PM visits flood-hit areas in Thai North

SUKOTHAI, August 13 (TNA) - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is visiting flood-hit areas in the Thai North and Northeast this weekend to inspect the situation and to offer relief supply to local flood victims.

Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit, Social Development and Human Security Minister Santi Promphat, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Theera Wongsamut and officials of agencies concerned, Yingluck first arrived in Sukhothai Province on Saturday morning and then travelled to local flood-stricken areas, including Pakpra and Baan Sam Muen localities, where she provided relief packs to flood victims.

Sukhothai Governor Jakarin Plienwong informed the prime minister that local people of over 30,000 households in nine districts have been affected by the current floods, with damage initially estimated at some one billion baht, excluding losses caused to more than 3,000 rais of local farmlands, and that four people have been killed by widespread inundations so far.

Premier Yingluck is also scheduled to visit flood-hit areas in Phrae and Nan Provinces prior to her overnight stay in Chiang Mai Province, her hometown, and before travelling to northeastern Ubon Ratchathani, Mukdahan and Amnat Charoen Provinces this Sunday.

The new Pheu Thai premier promised that her government will provide assistance to the flood victims as soon as possible, first through state budget allocated by the previous Democrat Party-led administration.

Meanwhile, updated reports said that several riverside areas in Mae Chan District of the northern Chiang Rai have remained under over one-metre floodwaters, with more than 300 households having been affected.

In the northwestern Tak Province, the flood situation in Mae Ramad District has been improving, as downpours have ceased. (TNA)