BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired the first Cabinet meeting of 2025 on September 30, directing government agencies to accelerate disaster relief and revise support measures for communities affected by flooding and border security issues. The meeting took place at the Parliament Building in Bangkok.
After inspecting flood-hit Bang Ban district in Ayutthaya province on September 27, the Prime Minister instructed the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to prepare immediate subsistence allowances for households affected by the natural disaster. He made clear that assistance must be delivered swiftly, comprehensively, and without duplication across all relevant agencies. Ministries and state bodies were also instructed to submit their relief measures to the Operations Center for Assistance to Natural Disaster Victims for coordination prior to Cabinet approval.
Anutin further ordered the creation of long-term, annual relief measures for residents in designated flood retention areas, which face recurring inundation each year. The new system is intended to provide regular assistance without requiring residents to repeatedly file requests. Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers were assigned to conduct on-site inspections to ensure aid reaches people quickly.
On border issues, the Prime Minister tasked the Ministry of Interior with reviewing criteria, payment methods, and compensation levels for residents impacted by the security situation along the Thai–Cambodian border.
The Cabinet also acknowledged the establishment of a new committee to oversee disaster management and the Operations Center for Assistance to Natural Disaster Victims, which will coordinate relief across agencies. Flooding and border security were reaffirmed as urgent national priorities requiring immediate and comprehensive action. (NNT)
