Bangkok Flood Victims Criticize PM's Insufficient Aid Distribution

Villagers scolded the Prime Minister, saying giving money is disgusting, like hush money to keep them quiet. They asked his aides to bring fewer supplies so more space remains for flood victims. At 1:00 p.m. on September 30, 2026, reporters described the scene at Baan Eu Aathorn Klong Thon community, Sai Mai district, where villagers waded through flood water to line up for rice from the royal kitchen set up at the village entrance, forming a queue over 300 metres long as clouds began to gather. A resident of building 52 said they were heading to the queue but expected the rice to run out before they arrived, so they urged the PM to locate the kitchen centrally because the front only had slight flooding, allowing residents to fend for themselves, while those deeper inside must wade out to receive just one box per person despite many occupants per room. Yesterday they received neither relief bags nor money from the PM as supplies had been exhausted. The PM said the money was insufficient; if you come you must prepare enough; it's better to have leftovers than a shortage. When unable to wade out, feelings are hurt. The money we don’t want could sustain us for days, but money can’t buy anything because we can’t go out; vendors also aren’t coming in. “It’s disgusting—like giving money to shut us up so we don’t complain. After receiving the money, people stay quiet. If it were me, I wouldn’t accept the money but would insist on speaking the truth. It’s like the aid prepared just to show up and draw less criticism. Yesterday the PM’s relief bags numbered fewer than 100; I ask his aides to bring less so we can store more goods, because yesterday the aides came in large numbers, blocking the front and back,” said an exasperated flood victim.