Bangkok: The Prime Minister has convened a meeting of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee (NDMC) to accelerate relief efforts for flood victims. Emphasizing the urgency, he stated that financial aid should not be delayed until the following year. He plans to propose over 6 billion baht in compensation to the Cabinet on October 14.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office, disclosed details from the 1/2025 meeting of the NDMC, led by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul. The committee agreed on the parameters for distributing flood relief funds to those affected during the 2025 rainy season, mirroring the 2024 procedures. Each affected household will receive 9,000 baht, under these conditions:
1. Permanent residences in flood-prone areas, experiencing landslides, flash floods, forest runoff, or overflowing riverbanks with damages within 7 days.
2. Residences submerged for more than 7 consecutive days.
From May 15 to October 6, 2025, relief reached 685,554 households, totaling 6.169 billion baht.
Mr. Siripong conveyed that the Prime Minister stressed the necessity for prompt fund disbursement, criticizing any delays to the following year. He issued directives due to rising water levels in the lower Chao Phraya River basin and ongoing floods in key regions. With potential high tides and rainfall in Bangkok from October 9-13, 2025, water drainage could be impacted. As a result, several water management measures have been outlined:
1. The Royal Irrigation Department must limit water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam to 2,500 cubic meters/second.
2. Decrease water discharge from the Pasak Jolasid and Rama VI Dams by 100 cubic meters/second.
3. Enhance drainage from the eastern Chao Phraya River bank through the Chainat-Pa Sak Canal, maximizing the Manorom Watergate’s capacity, and deploying water pushers to improve drainage from the Narai Watergate and adjacent canals.
4. Increase drainage from the western Chao Phraya River bank via the Tha Chin River, using existing canals and enhancing drainage into the Gulf of Thailand.
5. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration should adjust water drainage in parts of Bangkok to reduce floodwaters without affecting the city.
6. Increase water intake into designated fields like Khlong Chainat-Pa Sak and Tha Wung, which can accommodate additional water capacity.
7. Address flooding issues from Bang Ban to Thung Bang Kung in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
Mr. Siripong further noted that the Prime Minister appreciated public cooperation during his visit and emphasized swift relief efforts. He highlighted that flood management should cover property and agricultural damages, and address water-borne diseases, while ensuring rapid aid delivery to those affected.