Songkhla Declaration Announced: 15 Billion Baht Pledge for Hat Yai’s Flood Prevention by Orange Party

Hat yai: Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader and prime minister candidate of the People's Party, has announced the Songkhla Declaration, a strategic vision aimed at securing a landslide victory for the Orange Party in Songkhla through a two-ballot system. The declaration includes a pledge to invest 15 billion baht over four years to develop flood prevention systems in Hat Yai, urging residents to vote for a transformative future. According to Thai News Agency, the People's Party organized a rally in front of Robinson Department Store in Hat Yai, coinciding with their campaign caravan's arrival in Songkhla province. The event saw participation from key figures including Mr. Rangsiman Rome, deputy party leader, Mr. Parit Wacharasindhu, party spokesperson, and Ms. Pakamon Nunanan, deputy spokesperson. Mr. Nattapong emphasized the importance of the current election for the future of Hat Yai, Songkhla, and Thailand. Having personally visited flood-affected areas, he expressed solidarity with the local populace, cri ticizing the current government's inadequate management of the flood crisis. He recounted the chaotic post-flood conditions, highlighting the efforts made by the People's Party to aid recovery, including mobilizing volunteers and resources to assist vulnerable communities. Business owners in Hat Yai expressed their reluctance to engage with government financial measures, citing concerns over economic stagnation without effective flood prevention initiatives. Mr. Nattapong shared these sentiments, asserting that the economy and tourism of Hat Yai cannot recover without substantial government intervention to address future flooding. Declaring the Songkhla Declaration as a comprehensive rescue plan for Hat Yai, Mr. Nattapong outlined the proposed developments, including an 8-kilometer drainage tunnel, urban planning reforms, and legal incentives for flood-resilient infrastructure. The plan also involves collaboration with the private sector to create designated areas for parking and distribution during floods. He urged voters to consider the potential for political change and to believe in the power of their vote to make Hat Yai better. He advocated for transparent politics and a leadership team ready to implement promised policies, encouraging support for the People's Party on both ballots. Mr. Nattapong concluded by calling for unity in voting for the Orange Party, emphasizing the importance of a people's government to preserve the nation's good aspects and address political injustices. He reassured voters that their support would lead to significant improvements in Hat Yai and beyond, promising a better future under the People's Party leadership.