Bangkok:Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, has criticized the government's handling of recent flood management and called on the Prime Minister to personally chair the command center to improve efficiency.

According to Thai News Agency, the announcement was made during the presentation of the 15th Shadow Cabinet meeting results at the Parliament building. Nattapong highlighted the government's mismanagement, citing Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas's observations of isolated efforts by government agencies. He criticized the Prime Minister for not leading the committee directly and instead focusing on less urgent matters such as inspecting community kitchens.

Nattapong emphasized the ongoing nature of the flood crisis, with numerous red zones still requiring attention in regions like Chachoengsao, Prachinburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, and Nakhon Pathom. He accused the government of failing to predict water levels and delay warnings, leading to issues such as multiple evacuations in Chachoengsao.

In areas where floodwaters have started to recede, such as Bangkok, local authorities have been left to manage cleanup efforts independently. Nattapong urged the government to support these regions by mobilizing resources and equipment from other areas to assist local efforts.

With ongoing risks of rainfall and high water levels, the People's Party leader stressed the need for the Prime Minister to take a direct role in the management efforts to ensure effective results. The People's Party has already deployed resources in Bangkok to aid in cleanup, and they are also addressing pollution and chemical spill concerns in Prachinburi Province, with plans to bring these issues to the attention of the House of Representatives' Committee on Industry.