Sisaket: The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior visited Sisaket province to monitor the management of shelters. He reported that the management was proceeding smoothly and emphasized that the governor and district chiefs must communicate information and ensure the comfort and well-being of the people until the situation improves.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Arsit Sampantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, visited Sisaket Province to oversee the management of temporary shelters for victims of attacks by foreign armed forces. Accompanying him were Mr. Athaya Nualyutai, Assistant Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior; Mr. Saharat Wongskulwiwat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation; Pol. Lt. Col. Khetarat Chansilp, Deputy Governor of Samut Sakhon Province; and Ms. Nuanchan Srimongkol, Inspector of the Department of Community Development. They were welcomed by Mr. Anurak Thampramajitt, Governor of Sisaket Province, along with various local officials and partner networks managing shelters for affected citizens.
During the visit, Mr. Arsit presented royal gifts from the Rajaprachanukroh Foundation to disaster victims. The coordinated efforts of the Governor of Sisaket Province and the President of the Sisaket Provincial Administrative Organization have ensured that residents of the shelters can live with normalcy. Services include providing meals, distributing food regularly, and offering 24-hour public health services. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security community centers offer specialized care for vulnerable groups, including training programs. Currently, Shelter 1 houses 2,247 people and Shelter 2 accommodates 955 individuals, all of whom receive continuous care.
The day’s menu featured dishes such as fried rice for children, sweet pork, stir-fried pork with cabbage, omelets, and stir-fried pork with cucumber. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation’s mobile kitchen unit, along with the Royal Thai Police’s field kitchen unit, provided meals for the public, volunteers, and staff.
Mr. Arsit revealed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul had tasked him with visiting Sisaket Province, especially Kantaralak District, identified as a high-risk area for clashes. The Prime Minister instructed government agencies to maintain communication with the public about the situation.
Mr. Arsit further detailed discussions with the Governor of Sisaket Province and the President of the Sisaket Provincial Administrative Organization, who have integrated efforts to care for approximately 2,000 evacuees from Kantaralak, Khun Han, and Phu Sing districts. Government agencies, including the military, police, and local administration, are working to ensure the people’s comfort and security.
Mr. Arsit mentioned that the oldest shelter resident is 96 years old, and the youngest is a 3-month-old baby. He urged residents to follow official guidelines for their safety. Conversations with residents revealed their desire for a quick resolution to the situation so they can return home.
Regarding compensation and emergency funds, Mr. Arsit has coordinated with the Director-General of the Department of Treasury to expedite the transfer of funds for provincial governors to manage during public holidays. Similar assistance was provided in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, on December 5th. Proposed waivers for electricity and water costs for shelters are under consideration by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior.
The Prime Minister has tasked the Cabinet and the Ministry of Interior with monitoring the threat situation from foreign forces in several provinces. Mr. Arsit has instructed governors to manage the situation and coordinate with agencies, with Sisaket province’s operations proceeding without issue.