Bangkok:Residents of the Khlong Chan flats in Bangkok have been confirmed to meet the compensation criteria for flood relief, with expectations that the first group will receive payments today or tomorrow.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jetset Thaiseth, Deputy Minister of Interior, confirmed the eligibility criteria for flood compensation in Bangkok, stating that affected residents surrounded by water or experiencing flooding for seven days will receive compensation of 9,000 and 5,000 baht. This assurance follows instructions from the Prime Minister to clarify the criteria amidst concerns about eligibility.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has been tasked with ensuring clarity in the relief process. Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, Director-General of the DDPM, denied claims that the Khlong Chan flats failed to meet the criteria, emphasizing that he never mentioned "Khlong Chan" and that the responsibility for verifying eligibility lies with local authorities.

Efforts to expedite the disbursement of relief funds are underway, with the first group of residents expected to receive payments imminently. The government has also addressed public concerns by providing a hotline for inquiries and confirming that comprehensive data collection is ongoing to facilitate quick approval of funds.

Mr. Thaiseth has reported ongoing issues with garbage disposal in flood-affected areas and highlighted the deployment of additional resources and machinery to expedite recovery efforts. There is also an ongoing investigation into potential contamination in Prachinburi and Chachoengsao provinces, with instructions to present findings to the public swiftly.