PM Defends Cash Aid After Flood Relief Packets Run Out
We need to produce a short summary: 1-2 sentences, target 120-220 characters, never more than 240. Must be in English. The article: Thai title: "PM explains distributing flood relief money, says relief bags ran out, insists his money is cle
Anutin Charnvirakul, who serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, addressed reporters on 30 September 2569 at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation regarding criticism of his flood‑relief visits. He said he never thinks about such accusations, that people should not pay attention to them, and that he accepts harsh words as a way for critics to let off steam. He noted that as a government official he must work and listen, but also allow others to express their feelings.
When asked about giving cash to Sai Mai residents the previous evening, he explained that the relief packages he had brought were exhausted, so he gave what cash he had on hand because residents had walked far and he had nothing else to offer. He stressed that the amount was less than half of his own monthly salary and that the money was clean.
Regarding opposition MP Rakkhachorn Srinok of the People’s Party, who questioned whether the cash was clean, Anutin laughed and replied that the public should not be used as political hostages. He said the situation called for unity and focus on helping people, not on causing further division. He affirmed that his parents raised him well to look after the public and that he would continue to do so.
On whether flood victims still reported not having enough to eat after his visit, Anutin said such complaints had become rare lately. He also said he constantly reminds officials to avoid publishing images of people without food.
