Bangkok: The government has announced a series of seven urgent initiatives from the Ministry of Labor aimed at improving the quality of life for employers, employees, and insured individuals affected by the recent floods in the southern region of the country. These measures include mobilizing skilled workers to repair electrical equipment and provide assistance to those impacted by the disaster.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ayrin Phanrit, Deputy Government Spokesperson, stated that the government is actively integrating efforts from various government agencies to expedite recovery and relief operations for the flood victims. The Ministry of Labor has outlined seven specific relief measures to support businesses and insured persons. These measures include:
1. Offering urgent employment opportunities at a rate of 300 baht per day for a maximum of 10 days to 4,000 individuals.
2. Providing low-interest loans through the Labor Fund to deliver immediate relief to businesses and employees impacted by the floods.
3. Allocating loans from the Labor Fund to employees for purposes such as housing repairs or career rehabilitation.
4. Offering Safety Fund loans to employers whose businesses have been damaged or equipment rendered unsafe, aimed at improving or repairing equipment or machinery to ensure workplace safety.
5. Guaranteeing 50% of wages for up to six months in cases of unemployment resulting from force majeure or natural disasters.
6. Allocating funeral expenses for insured individuals under Section 33 at 50,000 baht per person and under Section 40 at 25,000 baht per person.
7. Establishing 48 centers for motorcycle and electrical appliance repairs in disaster-stricken areas and across nine southern provinces.
Ms. Airin further emphasized that for post-flood rehabilitation efforts, the Ministry of Labor has deployed a team of technicians from the Department of Skill Development. This team, in cooperation with technicians from various government and private agencies, and volunteers, will focus on repairing electrical systems in buildings and homes for affected residents. These efforts are expected to significantly reduce the cost of repairing homes damaged by the floods.