Minister stands by toll figures

The Public Health Ministry has rejected claims of excessively underreported flood deaths, insisting the figures it has released are accurate.

- MONGKOL BANGPRAPA, APINYA WIPATAYOTIN

Minister Pattana Promphat dismissed claims made by former deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, alleging that fatalities from the catastrophic Hat Yai district floods would exceed 1,000, as inaccurate.

“He can believe whatever he wants,” Mr Pattana said, adding that refrigerated containers seen at hospitals were simply part of a system to separate bodies upon arrival from those on which autopsies had been conducted, which he said may have given the impression of larger numbers.

Mr Pattana said all deaths must ultimately be certified, with families acting as witnesses. “I am not concerned,” he said.