B6.6bn in relief aid to go to victims

The cabinet yesterday approved a relief budget of 6.6 billion baht for more than a million families who are victims of this year’s flood crisis.

Government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said yesterday that the fund would be disbursed to 1,046,460 families in Bangkok and 66 other provinces that were affected by floods during the rainy season from May 13 to Oct 28.

Mr Anucha said the financial aid would be offered to families who meet one of three criteria.

First, they lived in a flooded area continuously for a period of one to seven days and their personal assets were damaged by the floodwater or their house and property were inundated for more than seven days but not exceeding 30 days. These families will receive 5,000 baht each.

Second, families who lived in a flooded area for more than 30 consecutive days but not more than 60 days are each entitled to 7,000 baht in relief money.

Third, families who spend more than 60 consecutive days in a flooded area will be given 9,000 baht.

Affected families must have documentary proof of residency in the flooded area and pass a background check by City Hall, their district office or the disaster committee in their respective districts if they live outside Bangkok.

According to Mr Anucha, the government will subsidise payment at the three levels.

He added that the relief would be a one-off payment remitted to the families’ bank accounts from the Government Savings Bank.

Meanwhile, the Interior Affairs Ministry reported that six provinces — Maha Sarakham, Ubon Ratchathani, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, and Nakhon Pathom — remain affected by floods even though the country has entered the cool season.

The ministry will look at giving out additional relief for these victims.