Ang thong: Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, personally delivered relief bags to residents in Ang Thong as part of a government response to severe flooding in the central region. Anutin, who arrived via helicopter to assess the flood situation, expressed regret for the distress caused to residents and pledged to prevent a recurrence of such hardship. The government plans to offer additional monthly compensation to affected farmers and confirmed the launch of the second phase of the “Half-Half Plus” scheme by year-end, with double payments for those missed in the first phase.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin was joined by Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakul, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, Mr. Paradorn Prisananantakul, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr. Sakda Wichiensilp, Deputy Minister of Interior, and Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen, Deputy Minister of Defense. The team visited Ang Thong and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya provinces to monitor the situation. The helicopter journey provided Anutin with a comprehensive view of the flooding, followed by a briefing session upon landing at Pamoke Wittayalai School.
During his visit, Anutin personally apologized to the residents for the challenges they faced due to the flooding, acknowledging the government’s responsibility to manage the situation effectively. He emphasized the ongoing commitment to support the residents, particularly those who had their livelihoods severely impacted, such as rice paddy owners who repurposed their fields to aid floodwater management.
Anutin announced a budget allocation of 9,000 baht per household to assist those affected, although he recognized that the community seeks stability and a return to normalcy more than financial compensation. He also highlighted the sacrifices made by local farmers for the greater good and assured them of the government’s efforts to provide monthly water supply management until the crisis subsides.
The Prime Minister instructed all relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Interior, rescue units, and local administrative organizations, to intensify their relief efforts, providing essential supplies to affected areas. He expressed confidence that the situation would improve by month-end, with coordinated efforts to manage water flow effectively.
Anutin also addressed the community’s feedback, acknowledging the frustrations voiced by residents and emphasizing the government’s role in being a source of support. He expressed admiration for officials working on the ground and encouraged continued dialogue to find solutions.
As part of his visit, Anutin inspected the Chao Phraya River embankment and evaluated the water management efforts in place. Discussions with Mr. Phongsak Yen-ying, Director-General of the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning, revealed that the current water release rate is manageable, with contingency plans to reinforce the water barriers.
The visit concluded with Anutin distributing certificates to volunteers and relief bags to residents, reiterating the government’s commitment to addressing the flooding crisis and ensuring that such challenges do not recur.