Bangkok: Sathit Wongnongteuy, a Member of Parliament from the Democrat Party, has proposed a significant overhaul of Thailand's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act. This proposal aims to address the inefficiencies in handling modern-day disasters, as evidenced by recent flooding events in Nan and Hat Yai. Sathit suggests establishing a Single Command under the Prime Minister's Office to streamline disaster management efforts.
According to Thai News Agency, Sathit participated in a parliamentary debate focusing on the severe flooding in Nan Province, particularly affecting the Pua, Phu Piang, and Mueang Nan districts. During the debate, he highlighted that the current centralized disaster management approach under the Ministry of Interior is ineffective. He argued for a restructuring of the disaster management framework, emphasizing that disasters today are more unpredictable and severe compared to the past.
Sathit commended the rapid response of rescue teams and government officials to the flood crisis but stressed the need for Parliament to recognize the changing nature of disasters. He cited global incidents, such as those in Nepal and Tibet, to underline the urgency for Thailand to adapt its disaster management strategies. He pointed out that the existing Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2007 has structural limitations, concentrating command authority within the Ministry of Interior.
He elaborated on the fragmented nature of the current system, where different departments handle various aspects of disaster management, leading to disorganized and poorly coordinated efforts. He asserted that during disasters, the command center is located within the Ministry of Interior, but personnel are primarily deployed from the Ministry of Defense. Other departments, including the Meteorological Department, the Royal Irrigation Department, and the Ministry of Transport, also play significant roles, yet coordination remains insufficient.
The lessons learned from the Hat Yai floods exposed the ineffective provincial-level command centers and the need for a cohesive structure. Sathit proposed amending the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act to elevate the command center's authority to the Prime Minister's Office. This change would consolidate all relevant agencies, ensuring a unified response under a single command structure led by the Prime Minister or a designated Deputy Prime Minister.
Additionally, Sathit advocated for local-level structural changes, emphasizing the inclusion of public and community involvement in disaster management decision-making. This approach aligns with the Democrat Party's stance on fostering a responsive disaster management system that effectively mitigates risks and future losses.