MP Slams PM for Birthday Trip Amid Flood Crisis
An opposition MP accused the Prime Minister of ignoring flood relief to attend a politician's birthday, demanding a clear plan for a second flood wave. The deputy minister defended the government's response, saying rainfall cannot be predicted far in advance and preparations are underway. He called for constructive input rather than political attacks.
Speaking in the House, Weerayut said the worst-hit area is the Bang Pakong river basin, yet there is no drainage plan or early warning system. He asked what percentage of the flood damage is due to natural causes and what percentage is due to government mismanagement, stating that if the government cannot answer, the mismanagement is 100 percent. He praised the deputy minister (referred to as 'junior god') for being on the ground while the Prime Minister ('father god') fled to Nevin Chidchob's birthday, spending only 30 minutes looking at the flood in Prachinburi. Weerayut also requested information on evacuation targets, number of evacuation centers, whether the Bang Pakong water will recede before November 13, details of disaster insurance coverage, and the criteria for livestock and rice farm compensation. Jeset responded that he cannot assign percentages to natural causes versus government fault, noting that rainfall cannot be predicted one or two months ahead. He said evacuation targets for the second wave are not yet known, but preparations including food, medicine and supplies are ready, and expects the Bang Pakong water to return to normal between November 13 and 15 if no further rain falls. Jeset added that he came to hear useful suggestions from field visits, not to listen to rhetoric about the junior minister attending a birthday, and urged members to focus on substantive feedback.
