Thai Environment Minister Visits Flooded Community With Relief

Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin, accompanied by ministry permanent secretary Dr. Raveewan Phurideach and senior officials, boated into the Ram Glae Public Housing Community in Lat Krabang district on September 29 to monitor flooding and deliver cooked food, drinking water, medicines, infant formula, and essential supplies to areas inaccessible by vehicle. The minister spoke directly with residents to identify remaining shortages, including clean drinking water, medications, diarrhea medicine, antifungal ointment, adult incontinence pads, and infant formula, as well as assistance for those stranded in floodwaters unable to leave the community.

Suchat stated that relief must begin with on-the-ground assessment and listening to affected people to provide targeted help, particularly for the elderly, bedridden patients, people with disabilities, and children. He emphasized that aid delivery must reach communities and individuals in distress, not merely be deposited at collection points. The ministry has mobilized boats, field kitchens, staff, and supplies, and transported 27 dialysis patients for medical treatment. Future relief efforts will be adjusted based on identified community needs, including food and water distribution, supply transport by boat, patient transfers, and support for vulnerable groups.

Once water levels recede, the ministry will coordinate cleanup efforts and work with relevant agencies to resolve underlying issues so residents can return to normal life quickly. Suchat reiterated the ministry's commitment to full-scale relief under the principle that food, boats, and patients must reach their destinations, followed by recovery and reconstruction efforts. The operation involved coordinated support from multiple departments including the Marine and Coastal Resources Department, National Parks Department, Forestry Department, and Water Resources Departments, which provided boats, personnel, drinking water, and essential resources.