Bangkok: “Phumtham” meets with the National Reform Council, approves additional flood and landslide compensation, and prepares to increase the budget for sand and mud extraction, to be submitted to the Cabinet on April 29.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, chaired the 3rd/2025 meeting of the Flood, Storm and Landslide Relief Operations Center (FLOC) at Meeting Room 201, Office of the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister, Government House. The meeting addressed urgent pending issues from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces, emphasizing the need for expedited compensation distribution before the imminent rainy season to prevent further complications.
After the meeting, Mr. Phumtham announced the approval of two budgets: one for 213 million baht and another for 172.454 million baht, totaling 385.454 million baht. He clarified that the Ministry of Interior had delayed the second budget due to incomplete details, such as the absence of a governor’s signature. Nonetheless, he committed to advancing the process to secure Cabinet approval for the additional budget.
Mr. Phumtham also discussed the Army Development Command’s request for an additional budget of over 100 million baht for dredging operations. The Royal Thai Army Headquarters initially received over 300 million baht for this purpose, but damage to some sand dredgers necessitates further funding. The Office of the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Budget Bureau, and the Army Development Command are tasked with finalizing these details for the upcoming Cabinet meeting on April 29.
Addressing the urgency of completing these efforts before the rainy season, Mr. Phumtham highlighted the need for quick action and coordination with neighboring countries to address external challenges. He emphasized not waiting for the entire budget to be released before commencing work.
Additionally, Mr. Phumtham raised concerns about potential hazardous material contamination in the mud flow. He instructed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to assess the risk and examine soil and water quality, particularly in the Ping and Mekong Rivers, which are crucial for public consumption.
Regarding compensation timelines, Mr. Phumtham directed the Ministry of Interior to clarify and address any missing compensation claims. He stressed the importance of thorough investigation and adherence to approved principles while urging prompt action to alleviate public suffering. The Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office and the Budget Bureau were instructed to expedite the process and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.