On October 4, 2024, at 9:10 a.m., Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, addressed the ongoing flood situation in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Provinces. Speaking from Chang Arena in Buriram Province, Mr. Anutin confirmed that both the Chiang Mai Governor and the Acting Chiang Rai Governor have been providing constant updates. In response to the crisis, the Ministry of Interior has deployed essential equipment and mobilized over 1,000 members of the Volunteer Defense Corps (VD) from provinces nationwide to assist the affected areas. A rescue team is also on the ground providing immediate support.
Mr. Anutin announced that he, alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and other senior officials, will visit the flood-affected regions on October 5, 2024, to assess the situation and provide further guidance. He emphasized that both provinces have their leadership fully in place, with deputy governors reassigned to manage the crisis, ensuring that the command structure remains intact and functional.
When asked about the recurring flooding in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district, which is currently undergoing rehabilitation, Mr. Anutin remarked that natural events are unpredictable and unavoidable, but the government will continue its efforts to mitigate the impact. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the increasing water levels following the same pathways as before, noting that the response plans are designed to manage the situation more effectively than during the initial flooding.
In response to questions about potential compensation for those affected by the repeated floods, Mr. Anutin stated that compensation regulations allow for only one payment per emergency. However, the current declaration of the emergency situation remains in effect, meaning that different forms of assistance will be provided to alleviate suffering.
Addressing concerns about river encroachment as a possible cause of flooding, Mr. Anutin assured the public that any illegal actions will be dealt with appropriately, considering both legal requirements and humanitarian concerns. He emphasized that flooding is not directly caused by such issues and reiterated the government’s commitment to alleviating stress for the affected populations.
