BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s government approved large compensation payments for families of those killed in the recent southern floods, pledging two million baht per victim.
Government labels southern flooding a major catastrophe
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul regarded the devastating flooding across the south as a major catastrophe and ordered equal compensation for all victims.
“Although the state of emergency was extended only for Songkhla, we are treating the situation across the entire south as one unit,”
said Minister Paradorn Prissanananthakul.
The funds were to come from the disaster relief fund of the Prime Minister’s Office and from the central budget.
Two million baht per fatality across eight provinces
For each person who died, the state was to pay two million baht (about 50,000 euros) in compensation. Initially this amount applied only to the 140 fatalities in Songkhla.
It was then extended to all affected provinces, bringing the total to about 180 deaths in eight provinces. The overall compensation package amounted to roughly 360 million baht (nine million euros).
Provincial reports and progress on payouts
During a videoconference, governors of the eight provinces reported on current conditions. In Pattani, electricity and water supplies had been largely restored.
Some areas, however, remained under water, and compensation for ten fatalities there had already been disbursed. Minister Paradorn urged the governors to speed up identification of victims so that aid could be delivered more quickly.
Emergency aid for affected households
Alongside compensation for deaths, emergency support for affected households was also under way. Each household was to receive 9,000 baht (around 225 euros).
The money was scheduled for payment within the following week, provided local authorities processed applications swiftly. The government presented itself as determined not to abandon people in this difficult period.
Relief workers welcome unified approach
Disaster relief workers welcomed the swift and uniform decision.
“Justice for all victims is an important signal,”
said a spokesperson for a relief organization.
The high level of compensation was intended to ease families’ financial burdens, as many had lost not only relatives but also their livelihoods. With this measure, the government demonstrated its capacity to act in a crisis, while implementation speed now became crucial.
First glimmer of hope for a devastated region
For provinces ravaged by flooding, the payments were a first ray of hope, as local economies in many areas had been brought to a standstill. The multi-million-baht compensation could support reconstruction efforts.
It was also seen as a consoling acknowledgement of immeasurable loss. Thailand, officials noted, stood together in this tragedy, with solidarity between the government and the population giving new hope to the flood victims.