Thailand PM Faces Heat Over Flood Response: Husband's Roots Spark Debate Amid Criticism

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Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn “Ing” Shinawatra faced backlash after dismissing claims of ignoring the severe flood crisis in southern Thailand, citing her husband's southern roots as proof of her concern.

 

As of December 2, residents in southern Thailand have been battling severe floods for 11 days. The affected regions include 10 provinces: Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Trang, Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The floods have impacted 664,173 households and claimed 22 lives. Seven provinces remain in critical condition: Nakhon Si Thammarat, Satun, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat.

 

The Thai Meteorological Department predicts more heavy rainfall from December 3 to 5, potentially worsening the situation in provinces like Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun.

 

Southern residents have criticized the government for its slow response to the disaster. PM Paetongtarn defended her actions in a recent interview, emphasizing that she had quickly deployed deputy PMs and relevant officials to assist. She also mentioned discussing financial aid plans for victims.

 

When asked if she would personally visit affected areas, the 38-year-old PM said it depended on the situation, stressing that timely aid was more important than her physical visit.

 

 

Addressing online criticisms accusing her of neglecting the South, she rebutted by citing her marriage to a southern local as evidence of her connection to the region. "If I ignored southern people, I would not have been able to marry him," she stated.

 

Her comments drew further criticism online, especially from political activists. Jatuporn Prompan, a former Red Shirt leader, criticized her statement, calling it insensitive to flood victims' suffering. He accused the PM of prioritizing unrelated engagements over addressing the crisis promptly.

 

Former Move Forward Party member Amarat Chokepamitkul mocked the PM’s reasoning, suggesting that relying on personal connections was self-centered. Theptai Senapong, a former MP, noted that personal life should not influence public responsibility and urged the PM to visit the affected areas, even if her visit wouldn’t immediately alleviate the crisis.

 

Defending the PM, her advisor Nattawut Saikua said her reference to her husband was meant to show her connection to the South and reassure residents she cares about their suffering.

 

-- 2024-12-02