Mae Sai: The Prime Minister is concerned about Mae Sai residents, ordering close monitoring and care for vulnerable groups. Spokesman Jirayu Huangsap from the Prime Minister’s Office revealed that Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, has been continuously monitoring the flood situation in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province. Reports indicate severe impact from flash floods, particularly in four communities: Sai Lom Joy, Koh Sai, Mai Lung Khan, and Mueang Daeng.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Public Health has acted on the Prime Minister’s orders by visiting the affected areas to provide immediate assistance, integrating efforts with relevant agencies. Public health teams, including district and hospital staff, are attending to the physical and mental health needs of residents. First aid kits have been distributed, and 94 vulnerable individuals are being monitored by village health volunteers. Additionally, seven bedridden patients have been evacuated to temporary accommodations with relatives. The MCATT team has also been active, offering psychological support, sanitation advice, and essential cleaning kits.
Local hospitals are actively preparing for patient care by setting up centers for those bedridden or vulnerable, with facilities supporting 8-24 beds. They have established coordination points for receiving reports of illness, distributing medicine, and providing emergency care with necessary supplies and survival kits to ensure timely and comprehensive assistance.
Mr. Jirayu noted concerns over arsenic contamination in floodwaters. Initial tests by the Department of Health and the Department of Medical Sciences reveal arsenic levels exceeding standards in surface water across multiple districts, including Mae Ai in Chiang Mai and several in Chiang Rai. However, arsenic levels in tap water, vegetables, and fish remain within safe limits, and no health issues related to arsenic exposure have been reported among residents.
The Prime Minister emphasized the utmost importance of safeguarding public health and has instructed agencies to implement comprehensive relief measures. Local hospitals have established patient care centers and medicine distribution points to swiftly address residents’ needs. In response to the arsenic contamination, the Prime Minister has mandated strict monitoring of water and food quality to ensure public safety.