Chiang Rai —
On August 27th, 2024, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra visited flood victims at the Emergency Response Command Center in Thoeng District, Chiang Rai.
According to Thai national media, Thaksin met with locals who had gathered to welcome him and distributed relief packages to community representatives. Thaksin then visited Pang Kha Village in Tab Tao Subdistrict, one of the hardest-hit areas by flash floods.
During an interview, Thaksin addressed Thailand’s recurring flood issues, stating that comprehensive solutions are needed to manage both floods and droughts. He emphasized the importance of building reservoirs, Monkey Cheek or Kaem Ling water retention systems, and checking dams to mitigate flood damage.
Thaksin also highlighted the need for cooperation with neighboring countries, particularly China, regarding the management of the Mekong River to prevent exacerbation of downstream flooding.
Regarding concerns that this year’s flooding could rival the major floods of 2011, Thaksin reassured the public, citing discussions between Acting Prime Minister Paetongtarn “Ing” Shinawatra and the Royal Irrigation Department about preemptively releasing water from dams to prevent a similar disaster in Bangkok. He expressed confidence that Bangkok will not face major flooding this year.
Read our latest article about the severe floods across 11 provinces in Thailand.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
