Phumtham”, Deputy Prime Minister, revealed that “Thirat-Natthapol” are closely monitoring the work site and are ready to deploy troops to help with the flooding in the North. He believes that the situation will improve soon. He announced that 117 elephants in Mae Taeng have been rescued, leaving 9 elephants. He is rushing to help.
Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, gave an interview about the flood situation in Chiang Rai Province again. He said that there was rain upstream of the river, but in reality, there was no major problem, just water overflowing into people’s houses with big bags. Last night, military engineers were working in the area all night until morning. The situation began to improve and the water began to settle. He thought that there should not be any problems in Chiang Rai, but he had mobilized forces and monitored the situation. At the same time, Ms. Thirat Samretwanich, Deputy Minister of Interior as the chairman of the Forward Command Center, and Ge
neral Nattapol Nakphanit, Deputy Minister of Defense as an advisor, were in the area to monitor the situation. In Chiang Mai Province, the water level has risen quite a bit, overflowing from the banks and overflowing into big bags by almost a meter. They have been monitoring the situation and installing high-pressure water pumps at every point. They have also moved vehicles to a safe area and ordered schools to stop teaching. At the same time, they have coordinated with relevant agencies to bring equipment to clear obstacles in the water in the Ping River so that the water can drain as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province, also has a problem with pets. For example, of the elephants, of which there are about 126, 117 have been rescued, leaving 9 more to be rescued. As for other pets, they have been brought to the center and are believed to be safe. The process is currently underway, and it is acknowledged that other areas, especially the lower northern region, have been affec
ted in many places, including Phichit and Sukhothai.
In the northeast, Loei Province has been severely affected in several districts, but it is believed that the situation is improving. In the central region, Ang Thong and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, which are near the Noi River and the Chao Phraya River, some will be affected, especially in low-lying areas outside the dam. However, officials working at the scene have been working to their full potential. In Chiang Mai, the governor has set up a public relations center at Nawarat Bridge.
When asked how many rounds of compensation will be given to the northern region, which has been flooded repeatedly, Mr. Phumtham said that the compensation has been paid in the first round and that they are considering how to provide additional assistance in the changing situation because there are currently many proposals, such as laying down areas that cannot be used as residential areas anymore. This is a big issue. If we want to do this, many sectors will have to work tog
ether. The incidents in both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai also have problems with deforestation. This is a clear lesson that those who have been deforested will be severely affected when it rains. In addition, the current rain is a rain bomb that is falling heavily in specific areas, including corn fields and resorts. We have to find a way to solve this problem. However, he admitted that this is an important lesson to consider because it is the first time that there have been many mudslides and they have spread to many areas in the northern region. As for the NPSC meeting, there is no meeting schedule because the forward NPSC is working and coordinating all the time. If there are any problems, we are ready to provide support.
Source: Thai News Agency