Bangkok: The Cabinet has approved a central budget of 1,309 million baht aimed at rehabilitating farmers affected by floods in 2024. This decision is part of the larger 2024 Flood Victim Rehabilitation Project, which comprises two main initiatives: the 2024 Flood Victim Rehabilitation Project and the 2024 Southern Flood Victim Rehabilitation Project, with budgets of 848.66 million baht and 461.10 million baht, respectively.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anukul Prueksanusak, the deputy government spokesman, disclosed the Cabinet’s approval, which aligns with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives’ plans. The broader 2024 Flood Relief Project for Farmers includes eight sub-projects with a total budget of 2,553.01 million baht. Among these, the project to enhance the efficiency of rice production for flood-affected farmers commands a budget of 1,571.35 million baht, while the initiative to promote alternative careers in fisheries and aquatic animal farming is allocated 23.92 million baht.

Mr. Anukul further explained that the Ministry of Agriculture had initiated these projects during the period from July 14 to October 31, 2024. However, the initial budget was insufficient to fully support the affected farmers, particularly those in the southern region. In response to the disaster period expected from November 20 to December 31, 2024, the Ministry has sought approval for additional funding from the central budget’s reserve for emergency cases. This proposal was presented to the Operations Center for Flood, Storm, and Landslide Assistance (OCSC), which, during its meeting on March 11, 2024, approved a budget framework of 1,989.72 million baht.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has been instructed to ensure compliance with relevant procedures, regulations, and laws. The Budget Bureau and the Ministry of Finance’s Comptroller General’s Department will be responsible for verifying the accuracy and non-duplication of the budget allocation.