Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said today that it may take as long as 45 days to clear the mud covering most of Mae Sai township, in Chiang Rai province, before the situation returns to normal.
The prime minister toured this border district, which has been devastated by the flooding which began about two weeks ago, with some of her Cabinet members. They waded along the muddy roads to witness the destruction left behind by the floods and to offer moral support to flood victims, troops and volunteers tirelessly engaged in the restoration efforts.
A thick layer of mud is covering 24 main roads, the Sai Lom Joy market and many other areas.
About 60 houses have been effectively destroyed, while others are covered in so much mud that they have been abandoned by their owners.
During the inspection, the prime minister noted that the Mueang district is also in bad shape and also needs heavy machinery to remove the mud.
She has instructed Pheu Thai MPs in the province to ensure that there are adequate medical supplies to meet the demand.
According to the Supreme Command, which has been involved in the clean-up efforts, its personnel have only been able to clear about 40% of the mud so far.
The prime minister assured flood victims that they will not be abandoned and will be helped by the government.
