Hat yai: The Prime Minister has urgently directed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior to spearhead the establishment of community kitchens in Hat Yai, aiming to set up 103 “Community Central Kitchens” to swiftly distribute cooked food to flood victims and expedite recovery efforts.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Anutin has tasked Mr. Arsit Sampantharat, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, with visiting Hat Yai District to oversee and hasten recovery operations in flood-affected areas. Mr. Sampantharat conducted a meeting focused on urgent public care measures, attended by key officials including Mr. Phasakon Boonyalak, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior; Mr. Pornpoj Penpas, Director-General of the Department of Lands; and Mr. Thirut Suphawibulphon, Director-General of the Department of Local Administration, among others. Local authorities, community leaders, volunteers, and relevant agencies were also present to coordinate the relief efforts.
Mr. Arsit emphasized that the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, has issued an urgent directive for the Ministry of Interior to mobilize all available resources to assist flood victims in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. The focus is on ensuring access to basic necessities and supporting livelihoods. He led a team to establish a “Community Central Kitchen” within Hat Yai Municipality to provide clean and safe cooked meals to residents unable to prepare food for themselves. Additionally, infrastructure restoration plans and disaster relief measures are being implemented to restore normalcy swiftly.
“This collaboration with Songkhla Province and Hat Yai Municipality is in line with the Prime Minister’s directive to alleviate hardships related to shelter, food, and drinking water, especially addressing the scarcity of household food supplies. The Ministry of Interior has joined forces with various sectors to set up ‘cooked food service points’ or community central kitchens across all communities in Hat Yai Municipality, totaling 103 locations, ensuring that all citizens have access to sufficient and hygienic cooked food,” Mr. Arsit stated.