The floodwaters have receded, but expenses are just beginning. If your home, car, or property was affected by flooding, don't rush to discard everything because you still have the right to claim compensation from"insurance"and"government relief funds."
Especially for residents in Bangkok, where relief criteria are clearly defined. Here is an easy-to-understand step-by-step guide to claims—prepare your documents and submit your requests right away.
Before you start cleaning, the first thing to do is gather thorough evidence. It is recommended to take clear photos and videos of all damage from every angle—outside, inside, water stains on walls, swollen furniture, and vehicles showing license plates clearly. Most importantly, do not discard damaged items or debris yet. Keep them as crucial evidence so officials from government agencies or insurance representatives can accurately assess the actual damage on site.
If your home is in Bangkok and is a primary residence flooded to the living area and damaged, you are eligible for assistance. You must have a certificate from the district office clearly stating it was"a flood disaster."In the case of a rented home, the tenant is the entitled recipient.
The government provides various relief amounts covering several areas, starting with home repair costs paid according to actual damage to structural materials, capped at 49,500 baht per house. Those needing temporary accommodation receive up to 3,000 baht per family for rent (maximum of 2 months if the house is fully damaged). Additionally, basic living expenses are 1,900 baht for partially damaged homes and 3,800 baht for fully damaged homes.
Furthermore, if main livelihood equipment is destroyed and work is impossible, families can claim up to 11,400 baht as occupational recovery funds.
In cases of injury, compensation of 2,300 baht per person is provided, along with medical expense reimbursement (outpatient up to 2,000 baht, inpatient up to 4,000 baht). In the unfortunate event of death, funeral expenses of 29,700 baht per person are provided, plus an additional 29,700 baht if the deceased was the family head or main earner.
Documents to prepare for submission include:
For those with insurance, now is the crucial time to review your policy and check your coverage carefully. Many are unaware that some home fire insurance policies include coverage for"flood damage"or natural disasters, often with limited coverage or reimbursement based on actual damage.
Therefore, promptly contact your insurer's call center to report, send photos, and list damaged items. For car insurance, if your vehicle was submerged and you have comprehensive (Type 1) coverage, you are fully covered. For Types 2+ or 3+, check your policy to confirm whether you purchased additional natural disaster or flood coverage.
Additional tip: keep receipts for tax deductions
Another important tip is whenever you hire a technician for home repairs, buy building materials, or take your car for repairs, always ask for"a full receipt or tax invoice."Keep these documents because the government often issues ongoing relief measures allowing flood repair expenses for homes and vehicles to be claimed as personal income tax deductions in the following fiscal year.
Although handling paperwork might seem tedious and time-consuming, these rights represent crucial funds to help rebuild your life and home after the flood crisis. It is advisable to form a neighborhood group chat or closely follow district office news to prepare and submit documents on time and avoid missing your entitlements.