Chiang rai: Deputy Spokesperson of the Senate Local Administration Committee, Ms. Pinyaphat Sansaneeyawin, has called for enhanced strategies to tackle flooding in Chiang Rai, alongside addressing the toxic contamination of the Kok River. The call to action comes amidst a critical situation affecting over 4,400 households due to relentless heavy rainfall and flash floods in the region.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Pinyaphat, a Senator and Deputy Spokesperson, expressed her support for Chiang Rai residents and acknowledged the severity of the ongoing floods. She commended local officials for their efforts while emphasizing the need for vigilance against potential mudslides. Ms. Pinyaphat advocated for a comprehensive upgrade in flood response measures, urging for prompt budget allocation to assist affected communities and the establishment of a monitoring system to ensure timely aid delivery.
She highlighted the importance of a shift from a 'defensive' to a 'proactive' approach, recommending closer coordination with local leaders, village health volunteers, and disaster relief personnel. Additionally, Ms. Pinyaphat addressed the pressing issue of toxic substances entering the Kok and Sai rivers due to mining activities. She urged the government to engage in international negotiations to curtail these activities and promote agreements for effective flood warnings using local water data.
Emphasizing the Kok River's significance as both a natural resource and an economic pillar for Chiang Rai, Ms. Pinyaphat warned of potential long-term health impacts from heavy metal or cyanide contamination. She called for the installation of a real-time water quality monitoring system in major rivers, with publicly accessible data to enable community involvement in environmental oversight.
Ms. Pinyaphat stressed that environmental issues require a national effort and highlighted the importance of public awareness to avert compounded crises. She also advocated for the development of 'volunteer warning networks' in flood-prone villages to ensure the safety of vulnerable groups, including the disabled, elderly, and young children. Concluding her remarks, Ms. Pinyaphat emphasized the need for equitable and resilient disaster response systems that go beyond mere planning.