Bangkok: The Prime Minister is actively overseeing the flood recovery plan, instructing the cabinet that any additional compensation required should be promptly submitted to the National Reform Council for approval. Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized that the next phase of recovery must proceed continuously through local government agencies to support tourism during Thailand’s winter season.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, advisor to the Prime Minister and spokesman for the Operation Center for Flood, Storm, and Landslide Relief Operations (OCR), disclosed that during a recent cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra directed the cabinet to accelerate additional relief measures for flood and storm victims across the country. Matters exceeding cabinet approval must be sent to the OCR for compilation and review before being presented back to the cabinet.
The Prime Minister instructed government agencies in Mae Sai District and other areas to persist with rehabili
tation efforts, even after the Forward Command Center has withdrawn, to ensure tourism in many areas remains vibrant, aligning with government policy.
Mr. Jirayu, spokesperson for the CPOC, highlighted the current water management challenges, noting that despite many provinces entering the winter season, ongoing rain necessitates vigilant water management. The Royal Irrigation Department reported a steady discharge of water from the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat Province, maintaining the water level at stable levels but causing concerns in low-lying areas outside the embankment in regions like Ang Thong Province.
Meanwhile, the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) has alerted the NDRC about impending heavy rains in the lower central and eastern regions, as well as the South, causing potential flooding risks, especially in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan Provinces. The NESDB has urged public vigilance in the southern region from Chumphon downward due to expected increased rainfall.
Mr. Jirayu also pr
ovided updates on the rehabilitation efforts in Chiang Mai Province, particularly for ancient sites like Wat Ku Pa Dom and Wiang Kum Kam, which have suffered prolonged flooding. Mr. Phanombut Chanthachoti, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, reported that efforts are underway to drain floodwaters and protect stucco patterns with specialized materials to prevent damage.
The government places a high priority on post-flood rehabilitation, especially for ancient sites due to their cultural value, enhancing the tourism sector through their preservation. Mr. Jirayu emphasized the importance of considering all interrelated factors in the rehabilitation process.
In addressing the flood-related waste management in Chiang Mai Province, Mr. Jirayu conveyed that Mr. Nirat Phongsitthaworn, Chiang Mai Governor, reported collaborative cleanup efforts. Local administrative organizations are encouraged to engage private companies for waste separation and disposal, with some waste being repurposed as fuel for elect
ricity generation. Excess sandbags are distributed to the public or disposed of, with significant progress reported in their removal across various districts.
Source: Thai News Agency