Hat yai: The Prime Minister has announced a 7-day deadline for residents to return home and a 14-day deadline to ensure Hat Yai is clean, following recent flooding in the area. He plans to present the remaining recovery measures to the Economic Cabinet tomorrow, stating there are no budget constraints to hinder these efforts.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, made these announcements after a meeting with Songkhla business operators, the Songkhla Chamber of Commerce, and the business sector. The water level in Hat Yai has receded, allowing for recovery and relief efforts to commence, including the restoration of utilities such as electricity and water. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of expediting the cleanup to allow residents to return to their homes quickly.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister discussed various concerns with business operators, focusing on the economy and forms of assistance. He also engaged with the Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Industries to gather insights on tourism and other economic aspects in Hat Yai. His goal is to restore the lives and livelihoods of residents affected by the disaster.
The Prime Minister highlighted the obstacles in the recovery process, primarily the vastness of the site and the technical issues such as electrical circuit breakers shorting out. He has instructed the Provincial Electricity Authority to expedite repairs and is working on a plan to restore tap water. He has mobilized equipment and machinery from military and government agencies to address solid waste issues and authorized local leaders to take necessary actions.
Regarding economic recovery, the Prime Minister mentioned Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphat would explain the economic measures, including interest and debt suspensions and interest-free loans for personal recovery. He also noted the availability of compensation through the Social Security Office for insured members.
The Prime Minister discussed compensation for affected residents, noting the inadequacy of existing amounts but emphasizing compliance with legal guidelines. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has allocated a budget for home repairs, and the Ministry of Finance is working on providing loans to the public.
The compensation budget has been approved, and the Prime Minister plans to hold an Economic Cabinet meeting to expedite budget matters. He assured that there are no budgetary impediments and that all relevant authorities, including the National Economic and Social Development Council and the Bank of Thailand, are aligned in their efforts.
In conclusion, while the Prime Minister refrained from providing a specific timeline for the full economic recovery of Hat Yai, he committed to accelerating the process. He acknowledged the severity of the flooding compared to past disasters and emphasized the need for swift action. Regarding compensation for the deceased, he reiterated the criteria of 2 million baht per person, aligning with existing regulations.