Bangkok:The Prime Minister has mandated the rapid distribution of flood relief funds this week, underscoring the necessity to prepare for increased rainfall and to immediately address garbage collection in areas where floodwaters are receding.
According to Thai News Agency, during a meeting at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, alongside key government officials, reviewed the ongoing flood situation. Though improvements were noted in several areas, persistent flooding continues to affect provinces like Prachinburi, Pathum Thani, and Chachoengsao. Evacuations and temporary hospital relocations remain necessary. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Royal Thai Army for assisting with patient transfers and emphasized the need for adequate medical supplies at Chakraphong Military Hospital.
The Prime Minister highlighted a report from Pathum Thani on medicine shortages, instructing the Ministry of Public Health to ensure delivery of needed supplies, particularly for leptospirosis, due to enduring flood conditions. With heavier rainfall expected across Thailand, the Prime Minister stressed the urgency of improving drainage systems and preparing for potential evacuation needs. He called for coordinated efforts at the provincial level to support affected residents.
Additionally, the Prime Minister ordered the cleanup of areas where water levels are decreasing, with a focus on immediate garbage collection. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has already communicated cleaning schedules to residents. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of collaboration between provincial governors and administrative organizations in establishing evacuation centers and using emergency funds to support shelter residents.
The Prime Minister also instructed the Ministry of Interior to expedite the registration process for compensation claims in flood-hit areas, including Bangkok. He urged the swift disbursement of funds, emphasizing the importance of utilizing the budget allocated for 2026.
Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, confirmed that funds have been transferred to the Government Savings Bank and are ready for distribution once processing is complete. The Prime Minister concluded by urging prompt damage assessments and repairs to restore affected homes and communities.
Reporters have indicated that if the current 4.7 billion baht emergency budget proves insufficient, additional funding may be required for 2027 to address the widespread impact on the public.