A live TV program which saw Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha personally take phone calls from donors raised more than 131 million baht to help victims of tropical storm Pa Buk which wreaked havoc on several southern coastal provinces over the weekend.
Gen Prayut was joined on the program by many of his Cabinet members who also helped take donation calls.
The prime minister also personally received cheques from representatives of the private sector and government agencies which donated to those affected by the tropical storm.
Also taking part in the 90-minute program on Channel 9 were several celebrities.
Donors can make cash contributions by wiring their money into the Krung Thai Bank’s account “Fund to Help Public Disaster Victims” of the PM’s Office or call Tel. 067-006-8950 or 02-245-0700-19
Pa Buk left a trail of destruction in several provinces in southern Thailand, forcing a mass evacuation of thousands of people.
Earlier today, Gen Prayut and members of his Cabinet visited areas hit by the storm in Pak Phanang District of Nakhon Si Thammarat.
“I have had a heavy heart for several days until I came to see all of you here,” he said while addressing a group of villagers.
He gave them an assurance that his government will take care of them in the aftermath of the natural disaster. He later visited a school in Laem Talum Puk in Pak Phanang which was used as a temporary shelter during the storm.
