Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Prepares to Propose Stricter Flood Relief Criteria

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, is preparing to propose stricter criteria for flood relief to the Cabinet. The move aims to accelerate the removal of obstacles in the Ping River and Kok River to improve water flow.

Flood Relief Efforts

On September 25, Mr. Anutin visited Chiang Mai Province to assess the flood situation. Following his visit, the Prime Minister ordered the Ministry of Finance to transfer the central budget to support affected families. The Ministry of the Interior has accelerated the investigation to collect the names of those eligible for aid, which will be gradually transferred to their accounts.

The current criteria for flood relief provide payments of 5,000 baht, 7,000 baht, and 9,000 baht per family. However, Mr. Anutin acknowledged that even the highest payment may not be sufficient. He plans to bring the matter to the Cabinet meeting on October 1 to discuss possible changes to the criteria to provide more assistance to those affected.

Additional Assistance Measures

In provinces that have suffered repeated floods, such as Chiang Rai Province, additional assistance may be necessary. Mr. Anutin explained that the Ministry of the Interior will provide a budget of 49,500 baht for home repairs, with further assistance to be provided by the Prime Minister’s Office. Other ministries, including the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, also have assistance measures in place.

Water Cleanup Efforts

Regarding the water conditions and rainfall, Mr. Anutin emphasized the need to remove obstacles to the flow of water, particularly in the Ping River and Kok River. The provincial government must work to keep the water flowing, and various tools and equipment will be mobilized to remove waste and debris. The goal is to drain the water into the Bhumibol Dam as quickly as possible.