BANGKOK, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Thailand’s new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered the mobilisation of assistance for the people in the northern provinces affected by the flood situation.
Expressing her concern via her official X account, Paetongtarn said she is currently unable to perform her duties fully, due to the pending constitutional process before assuming duties but has conveyed her concerns to the current acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to assist the affected provinces.
"I have ordered the mobilisation of assistance to the people, including the urgent drainage of water to alleviate their suffering, and for damage restoration," she said.
She said Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, who is also current Transport Minister, is aware of her concerns and that the Department of Highways alongside the Department of Rural Highways have been assigned to send officers to help, facilitate and monitor the situation 24 hours a day.
Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has issued a warning to four provinces - Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae and Nan - urging them to prepare for possible flash floods and evacuations due to continuous rain.
Thai local media reported that floods in Chiang Rai have claimed two lives and submerged about 2,400 hectares of agriculture land since last week.
-- BERNAMA