Government Responds to Thailand's Southern Floods

In response to the recent flooding in southern Thailand, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the approval of a substantial budget of 5,000 million baht aimed at aiding affected households. While assessing the severity of the flooding, Anutin highlighted that the crisis in the south is not as dire as that in the northern regions, where landslides and debris have disrupted daily life. The government is prioritizing rapid assessment and relief efforts. Each affected household in the south will receive a grant of 9,000 baht, and the disaster relief budget has been increased from 20 million baht to 50 million baht per region. Anutin’s immediate deployment to southern areas, rather than attending a cabinet meeting in the north, underscores the urgency of the situation. He emphasized direct engagement with local authorities to streamline response efforts. Additionally, officials are conducting damage assessments to facilitate further relief measures, especially focusing on mental health and overall recovery post-disaster. Anutin assured that the initiative aligns with proper procedures to ensure effective disbursement of funds. With helicopters assisting in transporting essential supplies, the government aims to lessen the burdens faced by the affected communities, reflecting a commitment to supporting citizens through these challenging times.