Thai MP Criticizes Government for Hiding Flood Info
MP Thanapat Trakulphuchai criticized the government on Sep 30, 2026, for withholding advance flood warnings in Pathum Thani, leaving residents stranded.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Pathum Thani MP criticizes government disaster response in parliament
- Claims officials knew about incoming floods early but failed to warn public
- Accuses administration of withholding data out of fear of public panic
- Questions necessity of government if citizens must survive disasters alone
A heated debate took place in the Thai House of Representatives on September 30, 2026, as Thanapat Trakulphuchai, a House member for Pathum Thani Province from the People's Party, strongly criticized the government's sluggish handling of severe flooding that has left numerous residents across Pathum Thani submerged and struggling.
Thanapat pointed out during his speech that while he was addressing parliament, local residents in areas such as Bueng Yitho, Bueng Kham Phroi, and Lat Sawai were enduring heavy flooding with their homes underwater. While natural disasters are understandable, he emphasized that the true issue lies in the fact that authorities possessed advance information yet chose not to issue formal warnings or implement proper evacuation plans.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The opposition MP openly questioned the administration's accountability, asking why no proactive measures were taken to protect citizens. He directly challenged previous official claims that the crisis was fully under control, pointing to the stark contrast on the ground.
"ท่านพูดแต่ว่า เอาอยู่ เอาอยู่ เป็นไงครับ เอาอยู่ไหมครับตอนนี้ ในนามของความสงบเรียบร้อยที่พวกท่านพยายามจะรักษาไว้ ประชาชนคนไทยต้องจ่ายด้วยอะไรบ้างครับ"
Thanapat Trakulphuchai
Also known as MP Ter, Thanapat further argued that keeping the disaster hidden under the guise of preventing public panic is a false sense of order. He stressed that maintaining this artificial calmness ultimately comes at the heavy price of public suffering and material loss, demanding an immediate halt to such administrative approaches.
This parliamentary confrontation highlights ongoing tensions regarding government crisis communication and disaster management strategies in Thailand. Experts in disaster response often note that withholding critical hazard data to prevent panic usually delays crucial community evacuation efforts, compounding overall losses and eroding public trust in state institutions.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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