Hat yai: The Emergency Response Center (ERC) announced that the first batch of 9,000 baht in compensation will reach the public this afternoon.
According to Thai News Agency, the Center for Emergency Situation Administration (CEA) stated that the compensation for flooding in the South will be distributed to 26,000 households today. Additionally, water supply is expected to be 100% operational by December 3rd. Discussions continue about the 2 million baht compensation for deaths outside the Emergency Decree, with secondary patients who died in the area also set to receive 2 million baht. Thai ID cards will be used for identity verification in lieu of documents.
Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, spokesman for the Flood Emergency Operations Center (FOCOC), shared that the Prime Minister and the Cabinet responsible for economic affairs are visiting Songkhla Province, particularly Hat Yai District, to understand the issues firsthand and engage with the private sector before formulating rehabilitation policies. This initiative will address the entire flood-affected southern region. The Economic Policy Committee is scheduled to meet at 1:30 PM today to discuss these matters.
The flooding in Songkhla Province is currently in recovery and relief mode. The Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) announced that water distribution is 80% complete, with full restoration expected by December 3rd. Some issues, like broken pipes, are being addressed urgently. The government has also coordinated with the Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) for garbage management, allowing PAO to outsource services to the private sector to expedite cleanup. The aim is to have residents return home within seven days and to clean Songkhla Province, including Hat Yai District, within 14 days.
Field visits by the Prime Minister revealed problems with food distribution. To improve quality, the Ministry of Interior will change the policy by establishing community kitchens instead of distributing boxed meals. A total of 103 community kitchens will be set up in Hat Yai District.
The Ministry of Public Health will hold a press conference at 4:00 PM to discuss public health services and infectious disease prevention. While compensation for the deceased is still under discussion, the previously announced 2 million baht compensation was under the Emergency Decree, which needs further deliberation as the flooding affects multiple provinces.
For kidney disease patients in flood-affected areas who died, they are considered secondary victims and will receive compensation. The Ministry of Public Health will decide on this matter.
Mr. Siripong stated that normal flooding conditions require public meetings for verification. However, in this case, steps are being streamlined for citizens as ordered by the Prime Minister, due to the government’s delay in policy implementation. Verification is necessary for compensation payments, which are made to residents, not homeowners.
Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the CEA, confirmed that the relief funds must reach citizens by today. The Ministry of Interior lists 26,000 flood-affected households with verified PromptPay accounts, totaling 239 million baht. The Government Savings Bank will transfer funds by this afternoon, with more areas to follow. Insured deceased persons will also receive compensation, with Section 33 insured receiving 50,000 baht and Section 40 insured receiving 25,000 baht.
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) will send teams to exchange damaged banknotes. Hat Yai Hospital is partially operational, offering general, specialized, and emergency services, with full operations expected in five to eight weeks.
Flooded vehicles have been stored at Hat Yai Stadium and Hat Yai Park. Public inquiries can be made via the Department of Land Transport’s hotline. Private companies are offering assistance with vehicle repairs.
The Ministry of Public Health will announce the death toll at 4:00 PM and provide an overview of health services and communicable diseases.