(Thailand, 30th) Thailand's Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin has publicly apologized to the affected people for the government's shortcomings in disaster relief work.
While inspecting Hat Yai, he said that facing casualties and property losses among the people, the government must take full responsibility, emphasizing that all resources will be mobilized to restore normal life in the disaster areas as soon as possible.
This is Anutin's fourth visit to Hat Yai within a week.
In addition, after chairing a post-disaster recovery meeting at the Prime Minister's Office on the 29th, Anutin pointed out that the meeting clearly decided to accelerate the establishment of an aid list for disaster victims, expedite the issuance of an emergency subsidy of 9,000 baht (about RM1,157) per household within a week, and initiate house damage assessment and repair work, with the maximum subsidy set at 45,000 baht.
He said the government will also provide two types of relief loans: one with a maximum of 100,000 baht for a 6-month interest-free loan, and another 100,000 baht loan for one year, designated for property repairs.
He stressed that the current top priority is to ensure the safety and housing of disaster victims and to restore economic and daily order as soon as possible. Following the "National Quarantine Center" model during the epidemic, each province has arranged temporary hotel accommodation for those unable to return home, and organized volunteers and officials to help carry out large-scale cleaning operations.
To enhance future disaster response capabilities, Anutin called for a comprehensive review of the warning system and evacuation process, and to strengthen the effects of disaster warnings through legal amendments to ensure people can evacuate in time after an alert is issued.
Additionally, Anutin announced via social media the official document from the Royal 904 Department and expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the people to His Majesty the King, thanking him for his concern for those affected by the southern floods.
The document pointed out that His Majesty expressed deep concern for all affected people in the southern floods and extended condolences to the victims and their families, and granted that all those unfortunate to lose their lives in the floods are included in the Royal consolation coverage.
The document stated that His Majesty encouraged the hardworking medical staff involved in disaster relief, especially those at Hat Yai Hospital and the Prince of Songkla University Hospital, and praised the dedication of all staff and volunteers involved in the rescue efforts. His Majesty granted 100 million baht to Hat Yai Hospital, dedicated to post-disaster repairs and the procurement of medical equipment damaged or affected by floods, and allowed the hospital director of Hat Yai to have an audience and personally accept the Royal donation.
The document indicated that His Majesty granted reconnaissance and supply drones to the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, Army, Navy, Air Force, and National Police Headquarters, to support disaster relief and aid work for disaster victims in the southern region.