PM orders good disaster-response plan after Tham Luang case

BANGKOK, July 4 (TNA) -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered concerned officials to work out an effective rescue plan from lessons learned in the rescue mission for boys and their coach trapped in Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai province. Assistant government spokesman Athisit Chaiyanuwat said the prime minister made the order during his teleconference with the Chiang Rai governor before the cabinet meeting Tuesday morning. The prime minister wanted the new plan to be guidelines and facilitate disaster-relief responses in the future, Col Athisit said. The prime minister also ordered safe evacuation for the boys and the coach, the installation of a phone line for the trapped boys to talk with their families, and compensation for farmers whose land was affected by water drained from the flooded cave which is a tourist destination. Col Athisit added that Gen Prayut also ordered relevant officials to ensure safety at other tourist destinations. (TNA)