Hat yai: The National Police Chief has mandated the completion of identity verification by tomorrow, confirming the transfer of the Superintendent due to negligence. The National Police Chief revealed that the flooding in Hat Yai has claimed 110 lives, with DNA identification tests to be expedited for completion by the following day. Medical teams and the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) are being deployed to reinforce the area, ensuring strict control in District 8. The Superintendent of Hat Yai Police Station was transferred due to a lack of leadership and failure to care for subordinates affected by the floods. Area rehabilitation efforts are also in preparation.
According to Thai News Agency, National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panpetch addressed flood relief progress in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, after discussions with key officials, including Pol. Lt. Gen. Piyawat Chalermsri and Pol. Gen. Samran Nuanma. The death toll, approximately 110, includes patients from Songklanagarind Hospital, unidentified individuals, and bodies retrieved from flooded areas. Natural deaths occurred at the hospital, and it is anticipated that all bodies will be returned to families today. DNA tests are underway for around 20 unidentified bodies, with completion expected by tomorrow.
Pol. Gen. Kittirat confirmed the dispatch of three medical teams and OBEC officials to the area, each capable of examining 20 cases daily. Comparisons to incidents such as the Suphan Buri fireworks factory explosion and a school bus fire are being used to expedite investigations. Equipment, including ziplock bags, remains necessary, and cooperation for obtaining them is encouraged.
The National Police Chief has ordered the Police Aviation Division Commander to deploy aircraft to assist the forensic medical team and OBEC officials in transporting the injured swiftly. Personnel mobilization for recovery and cleaning efforts is underway, with a focus on District 8. Special operations are being conducted to ensure adherence to the law, with coordination required for any private individuals wishing to enter the area.
Regarding theft incidents, the National Police Chief emphasized the legal implications but also highlighted the importance of community support during crises. He urged calm and cooperation, noting this as a lesson from the worst flooding in Hat Yai's history. Government officials have been active in distributing food, with aircraft deployed to deliver supplies in inaccessible areas.
The transfer of the Hat Yai Police Station Superintendent to the Songkhla Provincial Police Operations Center was due to leadership deficiencies. The National Police Chief's visit to the station revealed the Superintendent's absence, despite subordinates being trapped with limited resources. An investigation is underway to ascertain the Superintendent's duty status, with potential adjustments to his punishment based on findings.
The National Police Chief emphasized the need for rehabilitation as water levels recede. Concerns extend to other provinces, such as Yala and Satun, where flooding persists. Efforts are planned for debris removal and garbage management, with coordination for water distribution and electricity restoration. Aerial surveys are being conducted to assess flood impacts and facilitate recovery operations.