BANGKOK, 21 September 2011 (NNT) – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has indicated that the budget for flood victims assistance has been increased to 100 million THB per province while voicing concerns over additional flooding in the central region.
Following a two-hour meeting with related ministers and agencies to find solutions to the flood problem, Prime Minister Yingluck held a press conference, during which she announced that the meeting had resolved to raise the flood assistance budget for affected provinces to 100 million THB each. She said more money could also be requested if the given amount was insufficient.
During the meeting, Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi was tasked with coordinating with the Royal Irrigation Department on the diversion of floodwater into the sea as quickly as possible, especially through Khlong Lat Pho flood gate in Samut Prakan province.
Even though the water level in Bangkok recently decreased by 20 centimeters, Prime Minister Yingluck expressed worries over another mass of excess water flowing down from the North towards the central region.
Speaking of the compensation for flood victims, the premier indicated that the disbursement process had been 70 percent completed. Regarding a report that loan sharks are extracting money from recipients in some areas, provincial governors have been instructed to look into the matter.
News ID: 255409210011
Reporter : Surapan Laotharanarit