HIGHLIGHTS
- Thammasat mobilises multidisciplinary expertise for post-flood recovery: TU convened specialists in law, engineering, public health, and mental health to provide practical guidance for safe, fair, and sustainable recovery for flood-affected communities in Southern Thailand.
- Protecting citizens’ legal and financial rights: Experts clarified compensation entitlements for tenants, debt-relief options, and car-insurance provisions — empowering victims to access fair support and avoid unjust financial burdens.
- Safety-first approach to housing and public health risks: Engineering guidance warned of structural instability on sandy terrain and urged professional inspection of damaged homes, while public health recommendations addressed hazardous waste and post-flood disease prevention.
- Mental health support as a pillar of community resilience: Psychological first aid tools, hotline support, and responsible media consumption were encouraged, alongside a call for long-term government recovery systems to ensure no victims are left behind.
Following the major flood crisis in Songkhla and Southern Thailand, Thammasat University (TU), recognising the widespread impact, mobilised experts from four distinct fields. They joined forces at the seminar “TU Unites to Build Southern Immunity: Self and Community Recovery Post-Flood” to provide practical guidelines for citizens to rebuild their lives and properties safely and fairly.
1. Legal Aspects: Compensation Rights and Debt Management
Asst. Prof. Dr Pimkamol Kongphok from the Faculty of Law clarified key issues regarding the government’s 9,000 THB compensation scheme:
- Tenants’ Rights: Tenants in rented houses have the right to receive this compensation as they are the actual residents who suffered the damage. Tenants must prepare evidence, such as a lease agreement or a certification from a community leader, to prevent landlords from unfairly intercepting or deducting a share of the money.
- Debt Relief: Victims can contact financial institutions to request debt suspension or interest reduction. In cases of delayed delivery of goods, victims can cite “Force Majeure” to avoid being classified as defaulting debtors.
- Car Insurance: For vehicles with Class 1 insurance, flood damage is generally covered. If the damage exceeds 70%, it is considered a “Total Loss.” In this case, the hire-purchase contract is terminated, and the lessee is no longer required to pay installments (unless specific deficit clauses in the contract apply).
2. Engineering Aspects: Structural Safety in Sandy Terrain
Assoc. Prof. Dr Suraparb Keawsawasvong from the Faculty of Engineering warned that Hatyai and Songkhla consist largely of “sandy soil,” which is highly susceptible to erosion as floodwaters recede.
- Post-Flood Inspection: Check the ground beneath the house for voids or hollows.
- The “Thumb Rule”: Observe cracks in the structure. If a crack is wide enough to insert a thumb, do not enter or inhabit the house. Contact an engineer immediately for inspection.
- Long-term Risks: Be wary of rust developing within concrete structures, which can affect long-term stability.
- Proposal: The government should consider creating openings or culverts in roads that block water flow to facilitate faster drainage into Songkhla Lake in the future.
3. Public Health Aspects: Hygiene and Waste Hazards
Asst. Prof. Ronnapoom Samakkeekarom from the Faculty of Public Health emphasised that a greater concern than the deceased is “floating waste” and residual rubbish, which become breeding grounds for disease.
- Cleaning Advice: Citizens must wear gloves and boots while cleaning their homes. Be extremely cautious of open wounds coming into contact with dirty water.
- Waste Management: The government must urgently manage infectious and community waste hygienically to prevent disease outbreaks after the waters recede.
4. Mental Health Aspects: Psychological First Aid
Asst. Prof. Burachai Asawa-taweeboon from the Faculty of Liberal Arts advised victims to regularly monitor their own mental state and that of those around them.
- Tools: Use the DMIND screening tool available in the “Mor Prom” application, which connects to the 1323 Mental Health Hotline.
- Media Consumption: Limit the consumption of depressing news to protect mental well-being.
- Systemic Support: The government must have a continuous recovery plan so that victims can truly get back on their feet and do not feel abandoned once the news cycle moves on.
Thammasat University reaffirms its readiness to bring knowledge to the community to build a strong and sustainable society, standing side by side with the people of the South to overcome this crisis together.
Watch the full seminar “TU Unites to Build Southern Immunity”
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