Bangkok: Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, a prominent academic and former Election Commissioner, has publicly urged Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to resign in response to the government's handling of the recent flooding crisis in southern Thailand. In a message posted on Facebook, Somchai criticized the administration's inefficiency in rescuing those stranded by the floods, which resulted in the deaths of over one hundred people.
According to Thai News Agency, Somchai emphasized that while heavy rain and flooding are natural phenomena, the government has the capacity to manage rescue operations effectively. He pointed out that local governments, constrained by limited resources, rely on the central government to mobilize aid and ensure the safety of affected citizens. Somchai argued that bureaucratic hurdles should not impede the swift action necessary to save lives.
Somchai further criticized political parties for prioritizing image and popularity over addressing the crisis. He lamented the delays and confusion in government response, which he claimed exacerbated the situation for tens of thousands of people facing dire conditions. He called for Anutin and his Cabinet to apologize to the public for their perceived shortcomings in crisis management.
In his statement, Somchai proposed that Anutin resign to allow the House of Representatives to elect a new Prime Minister, thereby demonstrating accountability and dignity. He suggested that the parliament remain intact to continue amending the constitution, and if deemed fitting, they could re-elect Anutin or appoint a new leader.
Somchai also recommended against dissolving parliament or rushing into a referendum. Instead, he proposed reallocating the nearly ten billion baht earmarked for elections to provide immediate relief to those affected in the South, emphasizing the need to address current humanitarian concerns over political processes.