Thailand is starting a “step down” – “recovery” phase in an effort to rebuild normalcy in flood-hit areas in the South.

During his inspection of the flood situation in Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul said that the new phase involved cleaning people's homes, so that residents would be able to return to their homes as soon as possible.

He said that the Governor of Songkhla Province and the President of the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization had sent teams to help in house cleaning. Various machines have been mobilized to clean, clear, and restore Hat Yai and other areas, while personnel have also been deployed for the cleanup operations from government agencies, military units, and volunteer groups. Electricity and water supplies are also being restored.

The Government had approved a central fund of 3,880 million baht to help flood-affected people. The Bureau of the Budget will provide more budget allocations, if necessary, for flood management, rehabilitation, and compensation payments.

As for medical and public health services, seven field hospitals have been established in Songkhla to support the physical and mental health of flood-affected people. A total of 15 mental health crisis assessment and treatment teams have also been sent to the affected areas, and they have worked around the clock, taking care of people in all shelter locations.

The Prime Minister thanked local universities and other organizations for providing sufficient temporary shelters for the affected people and managing them with great efficiency.

The Ministry of Public Health reported that, as of 28 November at 15.00 hr, severe flooding in the South had so far claimed 145 fatalities. Out of this number, 110 were in Songkhla, nine in Nakhon Si Thammarat, six in Pattani, five in Yala, five in Satun, four in Phatthalung, four in Narathiwat, and two in Trang.

As of 29 November at 08.00 hr, the flood situation resulted in 162 confirmed deaths in eight southern provinces. Out of this number, 126 were in Songkhla, nine in Nakhon Si Thammarat, seven in Pattani, five in Yala, five in Satun, four in Phatthalung, four in Narathiwat, and two in Trang.