Cabinet declares state of emergency in Songkhla province

The Cabinet declared a state of emergency in Songkhla province, Thailand on Tuesday and appointed Supreme Commander Gen Ukrit Boontanont as the flood situation director, in charge of coordinating the flood relief operations of all agencies.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said that the supreme commander’s appointment will not duplicate the work of Agriculture Minister, director of the Flood Relief Command Centre, adding that both of them are equally empowered to make decisions for the good of the people. Anutin said His Majesty the King has expressed concern over the evacuation of flood victims to safer areas and has contributed relief materials.