Bangkok: The Cabinet has increased the budget for flood relief, raising the maximum amount to 20,000 baht for areas affected by prolonged flooding. The total assistance has now surpassed 6.1 billion baht.

According to Thai News Agency, the Cabinet has approved an increase in the compensation package for people impacted by ongoing flooding. The initial payment of 9,000 baht per household has been modified to a “step-by-step” approach, with additional payments based on the number of days the water remains unreceded. This measure is set to benefit over 685,000 affected households in 65 provinces. The government has already allocated over 2.52 billion baht from the central budget.

The revised relief payments are structured based on the duration of the flooding as follows: for 31-60 days, an additional 5,000 baht; for 61-90 days, another 5,000 baht; for 91-120 days, an extra 5,000 baht; and if the flooding lasts longer than 121 days, a further 5,000 baht will be provided, totaling up to 20,000 baht, in addition to prior measures.

Additionally, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has directed a review of the criteria to offer more comprehensive relief to residents of condominiums surrounded by floodwaters.