Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced plans to propose a new outline for flood aid assistance at the upcoming cabinet meeting to provide more financial support, as the current assistance of 9,000 baht per household is deemed insufficient. He emphasized the need for urgent remediation of blockages in the Ping and Kok rivers to improve water flow.
On September 26, 2024, Anutin spoke at the government house following a visit to Chiang Mai on September 25, mentioning that the Prime Minister has expedited financial measures via the Finance Ministry to aid affected households. Funds were transferred to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation on September 25, and surveys to identify beneficiaries have already started.
Anutin highlighted that while the government standard for aid includes payments of 5,000, 7,000, and 9,000 baht, even the maximum amount is inadequate for real needs. Therefore, he aims to discuss increasing the aid limits in the cabinet meeting scheduled for October 1.
When asked about long-term flood-affected regions like Chiang Rai, Anutin indicated that aid is typically one-time for such events, but there will be additional support for home repairs from the Ministry of the Interior amounting to 49,500 baht. Efforts will be made to gather resources from various ministries to enhance assistance for those affected.
Concerning water conditions in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, Anutin explained that the flooding results from overflowing rivers. He called for local governors to work on clearing obstructions to ensure better water flow, particularly at littered spots, and to expedite water discharge to the Bhumibol Dam.
This article was rewritten from a Thairath’s news article.
