SONGKHLA, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin has reported progress on the Ministry’s flood-relief operations in Songkhla under the “Big Cleaning: Restoring Happiness to Songkhla” initiative. The operation, implemented through the “One MNRE” integrated approach, mobilizes all agencies under the Ministry to accelerate the rehabilitation of Hat Yai and restore public safety.
Agencies involved include the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation; the Royal Forest Department; the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; and the Pollution Control Department. Personnel, equipment, and vehicles have been deployed to support the cleanup and post-flood recovery.
Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, has assigned Deputy Director-General Veera Khunchairak to oversee field operations in Hat Yai. He coordinated closely with the 42nd Military Circle and provincial authorities and led the deployment of teams to clean heavily affected public spaces and educational facilities. The operation covers approximately 28,800 square meters (18 rai), including Hong Pradittharam Temple and Tessaban 3 Sophonpitayakunanusorn School.
On the first day of operations, teams collected more than 300 tonnes of waste, debris, mud, and contaminated materials. Cleaning efforts also targeted buildings, walkways, and road surfaces to restore hygiene and reduce post-flood health risks. The integrated effort involves more than 780 personnel, 88 vehicles, and over 4,000 pieces of equipment. Additionally, 5,500 cooked meals were prepared and distributed to affected residents to provide immediate assistance.
The initiative demonstrates the effectiveness of the “One MNRE” approach in supporting recovery efforts and enabling Hat Yai residents to resume daily activities safely as quickly as possible. (NNT)
