Bangkok: “Phradon” has announced that the Prime Minister is actively addressing concerns about potential flooding in the southern region, directing the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to deploy necessary machinery to manage the impending situation.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister has expressed his concern over the flooding threat and is confident in the effectiveness of the Cell Broadcast system for providing precise and timely alerts. Compensation measures for agricultural lands affected by floods will follow established criteria, with immediate relief options available without delay.
Mr. Paradorn Prisananantakul, the Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, discussed the compensation strategy for those impacted by floods, particularly in the agricultural sector. He highlighted that the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is tasked with reassessing the damage before approving compensation, adhering to its original guidelines.
When questioned about the involvement of Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Saram and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao in compensation discussions, Mr. Paradorn clarified that there is a clear framework for compensating residential damages. For agricultural land, existing criteria remain applicable. District agricultural officers will conduct surveys of the damaged areas, and affected parties can report damages to their respective district or provincial agricultural officers.
In regions like Phichit and Ang Thong, where conditions are improving, compensation will be assessed and distributed immediately, without waiting for complete water recession.
Reporters inquired about flood preparedness in the southern area. They mentioned discussions with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation on November 18th, noting the deteriorating conditions in the central region. The southern region is predicted to experience heavy rainfall over the next week, and the nature of flooding differs between regions, with the south being more susceptible to landslides. Consequently, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has relocated heavy machinery from the north to the south to bolster preparedness efforts.
The Office of National Water Resources will oversee the broader situation, continuously evaluating and coordinating with relevant agencies. As for flash floods in the south, the Ministry of Interior will work closely with provincial governors and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
Mr. Paradorn expressed ongoing concern and vigilance towards weather forecasts, indicating close monitoring of the situation to prevent severe outcomes akin to past events.