Hat yai: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Olar emphasizes that the flooding in Hat Yai is not merely an issue of individual responsibility but a result of deep-rooted structural problems within the bureaucracy and local government systems. He asserts that any appointed prime minister will face similar challenges unless systemic changes are made.
According to Thai News Agency, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Olan Thinbangtiew, a lecturer at the Faculty of Political Science and Law at Burapha University, discussed the recurrent flooding in Hat Yai, Songkhla Province. He stressed that addressing the persistent flooding in a major city like Hat Yai requires moving beyond attributing blame to individuals or any single government. The problem is deeply embedded in the centralized bureaucratic structure and weak local capacity due to decades of governance practices that have weakened local authorities.
Academics highlight that the issue is not solely the government's fault. Rather, it involves complex factors beyond identifying a scapegoat. Focusing only on individual blame could lead to repeated flooding incidents in the future. Despite the central government's efforts, the centralized bureaucracy, characterized by centralized command, has resulted in delays and discrepancies in addressing local conditions. Coordination among various agencies, including information sharing, resource allocation, and implementation, has been inadequate, leading to ineffective local responses.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Olar explained that despite the high potential within various departments and agencies, the rigid top-down mechanisms hinder effective disaster response, which requires rapid action. This structure complicates the efforts of field officials, not due to a lack of commitment, but because of systemic limitations inherent in the Thai government.
He notes that regardless of who manages the system, the Thai-style bureaucracy presents obstacles to effective problem-solving, remaining cumbersome and unresponsive to modern changes.
Academics also point out the weaknesses of Hat Yai Municipality, which should be the closest agency to the people. Issues such as underestimating the situation, slow communication, inadequate warning systems, and ineffective drainage networks persist despite years of budget allocations, resulting in recurring flooding with every heavy rain. The problem is not the fault of a single individual but rather the result of the city's management failing to adapt to Hat Yai's growth as a major economic hub.
This incident should serve as a catalyst for structural reform, focusing on recognizing that current structures hinder modern disaster response. Large cities need faster decision-making power, flexible budgets, and accurate information systems to maximize local administrators' potential and ensure efficient central support.
"In such situations, immediate assistance is necessary but insufficient. Without restructuring the bureaucracy, decentralizing power, and upgrading local government, Hat Yai will likely face similar incidents in the future, regardless of who serves as Prime Minister. The issue lies within the system, demanding serious revision."