Overview
- The November floods in southern Thailand left about 170 people dead, with experts and media saying slow official response worsened the damage.
- Thai coverage relayed expert assessments describing the problem as old-fashioned cronyism that produced immature disaster management.
- Reports say the administration installed local officials since September to build electoral support ahead of the next general election.
- NIDA lecturer Pichai told the Bangkok Post that governors and district chiefs are often chosen through powerful 'big family' ties rather than merit.
- Prime Minister Anutin inspected flood-hit Hat Yai in Songkhla province on November 22 as scrutiny of the government's handling intensified.