Chiang Rai: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has urged all provincial governors to closely monitor the flood situation and provide immediate assistance to affected people. During a meeting with governors of 17 northern provinces, Anutin emphasized the importance of managing the flood situation, particularly in Mae Sai District where some roads have been damaged. All units are reportedly working together to control the situation.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin chaired the meeting which was attended by Mr. Arsit Sampantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, along with governors and heads of government agencies from the 17 northern provinces. Last night's heavy rain has caused riverbanks to overflow, resulting in flash floods at 2:00 a.m. today. The floodwaters have impacted the community along the Sai River at the 1st Friendship Bridge border checkpoint in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province.
Anutin shared a report from Mr. Charin Thongsuk, Chiang Rai Governor, who is actively monitoring the situation with the head of the Chiang Rai Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office. Some roads in Mae Sai District have been compromised, but military and administrative agencies have mobilized resources such as Big Bags to control the situation. The Department of Military Engineering is in the process of constructing a drainage embankment in the Mae Sai community area, expected to be completed by June 2025. Currently, the drainage system is not fully efficient, but improvements are anticipated in the future once construction is completed.
Anutin highlighted that continuous rain is expected until May 27 in Chiang Rai and 51 other provinces across the nation. He has called on the Chiang Rai governor and other governors in heavily affected areas to remain vigilant. In the event of a situation, immediate assistance must be deployed to those impacted.
He also stressed the importance of providing hygienic shelters and coordinating with local government executives and various sectors to expedite assistance. Local government organizations have the authority, under the Ministry of Interior regulations on expenses, to help the affected populations to the fullest extent of the law. Anutin has instructed governors to act as advisors and supporters to local government executives, encouraging them to use their discretion in assisting the people. In cases of severe situations, a disaster area declaration may be necessary to facilitate aid in accordance with legal regulations.