Paetongtarn visits flood-hit areas in Chiang Rai

Prime minister monitors relief efforts, promises early clearing of mud from roads

On Saturday’s mission to visit flood-affected citizens, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra received a briefing from government agencies in Chiang Rai province before visiting impacted areas and assessing the recovery efforts following the floods in Mae Sai sub-district.

During the visit, Paetongtarn said that by Tuesday, all 24 major roads, including that serving Sairomjoy Market, will have the mud cleared, and schools will be restored. However, another round of cleanup is required, expected to take around 45 days, with normalcy anticipated by early November.

Some homes, buried under mud and water, were reduced to their infrastructures and will need urgent relief. Additionally, 64 homes were destroyed, and under the law, they are eligible for substantial compensation, which the government will address, Paetongtarn said.

The prime minister expressed concern about Muang district in Chiang Rai, which, though flooded later than Mae Sai district, suffered severe damage. She requested that any surplus heavy machinery and equipment from Mae Sai be redirected to assist Muang district.

During the trip, the prime minister and her team also offered encouragement to residents and officials working in the recovery efforts. She thanked the personnel and urged citizens to remain patient, as help is being expedited.