Chiang Rai —
On September 14th, 2024, Mr. Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the leader of the People’s Party, posted on social media after leading party members to flood-hit areas in Mueang District, Chiang Rai.
Natthaphong monitored the flood situation and personally assisted affected residents, while also sharing concerns for the government’s disaster response and offering suggestions for improvement.
Natthaphong highlighted two key issues. First, the lack of a centralized command center (War Room) from government agencies to coordinate relief efforts. He noted that private organizations, such as the Mirror Foundation, have primarily organized rescue operations, coordinating with military units and volunteers across Mae Sai and Mueang districts. This responsibility, he stressed, should rest with government authorities.
Second, there is a critical need for better data integration. He pointed out that JITASA.CARE, a website created by citizens, is currently being used to report emergency cases. He urged the government to collaborate with civil society to enhance the platform, rather than building a new system, to streamline flood relief efforts.
A major obstacle in relief operations, according to Natthaphong, is the inability to accurately locate flood victims due to the lack of a system that converts residence addresses into geolocation data.
Many victims can only provide rough details such as street names or house colors, making it difficult for rescuers to reach them. In many cases, essential aid, such as insulin for diabetic patients, could not be delivered.
Natthaphong further emphasized that government agencies like Thailand Post and the Provincial Electricity Authority already possess detailed location databases that could improve ground and aerial operations, including those involving military helicopters and drones.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
