National —
On September 12th, 2024, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra convened a meeting with relevant agencies to address the severe flooding in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.
Paetongtarn reported receiving updates from ministers since early morning, stating that Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces are facing serious flooding. She emphasized that the Thai government has been actively responding, noting that while awaiting the official policy announcement to Parliament, ministers and deputy ministers had already been taking preemptive actions to assist the affected communities.
Paetongtarn expressed her concern for the northern residents, especially those in Chiang Rai and Mae Sai, and highlighted the need to strengthen disaster warning systems and ensure prompt relief and recovery efforts.
Paetongtarn also instructed the Royal Thai Navy to focus on managing evacuation centers and providing essential services such as medical care, shelter, and food. She reassured that the central government budget has been allocated not just for post-disaster recovery but for immediate relief as well.
She has been visiting Chiang Rai today (September 13th) with relevant officials to oversee relief efforts firsthand, requesting that local officials refrain from organizing formal welcomes and instead focus on aiding the flood victims.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
