Out of his deep affection for his subjects, he has assigned Privy Councillor Teerachai Nakwanich to head to the southern region to distribute relief kits, visit flood victims, monitor the flood situation and keep him updated.

“His Majesty is concerned about flood-hit people. So, he has provided relief items to ease their difficulties and lift their spirits,” Teerachai said yesterday as he handed out the daily necessities to flood-affected villagers in Yala.

This year the floods have ravaged 12 provinces, mostly in the South.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said His Majesty had assigned his privy councillor to visit flood victims and report the situation to him.

“His Majesty wishes to ensure the quality of life of people and to seek sustainable solutions to the South’s inundations,” he said.

Authorities were drawing up clearer work plans following His Majesty’s guidance, he said after chairing a meeting of agencies to discuss disaster prevention and mitigation.

“We have agreed to improve disaster mitigation operations to integrate efforts better, enhance continuity and define clearer scopes of responsibility,” he said.

When floods hit, governors must play a key role in dealing with problems at the local level.

If their provinces need any assistance from other units, the Interior Ministry will help with coordination and integration of efforts.

The government would do its best to fix the flood problems both urgently and in the long run based on the advice provided by the current monarch and his late father King Bhumibol Adulyadej, he said.

The privy councillor was now active in the flood-hit South and working closely with the government in addressing His Majesty’s concerns about his people, he added.

Government Spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the government had prepared several remedial measures, such as compensating farmers who lost their crops or livestock.

Each household is entitled to assistance of up to Bt11,000 if the floodwaters damaged their agricultural equipment.

PM’s Office Minister Ormsin Chivapruck said those whose houses were more than 60 per cent destroyed would receive compensation of up to Bt230,000.

If the damage was 30-60 per cent, compensation will be up to Bt70,000. For slight damage, compensation will not exceed Bt15,000.