MAE SAI: Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, announced the implementation of soft loan measures aimed at aiding businesses in Mae Sai District to recover from recent flood devastation. In a recent visit to the area, the Prime Minister also detailed plans to construct flood and mud barriers designed to mitigate future disasters, urging governmental agencies to coordinate efforts to prevent overlapping projects.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of the soft loan measures, facilitated by the Ministry of Finance, as a critical step in helping local businesses recover from the severe impact of floods and mudslides. The devastation has left many areas in disrepair, making it challenging for businesses to resume operations. The financial assistance aims to provide the necessary support for local enterprises to rebuild and thrive once more.
During her visit, Ms. Paethongtarn addressed concerns about areas severely affected by the floods. She confirmed the implementa
tion of barriers to alleviate water and mudslide problems, with completion expected next year. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of long-term strategies and the need for expert consultations to ensure efficient use of resources, avoiding redundant spending and maximizing benefits for the community.
In response to queries about potential encroachment into river areas, Ms. Paethongtarn clarified that these issues are unrelated to international border demarcations, focusing instead on managing waterways. She highlighted the necessity for individual assessments regarding property decisions, whether to demolish or repair homes adjacent to the river, ensuring tailored compensation and land use solutions.
When questioned about the impact of gold mining in Myanmar on local water issues, the Prime Minister stated the importance of international cooperation. She referenced discussions from the Mekong-Lancang Summit, emphasizing ongoing dialogues with neighboring countries to address shared water managemen
t concerns, fostering regional collaboration.
Before proceeding to her next engagement, the Prime Minister took time to interact with residents from Mae Sai and Chiang Saen Districts. Mr. Somkuan Sutawong, a former head of the Chiang Saen Subdistrict Administrative Organization, presented her with photographs of Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra and Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, highlighting the longstanding connections and support across generations.