Pictures courtesy of Komchadluek 

 

Authorities in Thailand are standing firm on their statement that the death toll from the recent Hat Yai floods will not exceed 1,000. Health Minister Pattana Promphat has rebutted claims by Surachate Hakparn, a former deputy national police chief, who suggested that flood fatalities were underreported.

 

Pattana reassures that the Ministry bases its figures on solid legal and forensic evidence.

Minister Pattana addressed concerns over refrigerated containers at hospitals, clarifying they are for processing bodies for autopsies, not indicative of a higher death toll. Official documentation for deaths, he emphasises, involves family verification and forensic confirmation. Meanwhile, Surachate's website has been collecting reports from relatives, challenging official numbers, but Pattana asserts only the Department of Provincial Administration can issue death certificates.

 

Despite claims of discrepancies between online reports and official data, Pattana believes such reports do not constitute proof. The Ministry's hotline for missing persons has recorded no alarming entries, and current statistics report 140 confirmed deaths, awaiting forensic results. Medical teams remain active in providing aid to flood victims, focusing on health and mental well-being.

 

In financial efforts, the cabinet has approved measures to support flood-impacted families. These include suspending loan payments and offering interest-free loans aimed at helping individuals rebuild their lives and homes. This financial aid is a crucial step towards recovery, and additional proposals for small business loans are under consideration for future cabinet meetings.

 

In response to flood-induced environmental challenges, the Pollution Control Department is actively assessing and repairing minor damages to waste treatment facilities. Ongoing water quality testing reveals subpar conditions in several bodies of water due to contamination. Future recovery plans will depend heavily on comprehensive testing results for pollutants and bacteria.

 

As the situation develops, authorities are committed to maintaining transparency and accuracy in reporting fatalities and supporting both individuals and the environment throughout recovery efforts. Efforts are underway to manage both immediate needs and long-term rebuilding in the flood-affected regions, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Minister Pattana insists flood death figures are fact-based and verified.
• Cabinet approves financial measures for flood victims, including loans.
• Environmental assessments continue as water quality remains a concern.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-12-03

 

 

 

On 12/3/2025 at 3:39 AM, webfact said:

Minister Pattana insists flood death figures are fact-based and verified.

That's what the TAT also claims about their numbers...

We are suppressing the actual numbers to ensure deaths do not exceed 1,000.

We will never know the truth. TIT