Bangkok: The government reiterated that the Government Housing Bank's (GHB) measures to assist flood victims cover non-performing loan (NPL) borrowers. It clarified that in cases where houses are completely destroyed and irreparable, borrowers are eligible for a "debt-free exemption for the building portion," and can use photographic evidence for a Fast Track insurance claim.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, is concerned about the people in Nan province and the upper northern region who have been affected by floods caused by heavy rainfall and flash floods. The Government Housing Bank (GHB), a specialized state financial institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance, which is overseen by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas, has implemented measures to alleviate financial burdens and support people in restoring their homes after the disaster.
Recently, the Government Housing Bank (GHB) launched the "Disaster Relief Measures 2026," comprising seven measures ranging from debt reduction and loan deferment to loans for repairing or rebuilding homes. The government emphasized that the assistance is not limited to customers with normal account status but also includes customers with non-performing loans (NPLs) to help those facing both disaster damage and financial burdens simultaneously.
Ms. Lalida stated that for NPL debtors whose collateral has been damaged, debt restructuring can be negotiated for up to 1 year and 6 months, with a 0% interest rate for the first 6 months and no installment payments required. For NPL debtors who have been affected by income loss, debt restructuring can be negotiated for up to 1 year, with a 0% interest rate for the first 6 months and monthly installments of only 1,000 baht, which will be entirely used to reduce the principal.
'The key point the government wants to emphasize is that if a residence is completely damaged and irreparable, whether the customer has a normal account status or is a non-performing loan (NPL) customer, GHB will consider waiving the debt for the building price on a case-by-case basis. Borrowers will only continue to repay the remaining debt for the land price. This will help alleviate the burden on people who lose their homes due to disasters, preventing them from having to bear the debt for an uninhabitable building,' Ms. Lalida said.
The Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister added that for borrowers who have residential fire insurance policies that cover natural disasters with insurance companies selected by the bank, GHB also offers a Fast Track claims processing option. Policyholders can use photographs of the damage when submitting a claim and receive compensation for actual damages up to 20,000 baht, subject to the details and conditions of the policy.
The government therefore advises affected individuals with qualifying insurance policies to photograph the damaged house, surrounding area, and property as evidence before beginning cleanup or restoration, if it is safe to do so. This evidence can be used to support insurance claims and expedite the claims processing.
'The government understands that for those affected, losing their homes means not only property damage but also the burden of rebuilding their lives. Therefore, we want the public to know that there are various support measures in place. Even those with non-performing loans (NPLs) can still request assistance. We urge those affected to contact the Government Housing Bank (GHB) so that the bank can consider providing appropriate assistance on a case-by-case basis,' Ms. Lalida said.