Bangkok: The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has announced that the Prime Minister has directed all government agencies to fast-track the disbursement of this year’s budget and investment funds to align with existing plans, while also developing comprehensive strategies for managing natural disasters. Additionally, the Prime Minister has instructed the resolution of land allocation issues overseen by the National Housing Authority.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chatuporn Buruspat, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, reported that during the second meeting of ministerial heads chaired by Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, urgent directives were issued to expedite budget disbursement across all ministries. The Prime Minister also urged the ministries to devise long-term plans for disaster management, ensuring that every governmental duty is reviewed to establish effective measures for the following year.
The meeting saw the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment proposing an action plan for disaster management, with an emphasis on the prudent use of central budget allocations. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of an After Action Review to evaluate each step of the process and identify potential improvements. Additionally, the Prime Minister stressed the need to resolve land allocation issues, particularly concerning forest lands, to ensure they serve public and community forestry interests. Mr. Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, underscored the necessity of reclaiming land used improperly and implementing measures to prevent forest fires.
The Permanent Secretary also stated the Prime Minister’s focus on water management, addressing both drought and flood concerns. The Ministry of Natural Resources is tasked with assessing water availability to ensure adequate supply throughout the dry season, considering community needs as a priority.
