Speedy restoration predicted

A retail association forecasts stores in flooded areas of southern Thailand could resume their operations as quickly as seven days after floodwaters have receded.

- KUAKUL MORNKUM SOMHATAI MOSIKA

“Stores with sufficient capital may resume operations about seven days after floodwaters have receded. However, for those with significant damage and lacking funds, the restoration process could take considerably longer,” said Somchai Pornrattanacharoen, honorary adviser to the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association.

He said retail operators in Hat Yai noted the severity of the flood exceeded their expectations.

Mr Somchai criticised the inefficiency of the Thai bureaucracy, adding too many authorities were involved without taking effective action during the crisis.

Although water levels have subsided and logistics providers can deliver products to local areas, many stores are still not ready to receive products. These businesses must first clean and restore their premises while assessing the damage to their inventory.