Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has directed relevant agencies to swiftly intensify their relief efforts for the victims of flooding in the northern provinces, particularly in Chiang Rai.
Right after delivering the government’s policy statement in parliament on Thursday, Ms. Paetongtarn convened a critical meeting with cabinet ministers to deliberate on measures to assist flood victims in the northern regions.
She tasked the Interior Ministry, the Defence Ministry, and the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry with coordinating the evacuation of residents and livestock.
The Interior Ministry, Defence Ministry, and Public Health Ministry were tasked with overseeing the care of individuals at evacuation centers and ensuring the availability of medical supplies, while the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry was tasked with providing adequate food for livestock.
Joint responsibility for safeguarding local properties and households during the flood was assigned to the Interior Ministry, Defence Ministry, and Royal Thai Police.
Once the flooding subsides, these agencies will evaluate the damage to infrastructure and utilities, collect complaints from residents, and commence repairs on affected homes and structures.
The Interior Ministry and the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry are set to collaborate to reinforce flood embankments and enhance drainage systems, while the Department of Mineral Resources has been urged to expedite the development of warning systems in high-risk areas.
Environmental agencies have been commanded to monitor rainfall and water levels, assess conditions, and communicate warnings to other agencies.
Local authorities are set to provide safety instructions during floods and advice on how to access government assistance and prepare for evacuations.
Ms. Paetongtarn has also tasked the Interior Ministry, the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, and the Office of the National Water Resources with developing enduring solutions to flooding issues.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of establishing adequate temporary shelters and food preparation facilities for evacuees.
After the meeting, Ms. Paetongtarn reported receiving continual updates about the severe flooding in the northern regions, especially in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.
“The government is not complacent. During the government policy statement, cabinet ministers had already given instructions to help affected people. Everyone must join hands to end people’s hardships as quickly as possible,” she stated.
“I would like to extend my concern to people in the North, particularly in Chiang Rai. When the flood situation eases, we will ensure victims receive compensation, and early warning systems must also be improved.”
She noted that she and some cabinet members will visit the flood victims in Chiang Rai on Friday and emphasized that authorities should concentrate on relief efforts rather than formal welcomes.
“There is no need for welcomes. Just give me some directions. We don’t want to obstruct efforts to help affected people,” she said.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister announced that funds from the central budget’s emergency fund will be allocated to assist the flood victims.
Contributions to aid the relief efforts can be made through the Office of the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, she informed.
Sutthipong Juljarern, the permanent secretary of the Interior Ministry, reported that the flooding in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district is the most severe it has been in 80 years.
