Bangkok: The Ministry of Commerce is taking comprehensive steps to aid flood victims in the South and is set to propose economic recovery measures to the Cabinet this afternoon.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry is collaborating with all sectors to provide immediate relief and long-term support to the affected regions.
Ms. Suphajee Suthumpun, Minister of Commerce, has been at the forefront of the relief efforts, receiving donations and dispatching essential supplies to the flood-affected areas. The relief efforts are made possible through strong collaboration with the private sector, ensuring swift and effective delivery of aid. The initial phase involves distributing fresh and dried food, drinking water, eggs, and other necessary items to help the community survive, followed by efforts to restore homes and essential electrical equipment. The Ministry is also working to make these supplies available at the lowest possible prices.
The Ministry of Commerce is coordinating with product manufacturers and retail partners to reduce prices on essential goods, including cleaning supplies, home repair materials, and electrical appliances, offering discounts up to 80%. Additionally, Blue Flag events and career support through affordable franchises are being organized, along with soft loans to help residents and small entrepreneurs restart their businesses.
To further support economic recovery, the Ministry is expediting business registration and intellectual property processes through online systems, allowing entrepreneurs to revive their businesses without delay. The Ministry of Transport is also involved, sending technicians and equipment to expedite motorcycle repairs, crucial for public mobility.
Ms. Suphajee, alongside Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphas, plans to visit the affected areas to gather insights from business owners. Discussions include proposals for soft loans, debt relief, tax breaks, and revitalizing tourism and hotel sectors, which will be presented to the Economic Cabinet meeting today, with announcements expected after the full Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
The Ministry’s assistance strategy is structured into three phases:
Phase 1 (In Progress): Immediate relief with essential supplies delivered to six southern provinces, including a donation of 1.25 million baht to the Thai Red Cross Society, 5,000 relief bags, over 102,000 eggs, and various other necessities. The Provincial Commercial Office is overseeing product availability and preventing hoarding.
Phase 2 (December 2025 – January 2026): Remediation efforts include organizing events to reduce living costs and create careers, offering significant discounts on consumer goods, and setting up franchise booths with funding support. There will also be a campaign to slash construction material prices, with participation from major retailers.
Phase 3: Economic Recovery, promoting careers through franchises, opening sales points, holding trade fairs, and coordinating with EXIM Bank to provide business rehabilitation funds.
The Ministry of Commerce is committed to providing comprehensive support to the public and business groups, ensuring swift implementation of measures to alleviate the suffering of flood victims.