Hat yai: "Nikorn" has called upon the government to implement the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center's plan to aid vulnerable groups affected by the recent flooding in Hat Yai and other southern provinces of Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nikorn Chamnong, a former chairman of the advisory board to the Minister of Social Development and Human Security, has emphasized the urgency of reintroducing the Center for Disaster Vulnerability Management's (CDVM) disaster management plan. As a resident of Songkhla and a key figure in establishing the CDVM within the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Mr. Nikorn has been advocating for the immediate use of pre-prepared data and rehearsed plans to provide relief to vulnerable groups in the affected regions. He emphasized that his intention is not to interfere but to express concern for his fellow residents in the South who are enduring hardships.
Mr. Nikorn highlighted the significance of the plan, which includes comprehensive data collection on vulnerable groups at the sub-district level. He noted that Songkhla Province pioneered the development and rehearsal of an emergency response plan in November 2024, setting a precedent for other southern provinces. With flooding already impacting many areas, he is confident in the plan's ability to assist effectively, given the prior training sessions conducted with Ministry officials and other departments.
The plan, according to Mr. Nikorn, is designed to provide targeted assistance to vulnerable groups, such as young children, the elderly, and the disabled. He pointed out that essential items, often missing in standard disaster relief kits, are highlighted in this plan, including milk for young children, diapers, and nutritional supplements for the elderly.
Deputy Prime Minister Thammanat Prompao, who oversees the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, is seen as pivotal in implementing this plan. The focus is on both immediate relief and post-flood recovery, with a particular emphasis on adjusting the central budget to address emergency expenses for vulnerable groups. Mr. Nikorn has called upon Minister Pradorn Prisananantakul, Director of the Flood Emergency Operations Center, to expedite considerations related to budgetary requirements for effective implementation.
In summary, Mr. Nikorn's appeal underscores the need for swift government action to utilize existing resources and plans to alleviate the plight of vulnerable populations in southern Thailand affected by recent flooding.