Bangkok: The Minister of Culture has expressed concern for people affected by the ongoing floods in northern and northeastern Thailand, urging for immediate action and support from relevant agencies.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sabida Thaiseth, the Minister of Culture, has directed the Ministry of Culture to closely monitor the situation and mobilize resources to assist those impacted by the heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding. The focus is primarily on the North and Northeast regions, where flash floods and rising river levels are posing a significant threat to communities.
Ms. Sabida emphasized that areas like Chiang Rai in northern Thailand, particularly Thoeng district, are witnessing continuous increases in water levels in the Ing and Lao rivers. Similarly, the northeastern provinces of Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, and Nakhon Phanom are under close observation due to the potential risks of flash floods and river overflows. She highlighted the necessity of staying updated with local government data to ensure efficient response strategies.
The Minister stressed the importance of safeguarding not only the people but also personnel of the Ministry, religious sites, historical locations, cultural learning centers, and the broader cultural networks. She has called upon all agencies under the Ministry to ensure readiness in providing necessary support and assistance.
To streamline the response efforts, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture has been tasked with overseeing the situation, ensuring that all central and regional offices, along with provincial cultural offices, are actively assessing the impact on infrastructure, government property, and cultural sites. The Chief Inspector of the Ministry has been designated to coordinate the operations, with an online system being developed for real-time data collection and situation analysis. This system aims to facilitate prompt decision-making and daily reporting to the Ministry's executives for timely interventions.
Additionally, the Department of Religious Affairs and affiliated organizations have been instructed to work in collaboration with government and private sector networks to prepare essential relief supplies. This includes the distribution of relief packages, consumer goods, and necessities for monks and religious institutions, tailored to the specific needs of each affected area.
The Ministry of Culture remains committed to integrating resources across all agencies and networks to deliver swift and effective assistance to those impacted. Personnel are reminded to prioritize safety and report any urgent situations immediately to ensure coordinated support and intervention.