Parliament Debates Use of 15 Billion Baht Disaster Insurance for Phuket Landslide Victims

Phuket:Bangkok During a House of Representatives meeting, Mr. Kanch Tangpong, a Member of Parliament for Trang Province from the Democrat Party, addressed the severe impact of recent natural disasters in Phuket. He urged the government to investigate the causes of the landslides and to provide clarity on the disaster insurance claims process.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Kanch Tangpong highlighted the need for a thorough investigation into whether the landslides were due to natural causes like heavy rainfall or if they were exacerbated by illegal construction activities that might have obstructed natural waterways. He called for strict enforcement of the Building Control Act and immediate legal action if any illegal activities are found to have contributed to the disaster.

Mr. Tangpong also emphasized the necessity for a proactive early warning system and evacuation plan to prevent future disasters. He stressed that the government should not wait for another disaster to occur before taking action. Furthermore, he raised concerns about the lack of clarity for Phuket residents regarding their rights under the 15 billion baht disaster insurance scheme, urging the government to provide clear information on eligibility and the claims process.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Tangpong urged the government to provide immediate relief to those affected and warned against merely claiming to learn from past experiences. He stated that the disaster insurance budget is available and should be utilized efficiently to support those who have lost everything.