Permanent Secretary Distributes Emergency Kits in the South

            Today (10 January 2017), Permanent Secretary of Labour M.L. Puntrik Smiti as the president of the Ladies Association joined Inspector-General Mr. Boonlert Teeratrakul for distribution of emergency kits too flood victims in the South, where they were welcomed by Nakhon Ratchasima Governor Mr. Danai Jiamwisetsook at the Baan Suan school. Emergency kits were distributed to 400 households in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

        During the visit, the Permanent Secretary said that there were many people who wanted to visit the South and help flood victims. She said that the Nakhon Ratchasima Governor and Bang Khan District Chief had given great coordination to help alleviate the situation, to which SCG had also sent emergency kits to the area. The visit showed the area to have severe flooding, especially in Moo 3, Wang Hin subdistrict of Bang Khan district in, leaving many households underwater and people unable to leave. Cooperation has been sought from employers to allow staff stuck in flooded houses to remain at home without deducting vacation days. Temporary shelter has also been provided at the Skills Development Center for those in need. Furthermore, a 3-month deduction to 3 percent employer social security contributions will be considered to businesses facing severe flooding.

She further spoke about Labour Minister General Sirichai Distakul’s concern for the people, where he assured victims that all government units and private entities would provide the best assistance. After the flooding, the Ministry of Labour will conduct an assessment of the situation to help determine restoration measures, such as training for repair of electronic appliances, agricultural tools and small engines, conducted by provincial Skills Development Center.
Rubber tapper Mrs. Sukanya Srisongkram aged 50, residing at 120 Moo 3, Wang Hin, Bang Khan, Nakhon Ratchasima said that her household of 5 faced the floods on the night of 4 January, spanning 1 week already. She said the water level had reached waist level, and her family have resourced to using boats to get food and water from outside, particularly rice, ready-to-eat foods, canned foods and other necessities. However, she said the flooding was still not as severe as in 2012, and also thanked everyone for providing assistance.
Wang Hin village headsman thanked all the Ministry of Labour and all entities which have provided assistance. He said that most victims worked in rubber fields and faced great agricultural losses. In addition to this, many roads have been damaged, and so he asked for help to fix them.

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Spokesperson and Publication Sub-Division/
Bureau of Public Relations/
Chaninthorn  Phettab – News/
Sompob Silbut – Photos/
10 January 2017