Bangkok: The Democrat Party (DP) recently inaugurated a seminar in Hat Yai, where party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva presented strategic blueprints to address flooding issues while former leader Chuan Leekpai called for an end to politically motivated transfers of civil servants. Chuan emphasized the need for provincial governors to take decisive leadership roles, drawing lessons from a previous 10 billion baht flood relief project.
According to Thai News Agency, the seminar, themed "Clear Skies Together," brought together MPs and party members from the Democrat Party. It served as a platform for independent brainstorming with diverse stakeholders from government, private sector, civil society, and business sectors. Key participants included representatives from the Hotel Association, the Tourism Industry Council, and various local foundations and academic institutions such as Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya and Prince of Songkla University. The aim was to collect information and feedback to enhance disaster preparedness before the upcoming rainy season.
Mr. Abhisit outlined the seminar's objectives, focusing on four main issues: investigating compensation and restoration efforts, preparing for the rainy season with adequate emergency funds, investing in infrastructure for long-term flood management, and proposing urban development plans to mitigate disaster damage while enhancing economic opportunities. These insights and suggestions are intended to be submitted to the government for urgent action.
In terms of relief efforts, Mr. Juri Numkaew, Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party, noted that while most relief payments have been disbursed, around 1,000 claims remain unresolved due to legal interpretations. Mr. Adisak Rattana, representing the public, criticized the inadequacy of the 9,000 baht relief payment and reported that many in Songkhla province have not received any relief due to halted disbursements since 2024.
Mr. Chuan Leekpai highlighted the importance of effective management over resources in flood prevention, critiquing the Ministry of Interior's politically motivated transfers of officials, which he argued undermine crisis management capabilities. He stressed that regional leadership, especially by provincial governors, is crucial in handling such crises effectively.
On the economic front, Mr. Sompol Cheewawatanapong of the Hat Yai Business Association pointed out the challenges businesses face in accessing government-promoted loans due to stringent credit checks by commercial banks. He urged the government to relax lending criteria to prevent an economic downturn, emphasizing the need to boost confidence in the business and tourism sectors.
Local preparedness measures were detailed by Mr. Narongporn Na Phatthalung, Mayor of Hat Yai, who explained ongoing canal dredging projects aimed at improving drainage efficiency. However, he expressed concerns over depleted municipal reserves and pending budget allocations from the central government, which are critical for effective disaster response.
Academics and youth representatives, including Associate Professor Pattheera Suwanwong, called for clearer communication regarding evacuation procedures and safe zones, highlighting the need for integrated data sharing between educational institutions and the government. They advocated for clarity in defining the "Hat Yai Model" to improve community awareness and preparedness.
Deputy Leader Chaichana Dechdecho recommended enhancing the "Hat Yai Model" by unifying warning systems and evacuation sites under the leadership of the provincial governor. He also suggested revising urban plans to accommodate Hat Yai's geographical challenges.
The seminar concluded with Mr. Chaiwut Bannawat presenting the Democrat Party's strategic direction and legislative objectives, followed by a summary and official closing by Mr. Sathit Wongnongteuy, chairman of the party's MPs.