Hat yai: The Prime Minister visited the Hat Yai flood relief center and urged villagers to stay until conditions are safe. He visited shelters at Wat Khlong Rian and Hat Yai Municipality, encouraging residents to remain until safety is assured. He plans a Cabinet discussion on November 25th to expedite compensation payments. Expressing concern over food shortages, he returned to the area, demonstrating stir-fried instant noodles with chicken sausage, omelets, and fried rice for flood victims.

According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister, accompanied by Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul and his delegation, arrived at Thesaban 4 School’s temporary shelter. He greeted 200 evacuees, acknowledging the discomfort of staying in evacuation centers but urging them to remain until it is safe to return home. He assured them that water levels would recede in three to four days and that the Cabinet would expedite approval of 9,000 baht per family at the upcoming meeting.

Mr. Anutin distributed relief bags at the evacuation center and proceeded to the Hat Yai Municipality Command Center, which houses a royal kitchen. He offered encouragement to staff and distributed meals and relief bags to flood victims. The Prime Minister surveyed damage in inner Hat Yai Municipality and instructed the Mayor to ensure sufficient food supplies, demonstrating his cooking skills for flood victims.

Visiting the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation’s kitchen, the Prime Minister also engaged with staff and distributed relief bags. He apologized to flood victims for the inconvenience caused by the weather and emphasized the importance of community support during crises. He assured residents that the government would never abandon them.

The Prime Minister recounted a near confrontation with the Mayor of Hat Yai City over delays in his arrival but emphasized their shared commitment to helping the people. He noted significant improvements in water levels and expressed concern over food shortages, which were addressed through immediate action. He praised officials for reinstating food supplies and assured residents of no further shortages.

Reflecting on his experiences, the Prime Minister noted improvements in food availability for residents and reiterated the presence of safety and medical care at the evacuation centers. He expressed hope for a quick return to normalcy and emphasized ongoing relief efforts.

He acknowledged feelings of guilt and sought forgiveness from the people, wishing them luck and promising to monitor their comfort. He expressed confidence in residents returning home soon and reassured them of government support.