BANGKOK, Thailand – The government is preparing to use about 4 billion baht remaining in the central budget for flood relief and compensation nationwide, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced after the September 29 Cabinet meeting. Funding will be distributed according to established criteria and verified damage reports. Cabinet representatives have also been assigned to oversee the Central, Northern, Northeastern, and Eastern regions, while Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen will oversee Bangkok.
The Cabinet also approved the Chai Nat–Pa Sak–Gulf of Thailand Flood Drainage Canal Project, with an investment framework exceeding 160 billion baht and an eight-year implementation period. The project is expected to improve flood prevention and water management across the Central region, Bangkok, and surrounding provinces. Certain locations could serve as retention areas, storing excess water during the rainy season for use during drier periods.
The government will review water-management criteria and consider expanding the role of local authorities in developing retention areas for water storage and diversion. Funding options will be discussed among economic and water-management agencies, with borrowing also under consideration within applicable rules. Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri, who oversees the Office of the National Water Resources, will lead discussions on the proposed adjustments.
Immediate relief operations are continuing, with food, relief bags, and freshly prepared meals distributed through field kitchens and mobile cooking vehicles. Bangkok officials and the Royal Irrigation Department are also coordinating faster pumping and water diversion from flooded communities, while crews work to reopen roads and restore normal traffic as quickly as possible. (NNT)
