On December 5, 2024, Labour Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn visited flood-affected areas in Phatthalung Province to deliver relief kits to informal workers, self-employed individuals, and residents impacted by the disaster. The visit was joined by Mr. Kongsakul Chantrach, Deputy Governor of Phatthalung Province, acting as Governor; Mr. Phairoj Chotikasathien, Chairperson of the Minister’s Advisory Committee; Mr. Phuchong Warasri from the Prime Minister’s Secretariat Office; Mr. Phumipat Muenchan, Labour Ministry Spokesperson; and other senior officials, including department directors and provincial Labour Ministry representatives. The distribution occurred at four locations: Village Hall, Village No. 11, Lam Pam Subdistrict; Multipurpose Hall, Ban Khlong Khut, Village No.8, Han Pho Subdistrict, Khao Chai Son District; the mosque in Hat Khao Tao East; and the multipurpose building at Koh Mak Subdistrict Administrative Organization, totaling 2,000 relief kits.
Minister Phiphat stated that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized in a Cabinet meeting the importance of ministries with available resources assisting flood-affected communities. The Labour Ministry provided 4,000 relief kits, supported by affiliated agencies and private businesses. Senior officials have been deployed across seven southern provinces to provide aid and encouragement. In Nakhon Si Thammarat, Secretary to the Minister Aree Kainara led relief efforts, while Minister Pipat himself visited Songkhla, Phatthalung, and Satun. Assistance in Pattani and Yala was delegated to Deputy Minister Siraphob Duangsodsri, and Chairman Najmuddin Uma oversaw Narathiwat. In the December 2 Cabinet meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul proposed, and the Cabinet approved, flood relief measures, including a 9,000-baht grant per household and increasing the emergency budget for affected provinces from 20 million baht to 50 million baht. The Labour Ministry has announced plans to establish repair centers post-flooding. Approximately 300 technicians from the Department of Skill Development will be mobilized to repair electrical appliances, motorcycles, and agricultural machinery. It is estimated that over 1,000 motorcycles have been damaged in the seven affected provinces. The initiative, titled “Repair and Restore Happiness Centers,” will officially launch on December 20, with equipment provided by private sector support. Additionally, electricians will work with the Provincial Electricity Authority to restore damaged home electrical systems for safety. Other measures include a temporary reduction in employer contributions to 3% for six months, mirroring previous support provided to flood victims in northern, northeastern, and central Thailand. Minister Pipat encouraged affected residents to register for assistance or contact the Labour Ministry hotline at 1506.
