PM surveys damage from floods, says government needs better plan to handle floods in the future

In light of recent heavy flooding that has swamped Thailand, including in Chaiyaphum where a hospital was forced to evacuate 40 patients, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has conceded that the government is at a loss on how to solve the country’s annual flood problems. The PM did say compensation for flood victims will be on the way shortly.

Prayut’s comments come from a visit he paid yesterday to flood victims in the Sukhothai’s Si Samrong district, located in the north of Thailand. The district is one of the hardest-hit areas by the tropical storm Dianmu. A source says the PM and the Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda surveyed the devastation from the flooding and discussed what relief measures should take place for the victims. While visiting those affected by the situation, the PM distributed relief bags that contained essential items to flood victims at Ban Khlong Chad and at Wat Don Chan. He then moved on to inspect other relief operations.

“It is a holiday. But when people are in trouble, we can’t take a day off”, says the PM.

Prayut adds that the government needs a comprehensive plan for flood management for the entire country. He went on to say that they can’t 100% solve the problem, so specific areas need to be targeted and retention reservoirs need to be ready to handle all the water that will pour into it. He says that when floods happen, all the government can do is make sure the water recedes faster and compensation is paid out ASAP. He also says budget allocations must be in line with legal procedures and the projects must adhere to public hearings.

Several other provinces were battered by yesterday’s floods, including Tak and Nakhon Ratchasima. Roads were cut off and cars were seen almost completely submerged underwater.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post