Flood Damage Worries Pomelo Farmers in Samut Songkhram
Flooding in Samut Songkhram has damaged pomelo orchards, leaving farmers worried that relief funds will not cover their losses and that the aid application process is too complicated. While water levels are slowly receding thanks to pumping efforts, farmers cite high rehabilitation costs and bureaucratic hurdles, especially for elderly residents lacking digital access. Officials outline the available aid—9,000 baht for short‑term flood damage and 2 million baht for deaths—but stress that applicants must provide proper documentation to local offices.
Floodwaters have inundated pomelo orchards in Mae Klong, Samut Songkhram, causing damages estimated at hundreds of thousands of baht. Farmers worry that government relief funds may not cover their actual losses and that the application process is overly complicated. Reporting on October 8, 2026, journalists note that floodwaters remain a problem for residents, especially farmers whose fields have been submerged for days, damaging crops, trees, and agricultural equipment. Governor Chayachai Saeng-in and volunteers continue pumping and diverting water, gradually reducing levels in many areas, giving hope to locals awaiting improvement. However, concerns persist over the adequacy of relief measures and the bureaucratic hurdles involved. Farmers such as Pornphanee explain that agricultural aid requires multiple steps: after registering as a farmer, a committee must inspect the damage. Real losses include not only damaged pomelo trees but also equipment like sprinkler systems and other farm assets. The registration system is difficult, especially for elderly residents in riverside areas who may lack smartphones or struggle with government apps. They urge agencies to set up on‑site registration points and help collect documents in the community to reduce steps and ensure aid reaches those in need. One farmer said the season’s investment totaled about 100,000 baht, including 50,000 baht for soil, and that a relief payment of only tens of thousands would be insufficient to restore the orchard. Meanwhile, Phucharai Jantra, head of the Samut Songkhram Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, said the government provides 9,000 baht in flood relief for households flooded less than seven days, and 2 million baht for deaths. Applicants must submit copies of their ID card, house registration, and photos of the damage; photos taken after the flood are acceptable if they show water stains or property damage. Documents should be submitted to the local administrative office (sub‑district or municipality).
