Bangkok: The Prime Minister admitted his mistakes and apologized for not being able to protect the public’s safety. Prime Minister Anutin acknowledged his shortcomings and emphasized the need to amend the law and raise the level of warning. He revealed plans to bring an economic team and financial institution executives to Hat Yai to demonstrate the situation before granting loans for property rehabilitation and repair.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul announced his visit to Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, accompanied by key government and financial figures. The delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanpraphas and other high-ranking officials, aiming to assess the situation firsthand and prepare for the comprehensive provision of disaster relief loans.
A meeting earlier today at the Thai Khu Fa Building, Government House, involved discussions to address urgent needs. Tasks were assigned to relevant ministers and government agencies, with the Ministry of Interior expediting the submission of a list of eligible individuals for government-approved relief funds of 9,000 baht per household, expected to be distributed within a week.
The Prime Minister mentioned various types of compensation available, with a focus on immediate implementation. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) budget of 9,000 baht per household will be used immediately, alongside provisions for home repairs up to 45,000 baht per household for actual damage. Anutin emphasized the need for field surveys and mobilization of resources if central government support proves insufficient.
Anutin announced recovery loans up to 100,000 baht per person, interest-free for six months, and additional funds for property repairs. The Minister of Finance confirmed sufficient funding from state-owned banks to support these loans. Discussions with commercial banks are ongoing to ensure cooperation without compulsion.
The Ministry of Commerce plans to organize a fair for selling goods at or below cost to disaster-affected individuals. The Permanent Secretary of Commerce confirmed cooperation from entrepreneurs and manufacturers in offering goods at cost and providing free items.
Prime Minister Anutin reiterated his apologies for government failures during field visits. He acknowledged the government’s role in addressing and accelerating recovery efforts and highlighted the need for legal amendments and improved warning systems.
In response to inquiries about identifying root causes, Anutin stressed the importance of legal changes and immediate evacuation protocols. He discussed Songkhla Province’s topography and the need to ensure roads function as drainage channels. The Department of Highways will consider a bypass plan, with detailed discussions to follow.