Farmers to be compensated for use of fields for water retention
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed to end flooding by next month and provide monthly compensation to affected farmers whose farmland has been used as water retention areas until the floods subside.
Mr Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, visited flood-hit communities in Ang Thong province on Wednesday, after surveying flooded areas of Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri and Chai Nat by air.
At Pamokwitthayaphum School Stadium in Pamok district of Ang Thong, Mr Anutin distributed relief supplies and met flood victims. He was joined by cabinet ministers including PM’s Office Minister Paradorn Prissanananthakul, who is also a Bhumjaithai Party MP for the central province.
Mr Anutin expressed concern for residents affected by the floods, acknowledging that while nature plays a role, “the government must take responsibility for managing the crisis effectively”.
He directed Mr Paradorn to remain in the province throughout the flood period, except for essential cabinet meetings, and to prioritise on-site flood-relief efforts.
“Many families have lost property, had to move their belongings and are enduring life surrounded by water,” Mr Anutin said. “Farmers in Ang Thong have sacrificed their rice fields and farmland to retain floodwater, protecting urban and economic zones from greater damage. I thank everyone for that sacrifice.”
The prime minister said he had instructed ministers to prepare monthly compensation payments for farmers and landowners who have turned their land into temporary retention areas.
“I will use the budget under my supervision to provide monthly support until the floodwaters completely recede,” he said. “Usually, the water lasts two to three months, but this time it’s been four to five months already. The government must step in to ease your burden.”
He ordered all ministries, particularly the Interior Ministry, to assist local authorities in alleviating hardship. He said he had coordinated with the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), the Royal Irrigation Department and the Agriculture Ministry to jointly manage water flow and drainage to minimise future impacts.
“I know the pain and frustration of those affected, and I welcome criticism. You can direct your anger at me — I understand your suffering,” he said. “My goal is to make December a month of happiness so families can return home and celebrate the New Year together.”
The government has already approved 9,000 baht in aid per household for general flood victims. “No amount of money can replace what has been lost,” Mr Anutin said, “but what people truly need is to resume their normal lives.”
ONWR secretary-general Danucha Pichayanan said water levels in the reservoirs at the country’s four main dams — Bhumibol, Sirikit, Kwae Noi Bamrung Dan and Pasak Jolasid — in the Chao Phraya River basin are nearing or have exceeded full capacity.
