"I don’t want the Phuket landslide to be ‘flash in the pan’," MP Cherlmpong said in an online post.
“During this period, there may have been many social events that have caused many problems to come and go quickly, even though the problems have not been resolved or progressed as much as they should. Those issues have faded from the public’s awareness, and it seems that this includes the government,” he said.
“For example, in the South, although we have not been affected by floods for as long as our brothers and sisters in the North, if we talk about the impacts, they are no less severe and are related to structural problems or corruption. That is, the mudslide in Phuket that caused many deaths. In this case, there are suspicions that it may be related to the illegal construction of the Big Buddha [viewpoint], causing the blockage of the waterway, which is the cause of the landslide.
“During the time that the incident occurred, this was big news throughout the country. The government also sent ministers to the area. But as time passed until now, it seems that there has been no progress. It seems that no one or any unit has to take responsibility or really investigate. Meanwhile, it seems that various risk areas throughout Phuket have not been seriously resolved. People still have to be anxious as usual every time it rains,” MP Chalermpong noted.
“Most recently, I brought this matter up for discussion with the council [parliament] again to ask about the progress of the investigation into the construction of the Big Buddha and to ask about the management of water and the environment in Phuket. Because it is a major issue that causes many deaths at a time and there is still a risk of landslides, including the recurring problem that greatly affects our people.
“Don’t forget that our southern region receives more rain than other regions. The more we neglect the problem, the more it is like neglecting the suffering of our people and letting them live with this problem for a long time,” he added.
“I have emphasised many times that Phuket is a tourist city that generates the highest income in the country [outside of Bangkok]. Therefore, the government should not be indifferent to the quality of life of our people, which will affect the image of tourism in the future.
“I believe that tourists want to visit Phuket in every season because we have beautiful nature that is different in different ways. The rain has its own beauty and freshness, but if you come and encounter flooding and cannot go anywhere all the time, it is like we have wasted another good time, which is a pity,” MP Chalermpong explained.
“Although the government may be busy with many problems at the moment, if it is managed professionally and looks at it holistically, I believe that you can use Phuket’s agenda as part of the management of flood disasters that are currently occurring in many areas.
“If it is managed well, the people of Phuket will be relieved because there is still rain during this period. Landslides can occur at any time.
“Don’t let the incidents that have already happened be just flash floods. Whatever needs to be done must be done immediately. In addition to doing it as a temporary measure for this year, In the following years, we must also plan for long-term management so that Phuket can make the most of its potential as a tourist city,” MP Chalermpong concluded.