The cabinet approved an emergency budget of 3.05 billion baht from the Central Fund today, to help flood victims whose houses or property were damaged by recent flooding.
Jirayu Huangsap, an advisor to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, told the media that the prime minister has instructed officials at the Interior Ministry, in charge of screening and providing financial help to flood victims, to cut all the bureaucratic red tape and to ensure that the assistance reaches the victims as quickly as possible.
Instead of requiring pictures of the damaged houses or property or documents as a proof for their claim for compensation, Chirayu said an official can just inspect the damaged house and make an assessment, adding that, for a house which sustains 70% damage, the owner will receive at least 230,000 baht in compensation.
It was disclosed that, during a special meeting on Monday between the prime minister and relevant agencies to review the recent flood situation, some remedial measures to help flood victims were discussed.
These include a 30% cut in electricity charges for September and October for houses and other establishments in flooded areas and compensation for damage, if houses are flooded for more than three consecutive days.
Jirayu said the cabinet also approved an ad hoc committee, which has been tasked with coordinating relief efforts, in case of flooding and devastating mudslides, and an operations centre to deal with them.
