PM calls relevant agencies to meet on flooding in Chiang Rai and the North, insists the government is not indifferent, asks various ministries to help people get out of the problem as soon as possible, speeds up warning and compensation systems
Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, chaired the meeting to discuss the solution of flooding problems in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces at the Parliament Building, Samsen Road, Dusit District, Bangkok, along with Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Mr. Prasert Chantarawongthong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Mrs. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, Mr. Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Gen. Nattapol Nakphanit, Deputy Minist
er of Defense.
The Prime Minister said before the meeting that he had received reports this morning from the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Interior, and the Minister of Transport to update the water situation in both Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces. In Chiang Rai, the situation is quite severe. The water has reached Mueang District and Mae Fah Luang Airport, but the runway is still usable. The government is not idle. In the past, we have waited for the Prime Minister to announce the government policy to the parliament before giving orders. In the past, the Deputy Prime Minister and all ministers have taken care of the people before this. Of course, this problem does not belong to any one person. Everyone must cooperate in order to treat and help the people get out of the problem as quickly as possible. He also expressed his concern to the people of the North, especially in Chiang Rai Province. Of course, we will have to continue to work on the warning system and treatment.
In this regard, we must
let government agencies explain the situation to see what to do next. We also ask the Deputy Prime Minister and all ministers, if they have any suggestions, to present them in the meeting because this is a vision that we must work together to reach the people as soon as possible.
Then, Mr. Suttipong Juljarern, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, reported the flood situation in Chiang Rai Province via video conference at the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Headquarters (Front), Chiang Rai Province, that in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, the situation is the most severe in 80 years. The cause is that Mae Sai has flooded 7 times this year, making this the 8th time since August-September. The cause of the heavy flooding is the intermittent rain, which has made the Mae Sai River and the land on both the Thai and neighboring countries sides moist and saturated with water. When affected by the tail of Typhoon Yangi, the amount of water was enormous, causing widespread damage at Mae
Sai Market.
Source: Thai News Agency