Bangkok: Interior Minister Sakda visited Uttaradit Province to monitor the relief efforts and provide support to flood victims, emphasizing that the government will not abandon the people in times of hardship.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sakda Wichiensin, Deputy Minister of the Interior, arrived at Wat Si Sa-at, Nam Ang Subdistrict, Tron District, to oversee the relief operations and encourage the flood-affected residents. Accompanying him were several high-ranking officials, including Mr. Jumpot Wannachatsiri, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior, and Mr. Saharat Wongskulwiwat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
During the visit, Mr. Sakda reassured the public of the government’s commitment to helping them, highlighting that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Cabinet have been actively involved in the region since late September. He mentioned the establishment of the “Natural Disaster Management Committee” (NDMC) to support disaster management efforts across the nation. Government heads and agency leaders have been deployed to affected provinces to ensure effective disaster management and to seek long-term solutions.
Mr. Sakda underscored the government’s proactive approach, assigning key agencies such as the Office of National Water Resources and the Royal Irrigation Department to devise future flood prevention strategies. He noted that investing in prevention, although potentially costly, is more sustainable than relying solely on short-term relief measures.
Despite ongoing flooding in various areas, the Deputy Minister assured that relief efforts, including the distribution of essential relief bags, continue to be a priority. He emphasized the importance of providing the basic necessities of life-food, clothing, medicine, and shelter-to those affected. Local leaders have been empowered under the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act to implement necessary measures and preparedness plans.
Mr. Sakda and his team distributed 500 sets of consumer goods to residents and personally delivered relief bags within the villages. Their efforts were aimed at providing immediate support and encouragement to the flood victims.
Tropical Storm Bualoi had caused significant flooding in Tron District, affecting four subdistricts, 20 villages, and 2,868 households. While water levels have receded to normal, local authorities are working on cleanup operations. The government plans to conduct rehabilitation and damage assessments to offer legal assistance to affected individuals.