The Prime Minister explained that the “National Disaster Insurance” coverage starts on 1 October, based on the date the disaster occurred. Those affected by previous floods will receive 9,000 baht, while new flood events will be covered by the insurance. He declined to answer opposition questions about his absence from parliament.
1 October 2026 GMT+7 Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, gave an interview after a policy briefing on issuing disaster insurance policies for every household via video conference at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). He discussed the National Disaster Insurance program, which takes effect from 1 October 2026, saying it starts today and a summary will be provided so everyone has the same information.
Regarding the previous floods, the Prime Minister stated, that flood victims will receive compensation under the existing Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act, amounting to 9,000 baht. The insurance coverage will begin and apply from 1 October 2026 onward. When asked, whether flood victims will receive compensation twice, the Prime Minister replied no, only once. Disasters will be counted per incident. For example, events before 1 October 2026 have already been compensated under the existing legal framework.
When asked, which compensation rules apply if flooding continues up to today, the Prime Minister said, it depends on the date of the event. If a new flood wave occurs, disaster insurance will apply, which is better as it pays per case.
Regarding opposition leader Nataphong Ruangpanyawut’s question about the Prime Minister’s absence from parliament sessions to verbally clarify urgent motions on comprehensive water management, flood crisis response, and recovery measures—while instead visiting the Bhumjaithai Party kitchen—Anutin did not answer and only laughed, saying, “No more, I’m done.”
