Bangkok: Help has reached 78-year-old Grandpa Jai after a video of him sweeping mud went viral on social media. The deputy government spokesperson clarified that 78-year-old "Grandpa Jai" has been rescued after a video of him sweeping mud went viral on social media. He confirmed that soldiers, officials, and foundations have been mobilized to expedite the restoration of homes after flash floods hit Nan province, and assured that the government will not abandon flood victims. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Yotsanun instructed that assistance, rehabilitation, and relief efforts be accelerated for flood victims in all affected areas, emphasizing that the government is not indifferent, especially to the elderly and vulnerable groups.
According to Thai News Agency, Lieutenant Colonel Patthadarasmi Thongsalooykorn, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, addressed the case of a video circulating on social media showing Mr. Jai Ummee, 78 years old, a resident of Ban Hia, Village 1, Tambon Sila Laeng, Amphoe Pua, Nan Province, sweeping mud and debris from his house after flash floods caused damage to his home and property. The government clarifies that Mr. Jai has already received assistance and has not been neglected or abandoned.
Following the incident, various agencies have been continuously deployed to the area to provide assistance. The head of Doi Phu Kha National Park, along with officials and local residents, worked together to clean the house and surrounding area. Meanwhile, personnel from the 38th Military Circle, the Royal Thai Army's Development Command, and staff from the Mirror Foundation participated in restoring the house and alleviating the suffering of Mr. Jai.
In addition, the Nan Provincial Red Cross provided Mr. Jai with relief bags and essential items, and followed up on his further needs, especially bedding, clothing, and necessities for daily life, so that he can return to his life and rebuild his home after the floodwaters recede.
The deputy government spokesperson said that the image of the elderly man having to sweep mud inside his house himself had aroused concern among many people. The government is aware of his plight and has expedited assistance from relevant agencies, especially for the elderly and vulnerable groups who may have limitations in helping themselves during disasters.
Regarding the situation on the ground, assistance to some villages remains limited due to narrow roads and flash floods, making it impossible to bring in large machinery. Therefore, officials are relying on smaller machinery and manpower to access the areas in order to expedite cleanup and restore homes as much as possible.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Yotsanu Wongsawat, in his capacity as Chairman of the Committee on Flood and Drought Prevention and Mitigation in the Northern Region, instructed relevant agencies at the meeting to expedite assistance to the public, implement recovery measures, and provide continuous relief to those affected. This is to ensure comprehensive assistance, from immediate hardship to post-crisis recovery.
The deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office reiterated that the government will closely monitor the flood situation in Nan province and coordinate with relevant agencies to expedite assistance to all affected people, "especially the elderly and vulnerable groups. The government will not leave them to face hardship alone."