Chonburi:The Ministry of Industry reports that heavy rainfall and flooding have impacted businesses across 40 provinces, with initial damage estimates amounting to 22 million baht. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been the most severely affected. In response, authorities are implementing measures such as debt moratoriums and emergency funding to aid in business recovery. Industrial estates in high-risk areas have been instructed to maintain 24-hour alerts.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry's Crisis Management Center (CMC) reported that 1,267 businesses have been affected, including 52 factories, 1,162 SMEs, 2 mining operations, and 51 community enterprises. Efforts to assist businesses include deferrals on principal and interest payments, with 204 businesses having already benefited, amounting to 769.06 million baht. However, the emergency capital injection program remains unused.
The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) has identified Amata City Industrial Estate in Chonburi and Bang Phli Industrial Estate as high-risk areas requiring close monitoring. In Amata City, efforts are underway to drain standing water, which ranges from 10 to 70 centimeters deep in various phases. Meanwhile, Bang Phli Industrial Estate is managing water levels with pumping stations and road closures to mitigate flooding.
In other locations, such as Bang Chan Industrial Estate and Bang Pu Nuea, floodwaters are gradually receding, while Map Ta Phut and Lak Chai Muang Yang Industrial Estates report no significant flooding. The IEAT continues to enhance pumping capabilities and monitor conditions in Ayutthaya province's industrial estates, ensuring readiness for potential flooding.
The Ministry of Industry plans to implement several measures to support affected businesses, including the Rebuild SMEs project by the Department of Industrial Promotion. This initiative aims to revitalize businesses and provide loans and moratoriums through various financial programs. Additionally, efforts are underway to repair machinery and distribute relief packages to affected communities.
SME D Bank remains operational, with most branches open; however, the Rayong branch has temporarily closed due to road flooding. The bank is providing online services and assisting 641 customers in Bangkok and the Eastern region to assess damage and offer appropriate aid.
The flooding has extended beyond industrial areas, affecting surrounding communities, particularly those in low-lying areas. In the vicinity of the Bang Chan Industrial Estate, 1,712 households across five communities have been impacted. In the Lat Krabang Industrial Estate area, seven communities with 2,600 households are experiencing similar challenges, highlighting the widespread effects of the flooding on local residents.