Bangkok: "Phumtham" has directed the National Reform Council to urgently assess the damage caused by rain and waves impacting the southern coast of Thailand. Preparations are underway for more rainfall expected between January 15-17, 2025. Meanwhile, cold weather in the North and Northeast is anticipated to persist until the month's end. Flood victims have been advised to promptly submit the necessary documents to receive household payments of 9,000 baht by January 15.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, the Deputy Government Spokesperson, disclosed that Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, who serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, and the Director of the Center for Assistance for Flood, Storm, and Landslide Victims (CSA), has mandated all relevant units to quickly survey the initial damage to residents' homes and transportation routes. This comes in response to the heavy rain and strong winds that have led to flooding across 12 districts in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Songkhla provinces. Assistance efforts are to be aligned with government regulations, with Mr. Phumtham closely monitoring potential increases in rainfall in the lower southern region from January 15-17, 2025, as a result of moderate cold winds.
Ms. Sasikarn further mentioned that the Director of the CPOC expressed concern for the southern residents grappling with inclement weather, emphasizing that all sectors are prepared to provide immediate aid. The Meteorological Department identified light rain in Songkhla and Phatthalung provinces on January 13, with expectations of moderate rainfall from January 15 to 17, not severe enough to cause significant flooding. Rainfall is expected to continue from January 19 to 21.
In northern Thailand, as of January 13, 2015, a strong cold air mass remains prevalent, causing a drop in temperatures by 2-4 degrees Celsius in the North and 1-2 degrees Celsius in the Northeast. Mountaintops may experience severe cold. However, starting January 14, temperatures are expected to rise. Another cold air mass is anticipated from January 16-18, extending the cool to cold weather in the North. Winter conditions are expected to last until the end of January.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson noted that the NESDB meeting had acknowledged the report on the current water situation, which is in assistance and support mode during the dry season. The Meteorological Department, Royal Irrigation Department, and ONWR have been urged to collaborate on water management planning to ensure adequate water supply for consumption and agriculture.
Regarding financial assistance for flood victims, a Cabinet resolution from December 3, 2014, has facilitated the transfer of 9,000 baht per household. The Government Savings Bank has completed transfers to 416,793 households, totaling 3,751,137,000 baht. Transfers to an additional 50,391 households in Yala and Phatthalung provinces are scheduled for January 13 and 14. Flood victims yet to apply for aid are encouraged to register online by January 15 or visit local administrative offices for verification to expedite the fund transfer process.