While flooding is expected to be worst in the South, the danger to populated areas is deemed to be worse in the North, so that region would be given priority, he said.

"Initially a budget of Bt400 million-Bt500 million should cover the costs. We have to install them before the rainy season [progresses any further] as Thailand will be affected by [the weather system] La Nina.

"The South could be most affected as it has little natural forest cover, just rubber trees, which fall easily," he said.

The government didn't have the funds to install devices in 2,400 spots initially as earlier reported, he said.

Establishing a database that categorises the areas into four risk levels based on meteorology, hydrography (water science) and soil science and using existing warning systems would be more efficient, he said.

However, the plan to install a flood-warning system is expected to be ready for the Cabinet within the next two weeks, he said. Related agencies should discuss the plan together, he said.

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra wants the NDWC to report directly to him or an assigned deputy prime minister to eliminate red tape and ensure quicker implementation, Plodprasop said.

Department of Mineral Resources director-general Somsak Phothisat said local people, especially those living on hillsides in the North, should make use of their knowledge to help create a warning network.

In Thailand, 2,371 villages in 51 provinces are at risk of mudslides while the department has created mudslide-warning networks in 18 provinces.

Flash-floods and landslides unexpectedly and severely ravaged areas in the North late last month, prompting various agencies to prepare measures to handle such disasters, similar to steps taken after the tsunami hit the South in late 2004.