Bangkok: The government is aggressively assisting flood victims in northern Thailand, using a "digital handbook" to target vulnerable groups and provide comprehensive relief. Lieutenant Colonel Patthadarasmi Thongsalooykorn, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed the guidelines for assisting flood victims in the northern region, especially in Nan province. She stated that the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) has dispatched officers to support the provincial governor and local administrative organizations in providing comprehensive care to all affected individuals, ensuring no one is left behind.
According to Thai News Agency, the government has fully implemented the "Electronic Family Logbook" (MSO-Logbook) technology system to enable officials to accurately and quickly reach and assist vulnerable groups, including the elderly, people with disabilities, bedridden patients, children, and those with mobility difficulties.
Captain Patthadarasmi further stated that the government has established a systematic three-phase approach: the pre-disaster phase, focusing on creating a detailed database of vulnerable groups in high-risk areas to prepare for responses; the phase during the disaster, supporting assistance and participating in the establishment of temporary shelters; and the post-disaster phase, after the floodwaters recede, accelerating the assessment of damage and the needs of individual families to initiate the recovery and rehabilitation process.
Regarding housing and welfare assistance measures, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has prepared funding within the legal framework to cover all aspects, including emergency assistance of up to 3,000 baht per person or family. Meanwhile, funding for home repairs and renovations for the elderly will be increased next year to a maximum of 60,000 baht, including construction materials and labor costs.
For the repair of homes for people with disabilities affected by disasters, financial support will be provided through the Fund for the Promotion and Development of the Quality of Life for People with Disabilities, with a total limit of 135,000 baht. This is divided into: construction materials (not exceeding 100,000 baht), labor costs (not exceeding 30,000 baht), and water, electricity, and plumbing systems (not exceeding 5,000 baht).
Furthermore, regarding long-term quality of life restoration, if victims require assistance with employment, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Resources is ready to coordinate vocational training and refer them to relevant agencies to create sustainable income. If there is insufficient staffing in the area, the government is prepared to mobilize Ministry of Social Development and Human Resources teams from nearby provinces, including social workers and psychologists, to provide close support in addressing the mental health and restoring the livelihoods of the victims.