Relief items were distributed yesterday morning among Bon Kai residents who have been stranded due to confrontations between soldiers and anti-government protesters for several days now.
Led by Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra, a team of officials delivered 4,000 sets of relief items to Bon Kai residents. The items were provided by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Thai Red Cross Society as well as the Social Development and Human Security Ministry.
"The dry food should be enough for the affected people here. If not, we can deliver more tomorrow," Sukhumbhand said yesterday.
The governor also promised to seek ways to restore electricity. The government has cut utilities in some areas of Bangkok to pressure the anti-government demonstrators to disperse. Currently, political conflicts have already spiralled into rioting in those areas.
Social Development and Human Security Minister Issara Somchai yesterday refused to identify the route used to reach the Bonkai residents.
"We can't reveal it or else terrorists may try to prevent us from delivering food to the residents," he said.
Asked about his ministry's plan to help willing demonstrators return home, Issara said he had staff on standby but no demonstrators had come forward.
"Actually we came up with the plan because some demonstrators had contacted us earlier," Issara said, adding that those who wanted help could call the 1300 hotline round the clock.
"We will provide transport. Many ministries have already prepared the vehicles," he said.
Issara added that protesters could also come forward if they wanted temporary shelter.