Bangkok:Over 2.2 billion baht in flood relief funds have been distributed to the public, as revealed by the Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
According to Thai News Agency, the Director-General, Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, detailed that more than 1.1 billion baht was transferred to 150,000 households in a single day. This disbursement aligns with the Prime Minister's directive for daily transfers, ensuring rapid assistance to those affected by floods.
The funds, part of a 4.7 billion baht allocation from the central budget, are deemed sufficient for the current needs. However, Mr. Nirat indicated that if additional funds are necessary, a request can be made to the Budget Bureau. The processing of these funds was completed overnight, with transfers beginning at 1100 AM.
Mr. Nirat, who began his role earlier than scheduled to ensure a smooth transition, highlighted the government's serious approach to managing the flood situation. The proactive measures and improved system for summarizing analytical data have facilitated efficient operations and quicker recovery times.
The Prime Minister chairs daily meetings of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command to oversee the situation. The government has committed to accelerating relief efforts, with a priority on providing prompt assistance to flood victims. Despite past delays in relief payments, the current system ensures that payments are made swiftly, with excellent cooperation from all provinces and Bangkok.
The Cabinet has approved the final budget allocation for 2026, with the funds being utilized based on the actual situation. Currently, only 2.2 billion baht of the allocated 4.7 billion baht has been used, confirming the adequacy of the budget for the present needs.