Ang Thong: "Anutin" has announced policies aimed at boosting the efficiency of flood monitoring and response in Ang Thong, Sing Buri, and Chai Nat provinces, urging local administrative bodies to exercise their legal discretion to aid the public.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Traisuree Traisaranakul, Secretary to the Minister of Interior and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior, stated that on June 1, 2025, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, delivered policy statements at the SKY CONVENTION HALL, Suporn Grand Hotel, Mueang Ang Thong District. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Ms. Supamas Isaraphakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and Mr. Paradorn Prisnanantakul, Second Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, among others. More than 1,000 government officials, civil servants, and media members were present.
Mr. Anutin emphasized the significance of elevating local-level disaster monitoring and warning standards. Forecasts indicate substantial water flow in the Chao Phraya River Basin, necessitating increased water releases from the Chao Phraya Dam, potentially impacting low-lying areas outside the embankment in the mentioned provinces.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation is collaborating by establishing a working group and deploying a Mobile War Room vehicle equipped with real-time water and weather assessment systems. This includes a website and the Thai Water Application for public and official use in tracking water situations. All sectors will work together to drive disaster prevention, warning, response, and post-event compensation efforts.
Mr. Anutin urged local administrative leaders to prioritize public safety and ensure adequate preparations for potential flood risks, including evacuation plans and ready shelters with essential supplies like food and water.
He also outlined policies for the four ministries under his supervision to integrate public assistance efforts. The Ministry of Education, for instance, is prepared to offer aid and deploy students and technicians for home repairs. As the head of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Mr. Anutin instructed provincial governors to be ready for emergencies, with immediate budgetary authority.
Mr. Anutin called on local leaders to use their powers decisively to assist the public, emphasizing the need to avoid half measures. He encouraged governors and ministry inspectors to communicate clearly with local leaders, ensuring they understand and implement effective methods to support and inform the public.
In the provinces of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, and Chai Nat, a budget of 6.5 billion baht is allocated for flood prevention. Mr. Anutin stressed the importance of effective use of these funds in preventing flooding and achieving sustainable solutions, highlighting the inadequacy of compensation payments in covering damage costs.