Mae Sai: The National Disaster Risk Coordination (NDRC) has emphasized that reports of heavy rain upstream in Mae Sai potentially causing flooding again are false. Current weather conditions indicate the onset of winter with low water levels, though there might be some rain due to unstable weather. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) confirms that large relief funds will be transferred via PromptPay this Wednesday. Meanwhile, the southern region remains vigilant as heavy rain is expected in 13 provinces. The government is proactively organizing a meeting to address drought relief plans. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, advisor to the Prime Minister and spokesman of the Flood, Windstorm, and Landslide Relief Operation Center (FSOC), disclosed that the Meteorological Department has issued a warning about unstable weather in the upper parts of Thailand from today until Wednesday. Thunderstorms and strong winds are anticipated in the northern region, with a slight drop in temperatures. Residents are advised to safeguard their health and remain aware of fire hazards due to dry conditions and strong winds. Light to moderate rain is expected on November 6-7 in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Chiang Rai provinces, particularly in Mae Sai district, to prevent a recurrence of past flooding incidents. Rumors about westerly winds causing rain in the upstream areas and potential flooding in Mae Sai District have been dispelled by the Meteorological Department. It reported to the NESDC that the westerly wind has minimal influence currently, with high air pressure from China prevailing and a stronger influence from easterly and northeasterly winds. While heavy rain might occur in the upstream area of Mae Sai District, it is not expected to impact river basin water levels sufficiently to cause flooding. The tropical storm "Yinqing" is projected to move towards the upper South China Sea by Friday and is not expected to affect Thailand at this time, though monitoring continues a s its path is not fixed. The NDRC is closely observing the southern region, where heavy to very heavy rain is predicted from November 4 to 6 in provinces like Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and others. There is a need to be vigilant about landslides and flash floods in specific districts. Travelers on southern routes should exercise caution during the rainy season, with the Ministry of Transport ensuring safety measures and warning signs are in place. In the central region, the Royal Irrigation Department has adjusted the water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam, expecting it to normalize within three days. Mr. Jirayu mentioned that compensation payments for flood victims, as per Cabinet resolutions from September and October, are ongoing. The DDPM has coordinated with the Government Savings Bank to transfer funds via PromptPay to affected households, with the next disbursement slated for Wednesday, reaching over 30,000 households. Mr. Jirayu also highlighted the government's focus on addressing the drought situation. A meeting chaired by Mr. Prasert Jantarawongthong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, took place to review water management strategies for the upcoming drought season in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The government is implementing eight measures to tackle drought in the lower northeastern region, including water source surveys and risk area monitoring. The measures also emphasize water management plans and the need for public cooperation in water conservation and management. To ensure sustainable water security, local agencies are urged to take preventive actions to lessen drought impacts. Assistance will be promptly provided to affected individuals, with resources allocated for equipment and water source maintenance to enhance water storage. Campaigns to promote economic water usage among the public and adherence to agricultural planting plans are also underway, according to Mr. Jirayu.