BANGKOK, Thailand – The Cabinet has approved 6.169 billion baht from the central budget to provide flood relief payments of 9,000 baht per household to 685,554 families affected by severe flooding during the 2025 rainy season across 65 provinces. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) will manage fund distribution through the Government Savings Bank under the emergency and contingency reserve budget.
The approval follows Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s directive to introduce special assistance measures for flood victims. During a visit to Ayutthaya province in late September, the Premier received feedback from residents who said previous relief programs had not been comprehensive. He subsequently instructed the DDPM to coordinate with relevant ministries to develop targeted, efficient support that reaches all affected households.
To strengthen coordination, the government established the National Disaster Management and Administration Committee (NDMAC) and the Disaster Relief Operations Center. The NDMAC’s first meeting on October 6 assessed the flood situation nationwide and prioritized emergency relief for households, farmers, and damaged public infrastructure. Government agencies were assigned to survey damage and process compensation promptly to ensure consistent and transparent implementation.
At its October 21 session, the Cabinet approved the relief criteria and payment process proposed by the Ministry of Interior. Each eligible household will receive a one-time payment of 9,000 baht. Provinces may adjust allocations as needed, with all payments to be made via PromptPay bank transfers within 90 days of receiving budget disbursements. Eligibility requires verified damage from floods, landslides, or flash floods between May 15 and the end of the rainy season, as confirmed by both district and provincial disaster relief committees.
The Prime Minister also directed the Ministry of Interior and DDPM to accelerate payments and maintain full transparency throughout the process. (NNT)
