MP Questions Government on Phuket Landslide Causes, Insurance Claims

Move Forward Party MP presses the government to clarify rights to claim 15 billion baht in disaster insurance and investigate the root cause of the Phuket landslides — heavy rain or construction and landfill blocking drainage. Don't just claim you're learning lessons. At 09:30 on October 28, 2026, at Parliament, during the House of Representatives meeting with House Speaker Sopon Sarakham presiding, the Speaker opened the floor for members to discuss urgent issues before the agenda. MP Kanchana Tangpong (Democrat Party, Trang) discussed the impact of the severe hydro-meteorological disasters and landslides in Phuket, stating she had submitted demands and questions to the government on three main points: 1. The government must verify whether the landslide and mudslide events were caused solely by heavy rainfall or if there were contributing factors from illegal construction and landfill obstructing natural drainage channels. Enforce the Building Control Act seriously. If illegal acts causing tragedy or damage are found, legal action must be taken immediately without exception. 2. The government must implement proactive measures to prevent history from repeating. The public should not be left in a resigned state waiting for floods or landslides to hit homes before receiving aid. Immediate actions include establishing an effective early warning system, concrete contingency and evacuation plans, and strictly organizing and zoning disaster-risk areas. 3. The government has just launched a 15-billion-baht disaster insurance scheme, but Phuket disaster victims still lack clarity on their coverage rights. The government must clearly explain whether this round of landslides and floods qualifies for indemnity, what criteria apply for damage to homes, residences, and business premises, and which agency the public must submit evidence to and what the procedures are. "The disaster insurance budget is already available, but victims who are losing their livelihoods need clarity on their benefits, not aimless waiting. And the government shouldn't just say it's learning lessons," Kanchana said.