Phumtham”, Minister of Defense, prepares to discuss with Myanmar to resolve the issue of encroachment on the river, reveals a long-term plan that may involve moving the city, and praises the army for helping with floods in a timely manner, stating that he has already given orders to handle the flood situation in the central and southern regions.
Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, announced after the 9th/2567 Defense Council meeting at the Ministry of Defense Hall about the rehabilitation of flood-affected areas by military units and armed forces at this time. In today’s Defense Council meeting, he talked to the commanders of the armed forces about this issue. There were 3 measures to solve the problem. In terms of solving the immediate problem that occurred, he would like to commend the armed forces and give encouragement because after the incident, the government did not have to give any orders because the military was already on duty to help people when disasters occu
rred. They were able to access the area and work immediately. Then, the Forward Operation Center for Flood, Storm, and Landslide Relief (FORR) was established. Currently, Ms. Thirat Samretwanich, Deputy Minister of Interior, and General Nattapol Nakphanit, Deputy Minister of Defense, are still working in the flooded area. The work will be completed within 30 days. Mr. Phumtham admitted that this time it was a special flood. An incident like this has never happened before. It was found that there was a mine in that area. There was also a lot of mud and trees flowing down with the water. As for the rehabilitation, The military considered that the 9,000 baht given to those affected could not fully rehabilitate them, but it was part of the encouragement. They were assigned to hold a meeting and find a solution on how to use regulations or policies to solve the problem so that people can receive more help.
In addition, Mr. Phumtham said that there have been discussions on solving the problems in Mae Sai District
in the long term. For the Mae Sai River, it may need to be dredged. In the Defense Council meeting, satellite images of the area were brought to the meeting and it was seen that only 20 meters of water was left. Therefore, it is thought that action must be taken immediately after the immediate problem has passed. A meeting of the National Peacekeeping Council will be called this coming Tuesday to consider what to do in terms of discussions with Myanmar. The Department of Treaties and Laws, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters have coordinated with the Myanmar government to discuss that both parties may have to push back all encroached areas. Otherwise, they will not be able to talk. As for other matters, we will have to see what can be solved, such as the soil issue. Ultimately, if the problem cannot be solved, it may have to be changed or relocated. This is something we are thinking about because we predict that if this kind of incident happens every year, in less than 100
years, the towns in that area may become underground from being buried by various things.
When asked if the city would need to be reclaimed to accommodate the move, Mr. Phumtham said that this case should be the last resort if no other solution can be found, as the location, budget, and other issues would need to be considered.
For flood relief measures in the central and southern regions, Mr. Phumtham stated that the government is currently taking care of the situation nationwide. Currently, the northern, northeastern and southern regions are starting to see rain, so orders have been given to prevent flooding in all of the aforementioned areas.
Source: Thai News Agency