Minister Santi Initiates Urgent Flood Relief Measures

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Amid devastating floods hitting Hat Yai and Songkhla province, Minister Santi Piyatat has launched an urgent operation to aid affected residents. The "Revive Hat Yai and Southern Flood Areas" initiative, coordinated by the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), aims to deliver extensive relief efforts. Secretary-General Ronnarong Phoolpipat has been tasked with liaising with public and private sectors nationwide to facilitate immediate and significant consumer aid.

The operation incorporates several relief strategies. A collaboration with Shopee offers free shipping to Hat Yai throughout December 2025, supporting residents' access to essential supplies. The CPB is also engaging with the Auto Repair Association to provide free vehicle repair assessments and special discounts in disaster-stricken areas. Additionally, a debt moratorium and restructuring plan for up to six months is being set up by vehicle leasing operators to ease financial pressures on citizens.

Airlines and online travel agencies have joined forces to support passengers with flexible terms, such as extending ticket validity and allowing flight changes at no extra cost. A long-term control on OTA pricing is also being explored, supported by CAAT and ETDA, to safeguard consumers from price exploitation during the crisis.

Looking forward, the CPB plans to inspect dealerships and repair shops to enforce compliance with consumer protection laws. Specific guidelines include transparent disclosure of vehicle histories and proper labeling of construction materials. Minister Santi’s proactive approach calls for integrated data tracking and daily monitoring to ensure comprehensive protection and assistance for the southern region, reported The Nation.

Key Takeaways

• Minister Santi launches a critical relief operation for the southern flood crisis.
• Collaborative efforts include free shipping, vehicle repair discounts, and flexible travel policies.
• Debt relief and consumer protection laws aim to support and rebuild affected communities.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-12-02