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Thai prime minister acknowledges flood response failures as death toll rises to 162

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Thai prime minister acknowledges flood response failures as death toll rises to 162
News

News

Thai prime minister acknowledges flood response failures as death toll rises to 162

2025-11-29 18:09 Last Updated At:18:11

BANGKOK (AP) — Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Saturday outlined recovery and compensation plans for the southern part of the country, where severe flooding has killed at least 162 people.

More than 1.4 million households and 3.8 million people have been affected by floods triggered by heavy rains in 12 southern provinces, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said Saturday.

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Somsak Remsringam, owner of the convenience shop, looks at the damaged contents after floods in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

Somsak Remsringam, owner of the convenience shop, looks at the damaged contents after floods in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

A man stands behind a damaged car following floods in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

A man stands behind a damaged car following floods in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

Forensic officers inspect recovered dead bodies from floodwaters in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

Forensic officers inspect recovered dead bodies from floodwaters in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

The damaged shops are seen following flooding in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

The damaged shops are seen following flooding in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

Peoples walk near goods damaged from floods in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

Peoples walk near goods damaged from floods in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

Government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat said in a news conference in Bangkok that 162 deaths have been confirmed in eight provinces, particularly in Songkhla province which recorded at least 126 deaths.

The scale of the flooding and the high number of casualties have sparked widespread criticism of the government. Anutin told reporters Saturday that he acknowledged the government’s shortcomings in flood management, and said that when he visited the affected areas, he had apologized to the people “that the government was unable to take care and protect them.”

Anutin said the government would begin distributing compensation payments to those affected by the floods next week. He also outlined additional relief measures, including debt suspension and short-term, interest-free loans for businesses and home repairs.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that water levels began to recede across all affected provinces on Saturday morning. Video footage showed local residents returning to their homes, which had previously been submerged, to inspect the damage. Furniture and personal belongings were seen scattered across the floors.

The flooding, which began last weekend, caused severe disruptions, leaving thousands of people stranded, rendering streets impassable and submerging low-rise buildings and vehicles.

The death toll in Songkhla province, particularly in its largest city, Hat Yai, continued to rise as rescuers gained access to residential areas that had been previously submerged. More bodies were recovered as rescue operations progressed.

Government spokesperson Siripong said King Maha Vajiralongkorn would donate 100 million baht ($3.11 million) to Hat Yai Hospital, which suffered extensive damage from flooding, and that the king would grant royal support for the funerals of all victims who died from the flooding.

Somsak Remsringam, owner of the convenience shop, looks at the damaged contents after floods in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

Somsak Remsringam, owner of the convenience shop, looks at the damaged contents after floods in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

A man stands behind a damaged car following floods in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

A man stands behind a damaged car following floods in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

Forensic officers inspect recovered dead bodies from floodwaters in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

Forensic officers inspect recovered dead bodies from floodwaters in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

The damaged shops are seen following flooding in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

The damaged shops are seen following flooding in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

Peoples walk near goods damaged from floods in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

Peoples walk near goods damaged from floods in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

CARY, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 12, 2026--

Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc., a leading manufacturer of exterior building products in North America, has its products featured for the fourth straight season on Dave and Jenny Marrs’ hit HGTV series Fixer to Fabulous. The partnership reflects a shared belief that thoughtfully designed and built homes can have a positive impact on the people who live in them and the communities they are a part of.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260111313774/en/

Season 7 follows Cornerstone Building Brands Ambassadors Dave and Jenny Marrs as they transform 12 homes in their hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas. Using their construction and design expertise, the pair incorporates each family’s story to reimagine their spaces into forever homes, complete with design choices that feel personal, comforting and functional. This season features some of the show’s biggest projects yet and highlights a curated selection of industry-leading windows, doors, siding and accessories from the Cornerstone Building Brands portfolio of exterior building product brands hand-picked by Dave and Jenny — Ply Gem ®, Simonton Windows & Doors ® and Mastic ® by Ply Gem Siding & Accessories.

The season will showcase how Cornerstone Building Brands products work together to create a cohesive home exterior that improves curb appeal while optimizing performance and energy efficiency to meet the unique needs of each home and family. “We’re thrilled to continue this meaningful partnership into our newest season,” says Dave Marrs, host of Fixer to Fabulous. “Jenny and I trust the products from Cornerstone Building Brands and have relied on them time and time again. The range of low-maintenance options, ease of use and level of quality they offer help us design home exteriors that not only look great but hold up to the wear and tear of everyday life.”

