Bangkok: The government has canceled the "request for document copies" requirement for flood relief payments to prevent further burden on the public.

According to Thai News Agency, the government reiterated that flood relief documents do not require photocopying. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) is coordinating with all provinces to streamline procedures and reduce the burden on flood victims, in accordance with the Prime Minister's policy.

Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that repeated flooding incidents have affected lives, property, homes, agricultural areas, and public infrastructure, causing damage and impacting a large number of people. In the past, the relief process, particularly the submission of supporting documents for claiming compensation, has caused difficulties for people in affected areas. The government, under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, understands the suffering and hardship faced by the people affected by the floods.

Ms. Ploytalee stated that, in order to expedite relief efforts and to facilitate and reduce the burden on disaster victims, the government, through the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Ministry of Interior, has issued guidelines to discontinue requesting copies of national identification cards, household registration certificates, or other official documents from citizens in cases related to disaster relief efforts for assistance and rehabilitation. This is in accordance with the duties, responsibilities, and powers of the agencies as per relevant laws, regulations, and criteria. This aligns with the guidelines of the Department of Local Administration, Department of Provincial Administration, which previously issued a directive to discontinue requesting copies of identification cards, household registration certificates, or other documents, and is consistent with the Thailand 4.0 policy.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has coordinated with all provincial governors to discontinue requesting copies of national identification cards, household registration certificates, or other official documents from citizens in cases related to disaster relief efforts for disaster victims. Districts and local administrative organizations within their respective areas are to verify the accuracy of disaster victim information against their own databases to prevent duplication, fraudulent claims, and omissions. This is to expedite assistance and relief for disaster victims, reduce processing time and procedures, and importantly, avoid burdening victims, in accordance with government policy.