Thai ministers set up flood command centre to tackle rising tides

Thai ministers ordered the establishment of a Flood Situation Command Centre to tackle the severe flooding sweeping across the nation. With a unified command structure, the newly formed operations centre is set to streamline water management efforts and mitigate the crisis. Leading this critical initiative is Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai.

The government has reassured the public that there are sufficient funds in the central emergency budget to manage the crisis until the end of the fiscal year on September 30. Chalermpol Pensoot, director of the Budget Bureau, confirmed that additional funds would be allocated for the next fiscal year to continue flood response efforts and rehabilitate affected communities.

As part of the government’s swift response, Deputy Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira revealed that specialised financial institutions have rolled out a series of financial relief measures. These include debt moratoriums, interest rate reductions, and low-interest loans to ease the burden on those hit hardest by the floods.

The Government Savings Bank (GSB) is offering a three-month debt moratorium for retail customers with loans up to 10 million baht, alongside a 50% interest rate reduction. A low-interest emergency loan programme has also been launched, with borrowers eligible for up to 10,000 baht at a 0.6% monthly interest rate.

Other banks, including the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) and the Government Housing Bank (GHB), are implementing similar relief efforts. The BAAC is extending repayment periods for up to 20 years, while the GHB has introduced a disaster relief programme with a 50% loan instalment reduction for six months, reported The Nation.

“The ministry believes these measures will provide comprehensive support to all target groups, including farmers, small entrepreneurs, and small businesses in affected areas.”

In related news, the Royal Thai Air Force mobilised aircraft to survey flood-hit regions, relaying vital data to support water drainage routes and delivering aid in a comprehensive flood relief programme.