Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took center stage on Friday, addressing a meeting dedicated to a relief plan for flood victims in Chiang Rai. The gathering saw the government stepping forward to deliver solace to the affected, underscoring the nation’s commitment to its citizens. The magnanimous endeavor comes with the first compensation batch reaching over 3,600 households besieged by relentless floodwaters.
Interior Ministry spokeswoman, Traisulee Taisaranakul, revealed that the cabinet greenlit a robust budget allocation of 3.04 billion baht on Sept 17 to extend financial aid to flood victims across the country. The Interior Ministry took the reins, tasked with the critical job of distributing these payouts efficiently and promptly.
According to Chaiwat Junthiraphong, director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation under the Interior Ministry, the compensation reached the bank accounts of 3,623 flood-hit households in three districts of Chiang Rai on Friday. Breaking it down, 3,305 households in Muang district, 222 in Mae Sai, and 96 in Khun Tan, received the much-needed aid.
The compensation structure was thoughtfully calibrated to reflect the extent of suffering. Households submerged for less than 30 days received 5,000 baht each. For those whose ordeal extended beyond 30 days but no more than 60 days, the compensation rose to 7,000 baht. Households enduring over 60 days of inundation were granted 9,000 baht each.
Meanwhile, up north, Mother Nature continued to test the resilience of Chiang Mai. Runoff from the iconic Doi Suthep mountain exacerbated the flood situation at Chiang Mai University on Friday morning, painting a picture of distress despite the Ping River’s stable water levels. Social media buzzed with scenes of the floodwater wreaking havoc on the campus, nestled at the forested mountain’s base.
Kuakul Manasamphansakul, the provincial irrigation chief, elaborated on how relentless rains over Doi Suthep fueled the increased runoff. The university had to shutter flooded roads, urging staff and students to relocate their vehicles to higher ground. While the campus grappled with rising waters, access remained generally unobstructed.
The deluge at Chiang Mai University was a continuation of the city’s suffering since Tuesday, compounded by persistent rainfall. The campus’s relative distance from the Ping River offered no reprieve. As of 9am Friday, the Ping River stood at 4.23 meters at Naowarat Bridge, up slightly from 4.19 meters noted two hours prior.
Despite the efforts, Chiang Mai Municipality reported that several downtown areas, including the bustling railway station, remained submerged. Provincial irrigation authorities estimated that around 3 million cubic meters of floodwater swamped the city. Kuakul noted that it would take about 48 hours to drain all the standing water.
In this backdrop of waterlogged adversities, Chiang Mai Airport continued to operate, with officials advising travelers to use Highway 11, dubbed the Super Highway, and Nimmanhaemin Road for airport access.
Stepping in with a hands-on approach, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited Chiang Rai for flood inspections on Friday, with a planned visit to flood-hit Chiang Mai set for Saturday. His visit signals the administration’s on-ground involvement in crisis management, bringing much-needed visibility and accountability to the efforts.
Adding another layer of concern, the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) issued warnings to Bangkok residents and those in five other provinces about potential flooding fueled by ongoing rainfall, northern river runoff, and high tides expected until Oct 2. The watchfulness extended to communities along major rivers like the Chao Phraya, Mae Klong, and Thachin.
Riverside communities outside flood embankments in Bangkok, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan were advised to brace for possible inundation as the ONWR’s forecast painted a concerning picture of rising river levels.
Watchara Kraisai, director of the 12th Irrigation Office, highlighted that due to an increased inflow from the north, the Royal Irrigation Department on Friday enhanced water outflow at the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat from 1,699 to 1,800 cubic meters per second. Consequently, river levels downstream from Chai Nat to Ayutthaya are expected to rise by about 30cm. Thus, riverside communities outside flood embankments and in low-lying areas are proactively gearing up for the impending surge.
It’s commendable to see Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra taking a proactive approach in Chiang Rai. Leadership really matters in these crises!
Sure, but isn’t this just another PR stunt? Where was the government when the floods started? Too little, too late if you ask me.
Samantha, I think it’s easy to criticize, but managing floods is a complex task. At least they are trying to help now.
Absolutely, Ravi. Better late than never. Also, financial aid reaching over 3,600 households is no small feat.
Why isn’t there more focus on preventing these floods in the first place? We always react but haven’t learned to be proactive.
Exactly! Seems like there’s always money for relief but never for preemptive measures. Our infrastructure is outdated.
Flooding is a natural disaster. How do you propose we prevent it entirely? Some things are beyond human control.
I’m not saying we can prevent all flooding, Joe, but better drainage systems and early warning systems can mitigate the damage significantly.
It’s heartbreaking to see the devastation in Chiang Mai University. Students shouldn’t have to deal with this on top of their studies.
Universities should be warning students well in advance. What were the authorities doing?
They did warn them, Mike. The problem is the relentless nature of the rain and the runoff from Doi Suthep. It’s hard to completely safeguard against that.
Both of you are right. Institutions can only do so much, but more needs to be done for future preparedness.
3.04 billion baht is being allocated. Why does it feel like the money never truly reaches those who need it?
Corruption, maybe? The money is probably getting lost in bureaucratic tangles.
So cynical, Larry. There’s always room for improvement, but the government is making an effort.
It’s hard not to be cynical when these issues persist year after year. We need tangible changes.
Flooding in Bangkok too? Looks like no place is safe in Thailand right now.
Yes, and the ONWR’s warnings are alarming. I hope everyone stays safe.
Absolutely, David. People should heed the warnings and prepare accordingly.
Chiang Mai Airport still operates. Kudos to the staff for maintaining operations in such conditions.
True, but I hope the airport has solid flood defenses. Last thing we need is stranded travelers.
They’ve done well so far. Using Highway 11 and Nimmanhaemin Road is a good call.
Indeed, it’s about adapting and ensuring safety. Glad they’ve managed to keep things running smoothly.
The Prime Minister’s visit seems like more of a spectacle than a genuine help.
I think Paetongtarn’s involvement shows leadership and compassion. Seeing leaders on the ground is important.
I just wonder if this will lead to real change or if it’s just temporary relief.
Let’s hope it’s the start of a longer-term commitment to better flood management.
The compensation amounts are laughable. 5,000 to 9,000 baht? That’s barely enough to cover anything.
Anything helps when you’ve lost everything, Johnny.
But Thip, Johnny has a point. The amounts should be more substantial to make a real impact.
Exactly, Hannah. People need more than just a token amount to rebuild their lives.
Financial aid is nice, but what about psychological support for those affected?
You’re right, Bobby. Mental health services need to be part of any disaster relief plan.
The situation in Chiang Rai is dire. More needs to be done urgently.