Chiang mai: The Prime Minister, leading a high-profile delegation, visited Chiang Mai to evaluate the Ping River’s potential and release 100,000 freshwater fish, while emphasizing the importance of government work over politics.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister, accompanied by Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul and other officials, embarked on a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The delegation included key figures such as Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Napintorn Srisanpang and Deputy Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, among others. The delegation departed from Don Mueang’s Military Airport 2 aboard an Airbus A320 and landed at Military Airport 41 in Chiang Mai.
During the visit, the Prime Minister presided over the ceremony for a project designed to enhance the capacity and flow of the Ping River to mitigate flooding in Chiang Mai City. This initiative is part of a broader government effort to address river siltation, prevent flooding, and improve drainage efficiency. The Prime Minister also led the ceremonial release of 100,000 fish from the Chiang Mai Freshwater Aquaculture Research and Development Center, aimed at restoring the river’s natural ecosystem.
The Ping River dredging project, with a budget of 355 million baht, represents a significant government priority. It aims to prevent flooding during the rainy season and restore the natural beauty of the river. The Army Development Command, through the 3rd Region Development Office, is overseeing the dredging, which spans a total of 41 kilometers and addresses issues from San Pong Subdistrict to Sop Mae Kha Subdistrict.
In addition to environmental concerns, the Prime Minister announced the outcomes of efforts to combat illegal activities, including the prosecution of a gang involved in fraudulent documentation and a major drug suppression operation in northern Thailand. The operation, conducted by Provincial Police Region 5, resulted in the seizure of over 10 million narcotics pills, aligning with the government’s anti-drug policies.
The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling corruption, with measures including prosecution and suspension of implicated officials. Despite the dual responsibilities of government and political work, he emphasized that government priorities must come first.