Nikorn revealed an urgent measure to assist flood victims by offering one month of interest-free loans at pawnshops, aiming to reduce burdens and provide liquidity for people to regain stability after the floods.
On 9 October 2026, Nikorn Somklang, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, stated that the recent flooding in many areas has affected people's daily lives, occupations, and incomes. Many families face increased expenses for home repairs, property care, and livelihood restoration, while some have experienced reduced income during this difficult period.
The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is deeply concerned for the people and prioritizes swift assistance to reduce their financial burdens and help them reestablish stability quickly.
Nikorn said the ministry, through the Pawnshop Office (PSO), has launched the "PSO Flood Relief: One Month Interest-Free" measure to ease financial strain for customers affected by the floods. This measure covers PSO customers at five branches: Saphan Mai (Branch 9), Bang Kapi (Branch 19), Romklao (Branch 30), Pathum Thani (Thepkunchon, Branch 45), and Lat Krabang (Branch 46).
Customers who pay interest, make principal repayments, or increase principal at participating branches between 9–31 October 2026 will receive one month of interest-free benefit on their next loan cycle, applicable to all loan amounts. The benefit is limited to one per person. It is estimated that about 4,900 people will benefit, involving total loan transactions exceeding 100.57 million baht and reducing interest expenses by approximately 1.11 million baht.
Nikorn added that although this assistance is temporary, it helps reduce expenses at a time when people are struggling. The savings can be used for daily living, home repairs, or restoring livelihoods. This measure is not just about waiving one month of interest but aims to reduce burdens, increase liquidity, and provide people with time to regain stability after the floods. The Pawnshop Office is a key mechanism within the ministry to provide access to funds in emergencies. The ministry seeks to utilize existing mechanisms effectively to provide tangible help directly to affected areas and people.
"The ministry will closely monitor the situation and is ready to deploy all available mechanisms to relieve burdens and alleviate people's hardships. The 'PSO Flood Relief: One Month Interest-Free' measure is one way the ministry and the Pawnshop Office intend to support people by reducing burdens, creating opportunities, helping them regain stability, and overcome this crisis together," Nikorn emphasized.
