Post by : Shakul

Thailand's Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has approved a special compensation package worth more than THB 1.3 billion for people affected by the Rasi Salai Dam project. The decision was announced by Sarawut Nueangchamnong after chairing the first 2026 meeting of the Committee for Resolving Public Grievances. The compensation program is part of the government's efforts to provide faster and more effective assistance to affected communities under a new administrative framework.

The approved budget totals THB 1,304,535,000 and will benefit 2,552 affected residents across Surin, Roi Et and Sisaket provinces. The compensation is being provided in place of resettlement land that had previously been considered for affected families. Surin Province accounts for 1,029 beneficiaries, Roi Et for 470 beneficiaries and Sisaket for 1,053 beneficiaries. Compensation rates have been determined according to official government valuation criteria.

Officials stated that the Royal Irrigation Department has been instructed to urgently prepare and verify the final list of eligible recipients before submitting the proposal to the Cabinet for approval as a priority agenda item. The ministry stressed that all procedures will follow legal requirements and transparency standards.

To ensure fairness and comprehensive assistance, the ministry also approved the formation of six working groups and subcommittees. Three fact-finding teams will focus specifically on the Rasi Salai Dam case in Surin, Sisaket and Roi Et provinces. These teams will include provincial governors, government agencies and public representatives to conduct field inspections and verify eligibility claims.

Additional subcommittees will address other unresolved agricultural and water management projects, including the Nam Oun Dam project in Sakon Nakhon Province, the Huai Ta Chu Reservoir project in Sisaket Province and agricultural land allocation issues in the Dong Lan National Forest Reserve in Khon Kaen Province. The objective is to accelerate assistance for affected citizens and improve long-term livelihoods for farming communities.

Sarawut emphasized that the Ministry of Agriculture is entering a new era focused on delivering practical results for the public. He instructed all agencies to work with greater speed, accuracy and transparency while reducing bureaucratic delays. He also ordered the ministry secretariat to complete the appointment process for all working groups within two weeks so that field operations can begin immediately.

The ministry pledged to closely monitor progress and maintain continuous communication with civil society organizations and farmer networks. Officials believe the compensation program and new working structure will help resolve long-standing grievances and provide meaningful support to thousands of affected families across the region.

#Thailand News #Politics #agriculture