Thailand allocates 3.04 billion baht for flood relief

Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a request from the Ministry of Interior to allocate 3.04 billion baht (US$91 million) from the central budget to assist flood victims across the country.

This decision, taken at the new Cabinet’s first weekly meeting, will provide financial relief to approximately 338,391 households affected by flooding since May, according to ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul.

The financial aid will range from 5,000 to 9,000 baht (US$150 to 270) per household, depending on the duration of the flooding. Households experiencing flooding for one to 30 days will receive 5,000 baht (US$150), those affected for 31 to 60 days will get 7,000 baht (US$210), and households facing floods for longer periods will be entitled to 9,000 baht (US$270), said Traisuree.

“This special budget aims to offer immediate financial assistance to households severely impacted by the floods in various provinces.”

Jirayu Houngsub, an adviser to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, added that households suffering over 70% flood damage will receive an additional 230,000 baht (US$6,890).

The affected 57 provinces include Krabi, Kanchanaburi, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Khon Kaen, Chanthaburi, Chachoengsao, Chaiyaphum, Chon Buri, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Trang, Trat, Tak, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan, Bueng Kan, Prachin Buri, Ayutthaya, Phang Nga, Phayao, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Phrae, Phuket, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Mae Hong Son, Yala, Rayong, Ratchaburi, Roi Et, Lampang, Lamphun, Loei and Sisaket.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn, at her first Cabinet meeting, announced the creation of a new committee to manage and mitigate the impacts of flooding, storms, and landslides. A new centre will also be established to assist victims of these natural disasters.

The Thai premier emphasised the importance of engaging in serious dialogue with neighbouring countries in the Mekong River basin, including Myanmar, to enhance water management cooperation through the Greater Mekong Subregion mechanism.

“We need to strengthen our cooperation with neighbouring countries to tackle water management issues effectively and prevent future flooding.”

As torrential rains are expected from today to September 21, The 38 year old Thai PM revealed all relevant agencies have been instructed to ensure their disaster warning systems are functional and that residents in flood-prone areas receive timely alerts, reported Bangkok Post.

The premier stressed, “It is crucial to have efficient warning systems in place to ensure the safety of our citizens during these challenging times.”