Thailand Launches Disaster Insurance, First Used in Lamphun Floods
Thailand's national disaster insurance scheme has become operational, with Lamphun province the first to use it after flash floods affected 225 households. Officials announced the launch at a press conference on October 7, saying claims can be filed online or in person starting October 6. The system aims to deliver rapid assistance following disasters.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation announced that Thailand's national disaster insurance scheme has gone live, with Lamphun province as the first area to use it after flash floods hit four villages, affecting 225 households. The announcement was made at 10:00 a.m. on October 7, 2026, at the department’s headquarters. Director-General Nirut Phongsiithiwat, together with relevant agencies, held a press conference on the “National Disaster Insurance Policy” project. He said the scheme took effect on October 1 and Lamphun is among the first areas to implement it after flash floods struck Lamphun and Chiang Mai on October 5. The system began responding and processing assistance from October 6, in line with the government’s goal of providing rapid aid after disasters.
Lamphun Governor Piyapong Chuwong reported that at around 5:00 p.m. on October 5, flash floods inundated Pa Phlu subdistrict in Ban Hong District. Although the water receded after a few hours, it left thick mud and sand, with water reaching waist height in some places. The floods affected 225 households.
Following the event, the province received coordination from the Prime Minister, deputy prime minister, and the department director-general to expedite insurance claims, as this was one of the first uses of the system. To avoid public confusion, the governor assigned the Ban Hong district chief to compile a list of the affected 225 households and coordinated with Chiang Mai’s Office of Insurance Commission to assist with claim submission, both online and in person.
Support also came from the Lamphun mayor, the department, and the Thai Association of Non‑Life Insurance, which acted as mentors to ensure smooth registration. Affected residents were gathered in a meeting hall, and after the press conference they began registering for compensation through both online and walk‑in channels, with officers from relevant agencies providing close guidance.
Details of the National Disaster Insurance scheme were then disclosed.
