Nirat, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), admitted that the 4.7 billion baht allocated for flood relief is insufficient. He revealed the Prime Minister said additional requests can be made. If verification confirms eligibility, it will take 1-2 days to transfer the funds directly to the people.
At 10:00 a.m. on 5 October 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). He was interviewed regarding whether flood relief payments could be processed within this week, responding that it is possible. The Cabinet approved 4.7 billion baht for relief, which the DDPM has transferred in full to the Government Savings Bank. If eligibility checks are passed, funds can be disbursed to applicants within 1-2 days. Payments are not held back in batches; those ready and verified receive payments account by account.
When asked if the 4.7 billion baht is sufficient, Nirat said it probably is not, as some areas were not included in the Cabinet resolution. If more funds are needed, the Prime Minister said to request additional amounts. This initial sum is just the first tranche; further requests can be submitted gradually without needing to seek a large lump sum.
Regarding whether submissions would be made at this week's Cabinet meeting, Nirat said any province that clearly meets the criteria can submit immediately without waiting for grouped provinces. He emphasized that relief amounts follow the criteria in the Cabinet resolution. When asked if additional budget requests would come from the 2026 or 2027 fiscal year, Nirat replied that if requested this year, it would come from the 2026 budget, which already allocated 4.7 billion baht.
Over one million people have registered for relief payments so far, a very rapid response despite initial glitches caused by high registration demand. For groups potentially left out, such as the elderly or those unable to register in time, Nirat said officials will be dispatched to shelters to assist with registration.
Regarding the Samut Songkhram governor's request for water-pumping machines due to ongoing critical flooding at several points, the DDPM director explained that Samut Songkhram is at the downstream end of the Mae Klong River. Currently, the river's discharge has decreased to 900 cubic meters per second, down from the earlier concern of 2,000 cubic meters per second, and this level is expected to remain stable.
Situations in Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi provinces have eased. The floodwaters are now moving into the Mae Klong River, so rapid drainage is critical. The Samut Songkhram governor's request has been acted upon by the navy, and the DDPM has sent personnel to assist.