On November 16, 2024, activist Sombat Boonngamanong, also known as “Editor Lai Jud,” shared his frustration on Facebook about a troubling incident involving Chiang Mai flood victims. He revealed that a flood-affected resident was pressured by provincial PR officials to delete their social media posts, accused of tarnishing Chiang Mai’s reputation as a tourist destination.
The post detailed a month-long ordeal in a Chiang Mai community that remained flooded with stagnant water and mud. A resident had been posting daily updates about the conditions, which eventually caught the attention of local authorities. In response, the Chiang Mai municipality sent workers to clear the mud and drain the water. This allowed residents to begin cleaning their homes and disposing of debris.
However, the situation escalated when a provincial public relations officer allegedly called the resident, criticizing them for posting pictures of the muddy aftermath. The officer claimed the images damaged Chiang Mai’s image and could deter tourists during the Loy Krathong festival, requesting the posts be removed to preserve the province’s reputation.
Sombat condemned the officials, arguing that instead of helping flood victims, they chose to silence their voices. He urged for systemic reform, calling for inefficient officials to be removed, emphasizing that public relations efforts should focus on communicating progress rather than suppressing truths.