Chulapan unveiled flood relief measures in Nan Province to support workers and assist employers, preparing to offer loans up to 2 million baht per case with low interest at 2% per year on a principal and interest reducing basis, repayable within 5 years.
On 20 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Chulapan Amornwiwat, Minister of Labor, revealed the ministry's measures to aid workers and employers affected by flooding in the northern region, particularly Nan Province. He ordered the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, the Committee on Occupational Safety, Health and Work Environment (CPO), and workplace safety officers to inspect the safety of electrical systems, machinery, and buildings to prevent hazards resulting from the flooding. They are coordinating with labor networks to monitor affected employees and provide assistance accordingly.
Regarding insured persons, the Minister instructed the Social Security Office to expedite assistance according to insured persons' rights. Those suffering emergency illness or injuries may receive treatment at any medical facility within 72 hours free of charge.
In cases of insured persons with end-stage chronic kidney failure requiring regular dialysis and medication at medical facilities located in disaster-affected areas, the Social Security Office has set special criteria and medical service rates during disaster periods to facilitate convenience and alleviate hardship from the situation.
For unemployment due to force majeure, insured persons under Section 33 who do not receive wages because their workplaces are impacted by the disaster are entitled to unemployment benefits starting from the day they cannot work or when the employer cannot operate. They will receive compensation at 50% of daily wages for up to 180 days.
Chulapan added that once the flooding situation subsides, employers will face the challenge of repairing facilities, tools, machinery, and equipment needed for work. The Ministry of Labor has measures to assist through two low-interest loan programs.
The first program is the Occupational Safety, Health, and Work Environment Fund, which allows employers to access low-interest loans to improve, fix, and repair work areas, tools, machinery, equipment, and electrical systems to restore workplace safety for employees.
Loans of up to 2 million baht per case are available at a low interest rate of 2% per year on a principal and interest reducing basis, with a repayment period of no more than 5 years. Borrowers can choose between two repayment options: repaying principal plus interest monthly from the start, or deferring principal repayment for up to 1 year while paying interest monthly, then starting principal plus interest repayments from the second year onward.
The other program is the Employment Promotion Loan Phase 3 (2025–2026) with a total budget of 30 billion baht by the Social Security Office. It aims to support businesses economically affected by the disaster, encouraging employers to retain existing jobs and create new employment within the social security system.