Bangkok: The Pheu Thai Party has called on Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to clarify the current status of accumulated water, as dams near capacity and widespread flooding affects hundreds of thousands of people. With over 2 million rai of floodwaters impacting 500,000 individuals, more than 50,000 homes, and 350,000 rai of rice paddies, the party is urging the government to address the situation as a new storm approaches. The Pheu Thai Party criticizes the government's focus on political maneuvers, including the potential dissolution of parliament to bypass a censure debate.
According to Thai News Agency, Pheu Thai Party spokesman Sueksit Srijomkhwan highlighted the critical water levels during the Loi Krathong month, questioning whether the Prime Minister noticed the overflowing waters around Bangkok while participating in the festival. With dams nearly full and flooding already extensive, Tropical Storm Kalmaegi poses additional threats. The spokesman emphasized the increased risk as water bodies reach their limits, likely escalating the hardships faced by the affected population.
Mr. Suksit criticized the government's management, pointing out its preoccupation with political strategies over addressing the flooding crisis. He mentioned the collapse of a dam under the jurisdiction of the Minister of the Prime Minister's Office, which oversees the Office of Water Resources, leading to significant property damage. Suksit expressed hope that the cell broadcasting system, initiated during the Pheu Thai administration, remains functional to mitigate the impact.
He announced that the Pheu Thai Party plans to issue a public statement on November 8th, addressing the flood crisis and the government's actions prior to the rains. Suksit intends to highlight the Prime Minister's lack of concern before the storm's arrival, urging for accountability and effective flood management strategies.