Bangkok: The Thai government is set to implement a "National Disaster Insurance System" to protect around 30 million households from floods, storms, and earthquakes, starting October 1, 2026. Mr. Ekkapop Pienpises, the Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Cabinet approved the establishment of this insurance system, as recommended by the Ministry of Interior via the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
According to Thai News Agency, this initiative marks a strategic shift from reactive disaster response to proactive risk management. The insurance system will help the government assess risks in advance, reducing budgetary uncertainties and ensuring citizens can quickly access financial assistance or compensation for disaster-related damages.
The coverage will include residential properties, with a maximum of 100,000 baht per household per incident, subject to policy terms. The breakdown for compensation is as follows: for floods, an initial 10,000 baht, followed by up to 90,000 baht; for storms and earthquakes, an initial 5,000 baht, followed by up to 95,000 baht. In case of death due to these disasters, coverage includes up to 2,000,000 baht per person.
The Cabinet has tasked the Budget Bureau with allocating necessary funds, while the Office of the Insurance Commission will collaborate with the Thai General Insurance Association to find capable insurers. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation will manage fund disbursement to insurers as per established criteria.
The government's proactive approach aims to provide citizens with protection and fast compensation, while allowing it to plan and manage disaster-related risks more effectively. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the country's disaster management efficiency amid increasing climate challenges.
In addition to this initiative, the Cabinet has approved a series of other projects, such as improving the irrigation system along the Chao Phraya River, upgrading the Sirikit Dam hydropower plant, and reducing the use of document copies in official transactions through the Government Data Exchange (GDX) system.
The government has also endorsed the extension of the "New Generation Graduate Program" until 2031, aiming to produce over 81,600 highly skilled personnel to meet future industry demands. Furthermore, Thailand will join the Asia-Pacific Road Safety Observatory to enhance road safety measures.
These comprehensive measures reflect the government's commitment to addressing national challenges through strategic projects and international cooperation, ensuring sustainable development and resilience in various sectors.