Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul rejected calls to remove Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt from his post as the government urged agencies to focus on draining floodwaters and restoring affected areas rather than political criticism.
“Never thought about it,” Mr Anutin said when asked about calls for Mr Chadchart’s removal. He said excessive criticism of officials while they were working to help flood victims could slow operations, adding the priority should be resolving the immediate crisis.
The government has assigned Defence Minister Lt Gen Adul Boonthumjaroen to oversee and coordinate flood-response efforts in Bangkok, working with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and other agencies. The government has also mobilised pumps, machinery, boats and personnel to assist the city.
The calls for Mr Chadchart to step down have come from several quarters. Panthep Puapongpan, chairman of the Yarm Fao Phaendin Foundation, said the governor should resign to take responsibility, alleging shortcomings in water management, pumping capacity and assistance to residents.
Mr Chadchart, meanwhile, said it was up to the prime minister and that he had no problem with any decision.
Flooding eased in several areas on Thursday, with water in Lat Phrao Road now drained and conditions improving around the Kheha Klong Chan flats and Sri Burapha Road. However, five areas remained affected by high floodwaters, according to the government: Krungthep Kritha Road, parts of Lat Krabang Road, the Lat Krabang-Rom Klao area, Chalong Krung Road and Suwinthawong Road.
At Kheha Klong Chan, water levels had fallen to about 30-40 centimetres, allowing pedestrians and pickup trucks to enter. Smaller pumps were being deployed because larger pumps become less effective as water levels fall.
The BMA said it would focus next on Lat Krabang and Saphan Sung.