SONGKHLA, Thailand – Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the establishment of community kitchens in Hat Yai District to ensure better food quality and more efficient support for affected residents.
Spokesperson for the Emergency Flood Response Operations Center Siripong Angkasakulkiat stated that the Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Interior to establish community kitchens at 103 locations to replace the distribution of pre-packed meals. The Government has also encouraged private-sector participation in waste management to expedite clean-up operations, with a target of restoring cleanliness across Songkhla Province within 14 days.
The spokesperson noted that the Prime Minister and a team of economic ministers visited severely affected areas in Songkhla on November 30 to assess the situation and listen to concerns from the private sector. Insights from the visit will inform policy directions for post-flood rehabilitation across the southern provinces. The matter is to be further discussed at the Economic Policy Committee meeting.
Songkhla has entered the recovery phase, with discussions centered on the progress of essential services and remaining challenges. The Provincial Waterworks Authority reported that 80 percent of the tap water supply has been restored, with full service expected by December 3.
The Ministry of Public Health will deliver an updated briefing on fatalities and public health measures later today. Relief compensation criteria are under review to ensure fairness, particularly for cases indirectly affected by the flooding. Identity verification procedures will be streamlined by reducing administrative steps and using digital tools such as the ThaID application. The Government aims to complete compensation processes swiftly while minimizing burdens on the public. (NNT)
