Pichai Naripthaphan of the Pheu Thai Party said Thailand has long known about disaster risks, but refused to take decisive action. “This is indirect vote-buying,” he said, arguing disaster budgets averaging 55 billion baht a year should instead fund long-term infrastructure. As well, she said, the party advocates seamless administration between central and regional authorities to address disaster risks effectively. Suradech Taweesaengsakulthai of the Thai Sang Thai Party said crises should be turned into economic opportunities. Anusree Tubsuwan of the New Aspiration Party said processing agricultural products into higher-value goods is the correct response.
