Songkhla: The cabinet on Tuesday declares a state of emergency for the entire Songkhla province, appointing Chief of Defence Forces as the situation commander.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also Interior Minister, gave an interview after the Cabinet meeting, stating that an emergency decree is in Songkhla province on Tuesday. He assigned Gen. Ukrit Boontanont, Chief of Defence Forces, as the situation commander, whose duty is to fully integrate all assistance, issue orders, and approve comprehensive protection for all operational personnel in one place. Regarding the evacuation of people who are unable to leave their homes, he states that all agencies are currently mobilizing and distributing aid across the affected area.
Mr. Anutin confirms that the operations of the agencies in the area are neither slow nor hindered, and that the government is providing full assistance, with everyone working to their fullest capacity, prioritizing the safety of the public above all else. Meanwhile, upon being informed of several issues, the forward command post and support unit are established to manage the emergency situation under the declared Emergency Decree for oversight.
After this, a spokesperson will be appointed to give daily briefings on the situation, similar to what was done during the COVID-19 pandemic. The war room that will be used for situation management has been set up at Bhakdi Bodin Building, in the government house, serving as the operations center that will connect with the front-line units.
The Cabinet resolves to declare a state of emergency in Songkhla province, according to the official notice, which states that due to a public disaster situation resulting from heavy rainfall that caused a severe flood in Songkhla province – an unprecedented level of severity that affects the normal livelihood and poses a danger to the lives of the public, and has caused widespread damage to the property of both the people and the government – urgent measures are necessary to maintain the safety of the public.