Bangkok: The Cabinet is set to approve central government funds aimed at providing relief to flood-affected households, with each household slated to receive 9,000 baht. Families of individuals who lost their lives in the disaster will be compensated with over 300,000 baht.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Paradorn Prisnanantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, announced the accelerated approval process for flood relief funds. The initiative proposes an initial relief payment of 9,000 baht per household, which Mr. Paradorn plans to present to the Cabinet for approval. The criteria for house repairs will be based on a joint survey conducted by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) alongside local authorities.
Mr. Paradorn addressed queries regarding the timeline for presenting the flood relief budget to the Cabinet. He revealed that the Prime Minister recently visited Nan Province following his return from Australia and New Zealand to assess the situation firsthand. This visit included discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Mr. Yotsanu Wongsawat, and Deputy Minister of Interior, Mr. Jetset Thaiseth. Both ministers are believed to have briefed the Prime Minister on the current situation. The government, he noted, has historically expedited relief efforts during crises like floods. Mr. Jetset, overseeing the DDPM, is expected to fast-track the process, with the proposal potentially reaching the Prime Minister for signature and Cabinet consideration today.
For the families of deceased victims, Mr. Paradorn outlined a compensation package split into two parts: an initial 80,000 baht from the central budget and the Prime Minister's Office fund, and an additional 250,000 baht from the central budget, totaling approximately 300,000 baht per person. He stated that the criteria for house repairs would be aligned with the DDPM's existing standards, requiring a detailed survey to assess and address the damage. Local authorities will collaborate with the DDPM to conduct these assessments and ensure appropriate compensation.