Gunner Smith, Cornerstone Building Brands’ Chief Executive Officer, said, “At Cornerstone Building Brands, we’re focused on delivering exterior building products that combine quality, performance and design flexibility. Dave and Jenny’s continued use of our brands reflects the trust they place in our portfolio to meet the demands of real projects. We’re proud to see Ply Gem, Simonton and Mastic featured again as they create homes that are built to last.”

Cornerstone Building Brands products being featured throughout season 7 of Fixer to Fabulous include:

The Simonton Windows & Doors ® 5500 Collection is designed to improve whole-home comfort with energy-efficient glass packages and multi-chambered vinyl frames that help limit heat transfer. Its durability and safety performance have earned the 5500 Double Hung window the Good Housekeeping Seal and a 2026 Home Reno award, giving homeowners added confidence in long-term value.

Built with welded frames for strength and stability, the Simonton Windows & Doors ® Contractor Collection provides dependable performance across a wide range of home styles. Multiple configurations and energy-efficient glass options offer both practicality and flexibility for remodels or new builds. The Contractor Double Hung window has also earned the Good Housekeeping Seal for its trusted quality and reliability.

Ply Gem ® MIRA®French Patio Doors combine the visual warmth of real wood interiors with the durability of an aluminum-clad exterior. The doors bring natural light into living spaces while offering enhanced insulation and security through multi-point locking systems.

Ply Gem ® MIRA ® Series Windows blend traditional craftsmanship with modern performance. Wood interiors elevate interior design, while the aluminum exterior helps withstand weather. Insulated glass and precision-built frames support energy efficiency and long-term structural reliability.

Engineered to resist fading, warping and weather-related wear, Mastic ® by Ply Gem Vinyl Siding is built for long-lasting curb appeal with minimal upkeep. Offered in a wide array of thicknesses, profiles and textures, Mastic ® vinyl siding has panels to fit any design style and project need.

Mastic ® Cedar Discovery ® Shake and Shingle Siding panels replicate the grain and texture of hand-cut cedar using engineered polymer technology. They provide the look of natural wood with virtually no maintenance, resisting moisture, rot and pests while preserving consistent color and shape over time.

Mastic ® by Ply Gem Soffit improves ventilation in attics and rooflines, helping reduce moisture and regulate temperature — two key factors in extending the life of a home’s exterior. It also adds a clean, finished look to eaves, porches and overhangs.

Ply Gem ® Performance Metals Aluminum Fascia protects exposed wood while maintaining a smooth, finished appearance. Its durable, low-maintenance construction performs reliably across a range of climates to support long-term exterior protection.

Ply Gem ® Trim and Moulding: Manufactured from durable PVC, these versatile trim boards and moulding details resist warping and moisture absorption. They install easily with standard tools and can be painted to match or complement siding, adding clean architectural detail that supports long-term exterior performance.

Ply Gem ® Fence and Railing Vinyl Railing adds safety and style to outdoor living spaces with a low-maintenance material designed to withstand the elements. Multiple styles and profiles give homeowners flexibility to match their home’s aesthetic without frequent upkeep.

Season 7 of Fixer to Fabulous airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT on HGTV, with Cornerstone Building Brands products featured throughout the season:

For specific product information, visit:

www.cornerstonebuildingbrands.com

www.simonton.com

www.plygem.com

www.mastic.com

For more information on Cornerstone Building Brands’ partnership with Dave and Jenny Marrs, visit: www.cornerstonebuildingbrands.com/marrs

ABOUT CORNERSTONE BUILDING BRANDS

Cornerstone Building Brands is a leading manufacturer of exterior building products for residential and low-rise non-residential buildings in North America. Headquartered in Cary, N.C., we serve residential and commercial customers across the new construction and Repair & Remodel (R&R) markets. Our market-leading portfolio of products spans vinyl windows, vinyl siding, stone veneer, metal roofing, metal wall systems and metal accessories. Cornerstone Building Brands’ broad, multi-channel distribution platform and expansive national footprint includes more than 18,800 team members at manufacturing, distribution and office locations throughout North America. Corporate Governance & Responsibility are embedded in our culture. We are committed to contributing positively to the communities where we live, work and play. For more information, visit us at cornerstonebuildingbrands.com.

Dave and Jenny Marrs feature Ply Gem®, Simonton Windows & Doors® and Mastic® by Ply Gem Siding & Accessories products from Cornerstone Building Brands in season 7 of HGTV’s Fixer to Fabulous.

Dave and Jenny Marrs feature Ply Gem®, Simonton Windows & Doors® and Mastic® by Ply Gem Siding & Accessories products from Cornerstone Building Brands in season 7 of HGTV’s Fixer to Fabulous.

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