The Minister of Interior, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, told a press briefing today that the ministry has proposed a cost of 10,000 baht per household for cleaning mud and soil for flood victims in Chiang Rai to the Cabinet.
Mr. Anutin said it does not need approval because the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has already requested it, and it was approved by the Comptroller General’s Department.
According to the proposal, payments of 10,000 baht per household will be made to people who did not receive workers or equipment from the government to clear their homes of mud and soil.
He stated the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) will inspect the homes that used private contractors for cleaning mud and soil in Chiang Rai Province. The compensation of 9,000 baht per household, already approved by the cabinet, is separate from the 10,000 baht for mud cleaning.
Mr. Anutin said they will expedite the process as quickly as possible and ensure no one is left out. They will organize it by district, which will be announced for acknowledgment. If there are any omissions, people can come and make their claims.
From the assessment of the situation in Mae Sai City Municipality, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, experts estimate the area will be cleared for residents to return to their normal lives in about six months. Experts calculated the amount of mud at about 190,000 cubic meters. Of this, 70,000 cubic meters have been removed, leaving 120,000 cubic meters remaining.
Regarding preventing future flooding, Mr. Anutin said international cooperation is required. There have been suggestions to build a dam or embankment to stop floodwaters and mud from flowing into the city. Discussions are also underway with Myanmar authorities in the border area about dredging pipes and planning for future flooding.
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Geoff Thomas is an award winning journalist known for his sharp insights and no-nonsense reporting style. Over the years he has worked for Reuters and the Canadian Press covering everything from political scandals to human interest stories. He brings a clear and direct approach to his work.
