Bangkok: The Prime Minister has directed Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Vejjayachai and ministers from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to report on the ongoing situation in the South. They have been tasked with preparing a second-phase plan to restore infrastructure and agriculture swiftly, using the Mae Sai model as a guideline for effective problem-solving.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, an advisor to the Prime Minister, disclosed that during a visit to Mae Sai District in Chiang Rai Province for monitoring rehabilitation efforts, the Prime Minister instructed the Central Peace Operations Center (CPOC) to compile updates on the flood situation in the South. This should follow the Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai model, which managed recent flooding, with information updates at least twice daily. This initiative aims to facilitate governmental support in areas still requiring attention.
This morning, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Vejjayachai, in his role as Director of the CPOC,
along with General Nattapol Nakphanit, Deputy Minister of Defense, Ms. Thirat Samretwanich, Deputy Minister of Interior, and Ms. Manoporn Charoensri, Deputy Minister of Transport, presented a briefing on the situation during the Prime Minister’s visit to Mae Sai District. The Director of the CPOC mentioned that actions had been initiated since last Friday to address immediate issues affecting home accessibility in remote areas and to distribute essential supplies. The forthcoming second-phase plan will focus on guidelines for restoring housing and agricultural products.
Various government sectors have activated provincial command centers since last Friday. The Ministry of Defense has deployed troops from all army regions in the southern provinces to assist residents. As floodwaters recede, efforts will shift toward restoring public utilities and assessing compensation for affected individuals and damaged agricultural assets.
Lt. Gen. Paisal Noosang, Commander of the 4th Army Region and Director of Internal
Security Operations Region 4, reported to the CPOC that the Civil Defense Center of Yala Municipality has been transformed into the Yala Municipality Flood Relief Center. They estimate that over 70 percent of Muang Yala District has experienced the most severe flooding in over 30 years. All sectors are accelerating their efforts to provide necessary aid to citizens.
Furthermore, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Mr. Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, has instructed PTT to mobilize oil and gas supplies to the South to prevent shortages. He has also urged the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to inspect and restore electricity production and transmission in flood-affected areas.