Bangkok: The government is accelerating efforts to send migrants home after tensions on the Thai-Cambodian border have eased.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Interior has convened a meeting with governors to discuss urgent measures aimed at restoring a good standard of living for Thai citizens.
Mr. Chanin Rungthanakiat, Deputy Spokesperson for the Pheu Thai Party, highlighted the relief efforts targeting seven border provinces. Following the subsiding of conflict in these areas, the government has implemented a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation plan. Ministers from the Pheu Thai Party have visited the affected areas to assist with various challenges including livelihoods, relocation, security, and rehabilitation. Several MPs, particularly from Pheu Thai Party constituencies, are actively coordinating with relevant agencies to provide urgent assistance.
On August 9th, a delegation including Deputy Prime Minister and acting Prime Minister Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, visited temporary shelters and met with residents to facilitate their repatriation. They also held a meeting with governors from Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, and Buriram provinces to monitor and direct assistance efforts. The meeting outlined five key directions to aid affected residents:
1. Facilitation of homeward travel, with the Ministry of Transport providing transportation, the Ministry of Public Health arranging ambulances, and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation preparing supplies for initial stages of return.
2. Assessment and repair of damages, led by the Department of Local Administration, to expedite compensation and coordinate repair efforts with various government agencies.
3. Reduction of living costs, with a pending Cabinet resolution to waive charges for electricity and water for residents in at-risk areas for two months.
4. Conducting health surveys by the Ministry of Public Health to address both physical and mental health issues for affected citizens and officials.
5. Compensation for volunteers involved in rescue duties, with a proposed Cabinet resolution to offer daily compensation to boost morale among those serving in disaster-prone areas.
The Pheu Thai government and its MPs are committed to coordinating assistance to expedite the restoration of a good quality of life and bring smiles back to Thai citizens.