Bangkok: The opposition leader raised concerns about compensation for residents living along the Thai-Cambodian border, prompting Deputy Minister of the Interior, Teerarat Rattanawanich, to outline plans to adjust existing compensation regulations. Teerarat emphasized that new disasters require different treatment compared to natural calamities such as floods and mudslides. The government has assured assistance for water and electricity bills, with any errors to be deducted from subsequent payments.
According to Thai News Agency, a meeting of the House of Representatives, chaired by First Deputy Speaker Yaicha Promma, addressed a live oral question from Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the People’s Party leader and Leader of the Opposition. The query focused on compensation and support for residents in the border provinces, along with welfare for frontline officials like Village Defense Volunteers and public health workers. Natthaphong expressed hope for direct communication, urging the government to provide clarity and commitment to these issues to ease public concerns.
Natthaphong also shared a video of his visit to the affected areas, highlighting confusion over the need to pay for document copies to apply for relief. He disclosed that the fee was for copying 11 pages from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, costing 11 baht. The opposition leader pointed out inconsistencies and called for government measures to reduce utility bills. He questioned whether these were exemptions or compensations for lost income, as individuals returning from shelters still received utility bills. Clarification on compensation processes for damage to homes or vehicles was also requested.
In response, Ms. Thirat detailed immediate relief efforts undertaken by the government since the conflict’s onset. Damage assessments in various provinces, including Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Buriram, and Sisaket, revealed varying numbers of damaged and repaired houses. Private sector help, such as knock-down houses donated by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was provided for completely uninhabitable homes.
Ms. Thirat confirmed approved assistance for July and August utility bills, attributing the billing issues to retroactive collections for June by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. She assured that adjustments would be made for July bills to allow for future offsets if payments had already been made.
Further, the government has conducted surveys to assess assistance needs, with evacuee care varying based on shelter duration. Ms. Thirat explained that despite timely completion of work, financial aid distribution is subject to strict adherence to criteria. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation can waive certain criteria to overcome regulatory obstacles.
Natthaphong urged swift government action to enhance assistance for affected individuals, citing procedural delays and verification requirements. He proposed mobile stop-service centers and technological solutions to streamline complaint processes and address documentation issues.
Ms. Thirat noted that local complaint handling and one-stop services are already in place and efforts are underway to streamline operations and eliminate public confusion. Cooperation within the House of Representatives is necessary to revise regulations and address new threats, ensuring effective implementation and addressing public concerns.