Bangkok: "Ekanit" has mandated the formation of the Vayuphak Network Command Center to provide immediate flood relief in the southern region, involving all units of the Ministry of Finance to implement relief, compensation, and rehabilitation measures.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Ekniti Nitithanpraphas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, outlined the flood relief strategy for the South. The Ministry of Finance has established the "Vayupak Network Assistance Center" to deliver urgent help to flood victims, coordinating with all agencies under the Ministry. Mr. Lawaron Sangsanit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, has been appointed to lead the integration of operations, ensuring the implementation of a three-phase disaster relief framework: assistance, relief, and rehabilitation.
The first phase, Assistance, involves providing immediate support to disaster victims. A donation center has been set up at the 150th Anniversary Building of the Ministry of Finance for collecting essential items from government agencies, state enterprises, financial institutions under the Ministry, the private sector, and the public. The Comptroller General's Department has issued procurement guidelines to rapidly address flooding issues. The Treasury Department is tasked with acquiring Crown property for use as temporary shelters and managing care for flood victims.
The Relief phase focuses on enabling victims to rebuild their lives swiftly. The Ministry will coordinate with its affiliated agencies to offer comprehensive relief measures, such as debt repayment suspension, interest rate reduction, special low-interest loans, compensation, and expedited insurance claim processing in collaboration with the Office of Insurance Commission. Shelters are to be established for those unable to return home, with the State Enterprise Policy Committee coordinating business and housing rehabilitation efforts.
For Recovery, the Ministry will put forth necessary measures to help affected individuals and businesses resume operations, emphasizing support that aids in rehabilitating careers and livelihoods, such as rehabilitation loans. These measures will be proposed to the Cabinet for consideration.
Mr. Ekniti emphasized the urgency of delivering assistance to disaster victims in a systematic manner, integrating resources from various agencies to reach affected individuals and businesses effectively. The main objective is ensuring the safety of people in the area, with affiliated agencies expediting relief and rehabilitation measures. The focus remains on the safety and comprehensive assistance for residents and officials, while also fostering positive morale.