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Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Leads Massive Cleanup in Flood-Hit Chiang Rai

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A backhoe loads mud onto a truck in Mae Sai district of Thailand’s Chiang Rai province on Sunday. (Photo: Public Relations Department)

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has swiftly mobilized efforts to rid Chiang Rai of the thick layers of mud left in the wake of severe flooding. The task is mammoth, with an estimated 68,000 tonnes of flood-related debris cluttering this northernmost Thai province.

On Sunday at Wing 6 in Bangkok, Ms. Paetongtarn bid farewell to air force aircraft loaded with supplies, destined for the flood-stricken residents of Chiang Rai. These essential items, sourced from both governmental and private sectors, aim to bring relief to those affected.

Ms. Paetongtarn has directed officials to clear away the pervasive mud, prioritizing drainage systems before the sludge dries and becomes even more challenging to remove. In an inspiring act of generosity, His Majesty the King has donated 100 high-pressure water cleaners to expedite the cleanup operation.

The prime minister assured that financial aid for flood victims would commence in November, while the Commerce Ministry is tasked with stabilizing the prices of essential goods to prevent exploitation during this critical period.

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed the collaboration of multiple agencies in the cleanup mission, including the Highways Department, the military, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the Department of Corrections, and numerous volunteers. The collective effort demonstrates a unified stance in tackling this enormous task.

68,000 Tonnes of Garbage

The armed forces, in conjunction with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, are on a mission to locate approximately 50 rai of land suitable for dumping the massive amount of garbage and debris. According to Gen Theerayut Jinhiran, commander of the Armed Forces Development Command, the mud within flooded homes in Chiang Rai reaches depths of one to two meters, underscoring the severity of the situation.

In a display of community spirit, business magnate Tan Passakornnatee has stepped forward to rent 30 small backhoes along with their drivers, and 90 six- and ten-wheeled trucks for a 30-day period to aid in the monumental clean-up operation.

Surin Worakitthamrong, deputy director-general of the Pollution Control Department, highlighted the enormity of the waste problem. Muang and Mae Sai districts alone account for 68,000 tonnes of garbage, with Muang district bearing the brunt with 50,000 tonnes.

To date, 9,400 tonnes have been dealt with, leaving about 58,600 tonnes still to be cleared in these two districts. It’s a Herculean task, but the combined efforts of various sectors suggest it can be done.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported ongoing flooding in eight provinces on Sunday. Provinces still grappling with floodwaters include Chiang Rai, Lampang, Tak, Phitsanulok, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Ayutthaya, and Pathum Thani, impacting approximately 16,960 families.

The crisis may be daunting, but the spirit of unity and collective action offers hope. With coordinated efforts and unwavering resolve, a cleaner, safer Chiang Rai is on the horizon.

34 Comments

  1. Jane Smith September 22, 2024

    Great to see the PM taking swift action! This cleanup effort will really make a difference for the people of Chiang Rai.

    • TruePatriot September 22, 2024

      It’s about time! The government should have been more prepared for these floods in the first place.

      • Jane Smith September 22, 2024

        Disasters are tough to prepare for. At least they’re responding effectively now.

      • Eco_Warrior September 22, 2024

        TruePatriot, what do you expect? Climate change is making these events more severe. It’s not just about preparation but also long-term mitigation efforts!

    • Ravi September 22, 2024

      While it’s good they’re doing something, I worry about how sustainable this aid is. What’s the plan after the immediate cleanup?

  2. consider_this September 22, 2024

    Isn’t anyone curious about the environmental impact of dumping all that debris somewhere else?

    • Skeptic101 September 22, 2024

      Good point. Moving the problem doesn’t solve it. More long-term thinking needed!

      • Eco_Warrior September 22, 2024

        Exactly, it’s short-sighted. Let’s see if any comprehensive waste management plans follow.

    • ConcernedCitizen September 22, 2024

      consider_this, I agree. This massive debris relocation could cause other issues down the line.

  3. Chang M. September 22, 2024

    Incredible to see such coordinated effort from government and private sectors. Perhaps this sets a new standard for disaster response in Thailand?

    • Skeptic101 September 22, 2024

      Chang M., let’s wait and see. Actions often speak louder than initial promises.

  4. Megan V. September 22, 2024

    Why did it take so long for financial aid to start? November seems quite far off when people are suffering now.

    • city_boy September 22, 2024

      Government processes are often slow, unfortunately. But isn’t late aid better than no aid?

    • Phattharaphon September 22, 2024

      Megan V., emergency funds should be more readily available. Bureaucracy often delays the help that people need.

  5. Napat September 22, 2024

    Tan Passakornnatee renting backhoes and trucks is a really generous act. More wealthy individuals should step up like this.

    • skeptical_me September 22, 2024

      Cynical view: he’s probably doing it for publicity. Business magnates often have ulterior motives.

    • OptimistBen September 22, 2024

      skeptical_me, does it matter if it helps people? Motivation aside, it’s still aid.

  6. risk_taker September 22, 2024

    Flood-prone areas need better long-term solutions, like improved drainage systems. Temporary cleanups only go so far.

    • Arvind September 22, 2024

      Absolutely. Permanent infrastructure changes are essential to prevent future disasters.

    • city_boy September 22, 2024

      risk_taker, very true! But given current resources and priorities, quick fixes might be the best they can do right now.

  7. happyHiker September 22, 2024

    I think the King’s donation of high-pressure water cleaners is genuinely heartwarming. Shows that the monarchy still cares about the people.

    • skeptical_me September 22, 2024

      happyHiker, isn’t that the least he could do? The monarchy has vast resources, they should do more.

  8. Ella R. September 22, 2024

    Coordination between so many agencies is certainly impressive. Wonder if other countries are taking notes on how Thailand handles this.

  9. Penny September 22, 2024

    Is anyone talking about the psychological impact on the flood victims? Clean-ups are great, but mental health support is also crucial.

  10. John September 22, 2024

    58,600 tonnes still to clear?! Seems like it’s only the beginning of a long struggle. Hope the momentum keeps up.

    • Napat September 22, 2024

      John, agreed. The initial push is promising, but sustaining it will be the real challenge.

  11. AEIOU September 22, 2024

    Why is nobody pointing out the role of deforestation in these recurrent floods? Until environmental issues are addressed, this will keep happening.

  12. Tony September 22, 2024

    Bravo to the volunteers! These heroes rarely get the recognition they deserve. Let’s give a shoutout to the real MVPs.

  13. Vince September 22, 2024

    Let’s hope they don’t just stop at Chiang Rai. Flooding is impacting a lot of lives across multiple provinces!

    • Ella R. September 22, 2024

      Right, it’s a nationwide issue. Combining efforts at all levels is crucial for a comprehensive response.

  14. Jane Doe September 22, 2024

    8 provinces still grappling with floods… The government should consider revising its flood preparedness plans entirely.

    • TruePatriot September 22, 2024

      Jane Doe, absolutely. We’ve been hit hard, and it’s time for a more resilient approach.

  15. ScienceGeek September 22, 2024

    Wonder how many people will take this as another sign to push for better climate policies in Thailand.

  16. Mindful_Mark September 22, 2024

    The spirit of unity and collective action mentioned is inspiring. We need more stories like this globally.

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