Interior Minister Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul told a press briefing yesterday that he has ordered more equipment and is mobilizing over 1,000 volunteer defense force (VDF) personnel throughout Thailand to assist with flooding operations in the north.
He told reporters that both provinces currently have governors commanding the incident and deputy governors reporting the situation at all times and are in complete command of it.
When asked about recent flooding in Mae Sai District Chiang Rai and why it keeps happening, he said teams work night and day to unblock water drainage pipes and assist those affected by recent flooding.
He said that in the upstream areas on the Myanmar side of the border, almost no original forest remains. Most of the topsoil has been cleared for agriculture. When there is heavy rain, flash floods bring huge masses of mud and water down mountain tributaries into the Sai River, causing flooding problems.
The government is working with officials on both sides of the border to prevent future flooding. It’s a complicated issue, and the administration across the border has limited resources and manpower. He said we are working diligently with all agencies to find a solution to the flooding problems on both sides of the border.
When asked whether the recent flooding would increase the compensation, Mr. Anutin stated that the regulations currently allow for compensation only once. However, the emergency decree is still in effect, and the assistance framework could possibly be adjusted. We will do our best to minimize the people’s suffering.
In recent weeks, Northern Thailand has suffered severe flooding and landslides due to torrential rains. Chaing Mai and Chiang Rai authorities have issued alerts for potential flooding as water levels reach dangerous levels on rivers and tributaries.
The northern meteorological station forecasts more rain today for Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces due to a high-pressure weather system from China in conjunction with a monsoon trough over the northern region of Thailand. These conditions are forecast to bring heavy rain to both provinces.
