Hat yai: The Prime Minister has acknowledged the challenges in managing the overwhelming garbage problem in Hat Yai, as the city continues its recovery from recent flooding. Despite announcing plans to send flood victims home, the Prime Minister declined to address questions about the devaluation of Village Defense Volunteers, a topic stirring controversy in the region.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by the Cabinet, visited Hat Yai District in Songkhla Province to participate in a “Big Cleanup” event at Kim Yong Market. The visit also included a team of water scientists tasked with studying and devising long-term solutions to the flooding issues in the area. During a meeting with public and private sector representatives at the DDPM Region 12, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for their efforts in combating the disaster.
The Prime Minister stated that the flood situation has improved and is now under control, leading to the lifting of the state of emergency in Songkhla Province and a downgrade of the disaster response level from Level 4 to Level 3. He urged the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning to expedite damage assessments, while the Ministry of Public Health was instructed to focus on mental health and communicable diseases. Additionally, a National Disaster Command and Mitigation Forward Command was established to coordinate efforts. The Prime Minister emphasized the need to expedite garbage removal, acknowledging it will take time due to the large volume of waste accumulated.
A survey conducted by a news team revealed that Hat Yai city remains inundated with garbage, particularly at the Black Bridge waste separation station, where the pile of debris has doubled in height over the past few days. Village Defense Volunteers from various provinces, including a team from Uttaradit Province, have been working tirelessly to clean up the city, showing unwavering determination despite recent disparaging remarks from the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization president.
Deputy Prime Minister Bowornsak Uwanno, alongside Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, led a team of water academics to study long-term flood prevention strategies in Hat Yai. Their efforts included visiting key drainage canals, such as the R. 1 Drainage Canal, and planning solutions to address legal issues and land expropriation challenges that have hindered past irrigation projects.
Water flooding in Hat Yai City has been exacerbated by runoff from local waterfalls, overwhelming existing drainage infrastructure. If unresolved, the situation could lead to prolonged flooding in neighboring provinces, including Phatthalung and Nakhon Si Thammarat.