Government Orders Officials to Assist Flood Victims with Aid Registration
The Thai government ordered officials to help flood‑affected residents register for relief aid after a 66‑year‑old man was scolded for not knowing how to use the official app. Authorities opened two registration channels — via the “Thang Rat” app and in‑person at local offices — covering 65 provinces and Bangkok from 2 October 2024. Officials, especially in flooded areas, must assist the elderly and vulnerable directly rather than waiting for requests.
The government said it is not indifferent after a 66‑year‑old man was rebuked by state officials for not knowing how to use the relief‑aid app, ordering officials to facilitate flood‑victim registration for assistance rather than add to their burden. On 3 October 2024, Ploythale Lakhasangchan, deputy government spokesperson, said the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation under the Interior Ministry had announced the opening of a registration system for flood‑relief payments for households affected between 15 May and 30 September 2024 across 65 provinces and Bangkok, via the “Thang Rat” application, with registration open from 2 October 2024 onward. Affected persons can apply through two channels: (1) via the “Thang Rat” app, which links to the civil registry for instant verification and real‑time status tracking; or (2) by submitting documents in person at local administrative offices or district offices in Bangkok. Ploythale added that circulating images showed the elderly man in tears after being told, “You can use LINE, why can’t you learn the Thang Rat app?” and that many victims said the registration process is quite difficult. Deputy Interior Minister Phalaphon Suwanchai ordered provincial, district and local officials in flooded areas to fully facilitate public assistance, especially for the elderly and vulnerable groups, by going out to help them rather than waiting for people to ask for help. She stressed that state officials and local civil servants must serve as a support for people applying for government relief aid, and that if problems arise, provincial governors and district officers must take responsibility, noting that the Interior Ministry’s duty is to alleviate suffering and promote well‑being, not to worsen people’s plight.
