooding. The public living in the basin area affected by the flooding and communities located outside flood levees along the Chao Phraya River and lowland areas are advised to move electricity outlets and electrical appliances above the flood level when inundation looms. To avoid risks from loss of life and property, the public should keep a safe distance from large billboards, trees and any unsteady constructions along electricity lines as disruptions may occur due to strong storm conditions. Electrical appliances should be monitored and repaired if found damaged and keep in mind that all electrical appliances are unsafe to use when damp or soaked by flooding.”
In light of the recent crisis, water levels in many areas are constantly monitored and electricity meters are removed to secure levels by MEA. Should residents in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan find damaged electrical cables or electrical equipment, or need help with electrical system or you want to move your electricity metre, please notify MEA officials via MEA Smart Life Application (downloadable at https://onelink.to/measmartlife), MEA social media platforms (Facebook: การไฟฟ้านครหลวง MEA, Line: MEA Connect, Twitter: @mea_news), MEA offices, or MEA 24-hour Call Center 1130.
