Mae Sai: The Prime Minister has issued directives from Monaco to assign Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul the task of managing flood relief efforts in Mae Sai, where water from Myanmar has inundated the Sai River. The Ministry of Public Health has also been instructed to address arsenic contamination concerns in the river and monitor the health of those affected.
According to Thai News Agency, Jirayu Huangsap, the spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office, stated that Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra has been actively monitoring the flood situation in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai Province, despite her international engagements in the United Kingdom and Monaco. The Prime Minister's orders include immediate assistance and health measures, as conveyed by Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also chairs the Disaster Mitigation Committee.
Mae Sai District Chief Warayut Khombun reported that the flooding caused by the overflow of big bags has led to inundation in the region. The floods have also resulted in debris, such as weeds and logs, accumulating on local bridges, requiring prompt removal to facilitate water drainage. Additional big bags are being mobilized to protect the Koh Sai and Mai Lung Khan communities. Authorities plan to negotiate with remaining residents along the riverbanks to relocate and make way for the construction of a water barrier.
Residents have been advised to notify authorities if they encounter contaminated water or develop blisters, with temporary shelters arranged at Wat Phromwihan, Mae Sai District Hall, and the Mae Sai Municipality Office. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has coordinated with the Chiang Rai Governor, military, and public health units, following the Prime Minister's directive to address the issue. The Prime Minister has also urged governors in northern regions to be prepared for potential flooding and to assist affected communities promptly. Immediate action is being coordinated to address water contamination issues in the Sai and Kok Rivers to minimize public health risks.