PRIME MINISTER Anutin Charnvirakul said today (Sep. 27) that the cabinet has approved tomorrow and the day after (Sep. 28-29) as special government holidays in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Samut Prakan to address the flood crisis and facilitate a coordinated response across all sectors but banks and capital markets will remain open, Amarin TV said late afternoon today.
Additionally toll-free access to expressways and Don Mueang Tollway will be extended for these two days, expiring at midnight on Tuesday (Sep. 29).
However the cabinet cannot take time off with there being a ceremony to pay respectW to the national flag tomorrow morning, the Thai National Flag day. After that ministers will disperse to visit inundated area.
Anutin mentioned that he had intended to visit Sa Kaeo, Prachin Buri, Nakhon Nayok, and Ayutthaya provinces after today’s cabinet meeting but poor weather conditions halted the trip as helicopters could not take off. Consequently, he will now visit other accessible areas.
Regarding setting a communications “war room,” Anutin the government will tomorrow launch a press centre specially to cover the floods. This centre will consolidate all communications intended for the public and invite relevant officials who wish to convey information to hold briefings.
Anutin also mentioned that, based on various forecasts, heavy rain is expected in Kanchanaburi, Uthai Thani, and Tak provinces and provincial governors have been instructed to coordinate with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and the Department of Local Administration.
“They have been granted full authority to make decisions and manage the situation, with the government providing full support.
“Regarding past alerts, while notifications were issued regularly, I feel that the public sometimes does not understand the terminology used. It is not just the general public; even I find the language difficult to comprehend.
“People do not need to know the technical causes; instead, communication should focus on being short, concise, and immediately understandable so that the public can prepare, evacuate, and secure their belongings safely,” he said.
The cabinet has also instructed the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to fully prepare proposals for the “Chai Nat–Pa Sak–Gulf of Thailand” and “Bang Ban–Bang Sai and East Chao Phraya” projects.
There are three or four such routes slated for development under this administration and had the decision to build them been made earlier, the work would likely be nearly halfway complete by now. Funds originally intended for relief and compensation could instead be allocated to these projects, offering a long-term solution to water management issues, he said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yodchanan Wongsawat has studied and proposed the construction of “monkey cheek” (water retention) areas and reservoirs.
“Projects incorporating the “monkey cheek” concept are undoubtedly beneficial and effective, as they stem from the brilliant vision of His Majesty the late King Rama IX. Implementing these projects requires courage and careful planning.
“Personally, I have long recognised their importance and intended to pursue them; however, as Minister of Interior, I previously lacked the authority to do so. Now that I have the opportunity, I will not let it go to waste. I aim to implement these long-term solutions to ensure we never face such flooding conditions again,” he said.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: Flood victims and a flooded neightbourhood. Photos – Naewna
Insert: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul talking to the press. Photo – Amarin TV
Earlier reports:
Bangkok flooding ‘has stabilised’, improvement likely this evening: Chadchart
Bangkok in critical situation amid non-stop rain with many areas flooded
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