Cabinet Approves 4.73 Billion Baht Flood Relief Budget

The Cabinet approved the 2026 fiscal year budget, allocating 4.731 billion baht from the central emergency reserve fund, as proposed by the Ministry of Interior, to assist flood victims in 24 provinces during the 2026 rainy season. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is ordered to urgently survey and coordinate with relevant agencies, local authorities, and Bangkok to swiftly deliver the funds for relief. The Prime Minister also emphasized that if any obstacles arise in central or regional implementation, agencies, deputy prime ministers, and ministers must report to him so he can exercise authority to continue the response. Aside from the emergency fund, the government will need to define criteria to ensure aid reaches everyone comprehensively. This year’s floods, which few anticipated to be so severe and widespread, have now affected 31 provinces including Bangkok, the metropolitan area, central and eastern regions, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation as of September 30, 2026. Heavy to very heavy rainfall in many areas, combined with runoff from the north merging with central waters, has left 1,041,307 households and 2,932,661 people affected, with 24 fatalities reported. The impact and losses are enormous, necessitating swift government assistance to help affected residents recover normal livelihoods quickly. Meanwhile, private sector representatives and business owners, also heavily impacted, have urged the government to expedite relief for informal workers, small entrepreneurs, SMEs, and the agricultural sector—such as debt moratoriums or recovery loans—to mitigate impacts on agriculture and industry, where incomes have stalled and debts have risen due to the floods. They also called for attention to essential commodity prices. The hope is that the government’s flood relief will cover all affected groups without burdensome criteria or conditions.