Bangkok: In a strategic move to address Thailand's persistent flooding issues, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Vejjayachai has mandated the immediate dredging of waterways and the clearing of encroached areas. This directive is part of a comprehensive plan to propose a budget for flood mitigation and recovery, which will be presented at the upcoming mobile cabinet meeting on November 29. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham, who also serves as the Chairman of the Operation Center for Flood, Storm and Landslide Relief Operations (OCSC), reported on the outcomes of the OCSC meeting No. 4/2567. The meeting's focus was on addressing the severe landslides and floods that have recently impacted Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces. These events are considered some of the most critical in recent years. Although northern weather conditions are expected to improve, concerns persist about heightened storm activity in the south. Mr. Phumtham urged relevant agencies to remain vigilant and in structed the military to support civilian efforts in flood-prone areas. Mr. Phumtham acknowledged the success achieved through coordinated efforts among government agencies, military forces, and civilian sectors, noting that such unity has expedited problem resolution. He emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration to address flooding in both the short and long term, while also preventing future droughts. The Deputy Prime Minister assured that solutions for the incidents in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai would be implemented ahead of the next rainy season. All relevant agencies are expected to work collaboratively, with conclusions from immediate problem-solving efforts to be reviewed at the cabinet meeting in Chiang Mai. Necessary budgetary documents for initial relief are anticipated to be finalized by December 2024, with full-scale implementation planned from January to May 2025. Phumtham explained that the dredging operations will focus on two main rivers: the Ping and the Mekong. The Army Development Com mand has been tasked with overseeing this work, with provincial authorities acting as central coordinators. He noted that the Ping River is not expected to pose significant challenges, while the Mekong River will require international cooperation, particularly with Myanmar. Despite Myanmar's internal conflicts, discussions have been initiated, and Mr. Phumtham is optimistic that a budget can be allocated to address the impacts within Thailand. Mr. Phumtham also addressed the issue of river encroachment, assigning the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning, alongside the Ministry of Interior, to manage related concerns. The aim is to alleviate public fears of flooding by revising management processes and ensuring that encroachments are addressed appropriately. He highlighted the urgency of clearing budgets for all planned initiatives by January 2025 and called for simultaneous action across all parties involved. The National Peacekeeping Operations Center has been designated to coordinate e fforts, with measures being taken to clear encroached areas for development. In response to regulatory challenges faced during flood relief operations, Mr. Phumtham has sought regulatory exemptions to enable military personnel to remain in flooded areas for extended periods. He communicated these challenges to Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, who has committed to resolving the issues. Proposed amendments to current regulations will involve cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Finance, and Comptroller General's Department to expedite the process.
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