The Cabinet approved a 2026 emergency budget of 4.731 billion baht for the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to provide flood relief in 2026, initially covering 24 provinces and Bangkok. The decision stressed the need to avoid duplication and ensure aid reaches citizens quickly, equitably, comprehensively, and fairly without overlap in assistance.
On 29 Sep 2026 GMT+7, reporters from the Government House reported that the Cabinet agreed with the Budget Bureau's recommendation to approve the Ministry of Interior, through the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), to spend the 2026 fiscal year emergency reserve budget totaling 4,731,666,600 baht. This funding is to provide financial assistance to flood victims during the 2026 rainy season in 24 provinces and Bangkok.
This budget allocation aims to promptly and effectively alleviate the suffering of affected citizens due to the severe flooding that significantly impacted their lives. The situation qualifies as an emergency and necessity. Furthermore, the DDPM did not have a regular annual budget allocated for this purpose and could not adjust existing plans or budgets to cover these expenses.
According to DDPM's verification, 553,780 households have been initially affected, with 8 fatalities reported. The assistance payment rates will follow the Ministry of Finance's approved guidelines and the Prime Minister's Office's 2016 regulations on criteria and procedures for requesting emergency reserve budget expenditures. The DDPM will propose to the Cabinet a review of the criteria, procedures, and conditions for aid disbursement and may request to expand the assistance areas.
Regarding flood relief in Bangkok, a special local administrative organization, the Budget Bureau noted that as of 18 Sep, Bangkok had uncommitted reserves amounting to 2,968,768,844 baht. Therefore, it is recommended that Bangkok first utilize its off-budget funds, revenues, or remaining reserves for flood relief. Assistance in Bangkok will follow the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's regulations on disaster victim assistance (1994, amended) and the Ministry of Finance's 2019 regulations on advance government funds for emergency disaster relief to avoid duplication with central emergency budget allocations.
Additionally, the Budget Bureau assigned the Ministry of Interior, through the DDPM, to promptly and thoroughly verify flood victim data in the affected areas to ensure accuracy, completeness, and no duplication. This is to ensure aid reaches citizens quickly, equitably, comprehensively, and fairly, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
Because the approved budget exceeds 100 million baht, per the 2019 regulations on managing emergency reserve budget expenditures, Section 9(3), the Budget Bureau will submit the matter to the Prime Minister for approval before notifying the budget-receiving agencies to seek Cabinet approval as the next step.