Thailand Launches National Disaster Insurance, Surveys 490,000 Unaddressed Homes
Thailand's Cabinet approved a 15.5 billion baht National Disaster Insurance System covering floods, storms, and earthquakes, with payouts up to 100,000 baht per household per event. A survey found nearly 491,500 homes lack official addresse
The Cabinet has approved Thailand's National Disaster Insurance System, allocating 15.5 billion baht in premiums to protect against floods, storms, and earthquakes. The scheme is divided into a residential group insurance policy (15 billion baht) and an accident group policy (500 million baht) to assist disaster victims. Coverage includes a maximum of 100,000 baht per household per disaster event, with flood compensation starting at 10,000 baht and up to 90,000 baht additional, while storm and earthquake coverage begins at 5,000 baht plus up to 95,000 baht extra. Death benefits from any of the three disaster types are set at 2 million baht per person.
Government spokesperson Ploy Thalay Lucksmeeung revealed that as of September 15, 2024, authorities have surveyed 517,525 properties and found 491,453 homes without official addresses, along with 82,810 temporary residences with occupants. The urgent need to establish an accurate, current database reflects the government's priority in identifying residents and reaching them quickly during disasters. This data is essential for planning relief for those in temporary shelters or migrant workers living in areas but not yet registered in the system. The insurance coverage becomes effective from October 1, 2024, to October 1, 2025.
