Flood Relief Funds Depleted, Awaiting Cabinet Approval for More Aid
The government’s 4.7‑billion‑baht flood‑relief budget for the 2026 fiscal year has been fully spent, with many victims still awaiting aid. Minister Pharadorn said the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is finalising the numbers and will seek additional funds from the 2027 budget, possibly over 10 billion baht, for consideration at tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting. He urged the public not to worry, stating the government remains committed to assisting all flood‑affected citizens equally.
Minister Pharadorn Prisananantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office overseeing the budget, spoke at the Government House on 19 October 2026 at 08:50. He said the 4.7‑billion‑baht central budget allocated for flood relief in fiscal year 2026 has been used up. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) is still finalising the number of households that have not yet received assistance. The government plans to request extra funds from the 2027 budget, which contains about 99 billion baht for general expenditures, to cover further relief efforts. He noted that it is not certain whether the proposal will be ready for tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting, as it depends on DDPM’s submission. He urged the public not to worry, stating the government remains committed to providing equal assistance to all flood‑affected citizens. He added that around one million households have been affected, estimating relief costs could reach about 10 billion baht. He explained that the government’s decision to purchase disaster insurance covering 30 million households nationwide is a response to the large annual flood‑relief expenditures. Finally, he clarified that use of the central budget for emergency drainage projects in Bangkok must meet the criteria of necessity, urgency, and not being part of the regular budget, and that projects under 100 million baht can be funded if approved by the Prime Minister.
