Bangkok: The Parliament debated three motions regarding flood management in southern Thailand. The Bhumjaithai Party recommended three points to support the government's integrated work, developing a water information system to provide early warnings to the public, and increasing assistance and compensation.
According to Thai News Agency, the House of Representatives meeting, chaired by Speaker Sophon Saram, considered three motions requesting the establishment of a special committee to systematically study flood management in southern Thailand. These motions were submitted by both opposition and government MPs: Mr. Romtham Khamnurak, Bhumjaithai Party (list MP); Mr. Juree Numkaew, Songkhla MP, Democrat Party (DP); and Ms. Phakamon Nunanan, Prachachon Party (list MP).
Mr. Romtham stated that he is aware of the current impact on the public from the energy and economic crisis stemming from the conflict in the Middle East. He acknowledged that the government is doing its utmost to resolve the problems and has implemented various measures to alleviate the financial burden on the people. However, he noted that the flooding exacerbates the suffering of the people and suggested that the government take preventative measures for future occurrences.
He noted that in the past, people have faced various types of flooding, and many areas are now experiencing heatwaves, droughts, and water shortages. He emphasized that the severe and volatile global climate change, coupled with various natural disasters - known as global disruption - is making these events more frequent, intense, and unpredictable, as seen in the severe flooding in southern Thailand at the end of last year, which caused extensive damage to property, lives, infrastructure, and the overall economy.
Mr. Romtham praised the proactive approach of then-Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and several ministers in mobilizing resources and budgets for assistance, including rapid flood relief payments to affected households and tiered assistance programs. He also highlighted the various ministries' measures to help people and different professional groups recover from the disaster.
He stressed that natural disasters and global disruption serve as important lessons, indicating that things will never be the same again. Mr. Romtham stated that today we must prepare for the worst-case scenario if a disaster occurs, and he has the following suggestions:
1. Support the government in promoting integrated collaboration among various agencies and local administrative organizations in each river basin to ensure close and unified work. This will lead to systematic water management planning from upstream to downstream, including assistance to affected citizens, allocation of budgets for water infrastructure, rescue equipment, and the establishment of shelters distributed across different areas.
2. Support the government in developing a water information system and a rapid, unified warning system, also known as a single command. Utilize satellite technology, AI, and other technologies to combine water and weather data from various agencies to process rainfall and water volume data, enabling the public to prepare for disasters in a timely manner.
3. Support the government's consideration of increasing assistance, relief, and recovery for people affected by all natural disasters. Particularly recommend the concept of a household insurance system. When combined with satellite data and technology, this would allow for more targeted and timely compensation, more appropriate to the damage incurred.