Ministry of Culture Collaborates with Five Religions for Flood Relief Efforts in Southern Region

Bangkok: The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with five religions and network agencies, has initiated the "Religious Relations Unite to Help Flood Victims in the Southern Region" program, aimed at mobilizing consumer goods and essential items to alleviate the suffering caused by the ongoing floods. According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Culture, through the Department of Religious Affairs, organized a ceremony to receive consumer goods and essential items under the initiative. Ms. Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture, presided over the ceremony alongside Mr. Prasop Riangngen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Mr. Chaiyapol Suk-iam, Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs, executives, representatives of 15 religious organizations, and devotees. The event took place at the lobby on the 1st floor of the Wisit Culture Building. Ms. Sabida Thaiset highlighted the severity of the flooding situation in the southern region, which has been exacerbated by continuous heavy rai ns over several days. The floods have caused extensive damage to homes, farmland, and transportation routes across several provinces, forcing many residents to evacuate. The affected areas are experiencing shortages of consumer goods, food, medicine, and other essential items, with some regions completely cut off from transportation, hindering aid delivery. The floods have not only disrupted livelihoods but also left many residents stressed and unstable, with religious buildings also impacted, necessitating the temporary relocation of religious leaders. In response, the Ministry of Culture is expressing significant concern for the affected communities, including monks, religious leaders, and followers of all religions in the southern region. In a bid to provide timely support, the ministry has coordinated efforts with temples, religious organizations, and networks from all five religions. The Ministry has sent a letter to the Bangkok Provincial Sangha Chief, informing various temple networks, and opened dona tion centers at the Department of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Culture, and Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram in Bangkok for public donations. The donation centers are accepting consumer goods, rice, dried food, clothing, medicine, and other essential items until November 30, 2025, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. On November 26, 2025, the Ministry of Culture delivered the first round of consumer goods, including rice, dried food, drinking water, instant noodles, common household medicines, and daily necessities. Raw materials for cooking and relief bags were also provided to affected people in Songkhla Province, in collaboration with the Songkhla Provincial Cultural Office. Additionally, nine disaster relief centers have been opened at various locations including Wat Chaem Uthit, Wat Pho Pathamawat, Wat Sai Ngam, Wat Phu Khao Long, Weed Srisa Kiri, Kanchanaphisek National Library, National Archives, Wat Hua Pom Nai, and Wat Khok Phayom Sukaram. The Minister of Culture concluded by emphasizing the ongoing inten sity of flooding in several southern provinces, which has left many residents unable to return home. The disruption to roads, scarcity of clean drinking water, and disruption of public utilities have made daily life challenging, particularly for families with elderly, young children, and bedridden patients who require continual assistance. The Ministry calls upon all sectors, including public and private entities, religious organizations, and the public, to contribute consumer goods, medicine, and other essential items to ensure timely aid delivery to those affected in the South. This collective effort aims to provide encouragement and support during these difficult times, with hopes for a swift return to normalcy.