CaliToday (29/11/2025): Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has publicly accepted full accountability for failures in the government's response to the devastating floods sweeping the southern region, issuing a deeply personal apology to the affected population.
Speaking to reporters at the Songklanagarind Hospital in Hat Yai on Friday, November 28, Anutin acknowledged the government's shortcomings in crisis management as the southern provinces grapple with widespread inundation and rising death tolls. His statements were a rare display of leadership taking absolute, undivided responsibility for a natural disaster response.
A Vow of Immediate Compensation and Recovery
Anutin stressed the urgency of ongoing recovery efforts. These include immediate plans to facilitate the return of victims' bodies to their families, coupled with a substantial financial assistance package.
He announced funeral expense support of 2 million baht (approximately $55,000 USD) for the families of those who died due to the disaster, highlighting the commitment to alleviate their immediate financial burden.
"I am worried about everything," Anutin told the press, referencing the pervasive fear and uncertainty among residents. "Our absolute priority, once the water recedes, is to ensure that people can return to their homes safely." He confirmed that the administration would focus intensely on clearing debris and executing repairs for salvageable housing.
Accepting Moral and Administrative Fault
In a powerful moment of accountability regarding the fatalities, Anutin dismissed any attempt to differentiate causes of death:
"All those who passed away died because of the floods. If they had been in a non-flood situation receiving medical care, perhaps they would not have died. I am deeply regretful and take full responsibility. There is no need to differentiate the cause."
The Prime Minister’s firm stance came amidst speculation and questions regarding administrative decisions, including the potential suspension of the Hat Yai district chief. Anutin quickly shut down any suggestion of internal scapegoating:
"No one is responsible but me. I am the one who is responsible for this entire situation."
He acknowledged the public's understandable anger and frustration: "In these circumstances, anyone would be upset, and I concede that this was an error during a crisis. As a government, we apologize for forcing citizens to abandon their homes and live under these conditions."
Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister shifted the focus from blame to proactive governance: "We must admit our mistakes, but we must also ensure that no further mistakes occur, and we must rapidly return life to normal."
Anutin's move to shoulder all blame is seen by political analysts as an attempt to restore public trust and demonstrate a high level of transparency and commitment from the ruling coalition following what has been widely criticized as a slow and disorganized initial response.