"Pradorn" pointed out that there are many problems with flood relief payments in Bangkok. He noted that provinces handle it faster because they have strong local governments. He said he is unsure whether Bangkok MPs and council members need to step in to assist. He emphasized that the government is willing and ready to provide equitable relief to everyone.
At 12:05 p.m. on 19 Oct 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Pradorn Prissanantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, gave an interview at the Government House about the flood relief budget figures. He said he had preliminary discussions with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). The DDPM's summary showed about 2.3 million households affected, of which the government has already paid approximately 600,000 households. The remaining payments will require the 2027 central budget. He reaffirmed that everyone affected before 1 Oct 2026 will receive government relief. For floods after 1 Oct, the government will provide care through insurance companies since household insurance has already been arranged for citizens. He assured equal care for all and that the government has sufficient funds to compensate those affected.
Mr. Pradorn added that he had also consulted the Digital Government Development Agency (Public Organization), known as DGA, which provided information that the 'Government Way' application is used for individuals to register and check their eligibility for relief payments. Meanwhile, eligibility verification is the responsibility of local authorities who must conduct the checks. He said the biggest problem today is with affected people in Bangkok, unlike in the provinces where relief efforts have proceeded smoothly. Many provinces have achieved 80-90% progress because they have fast systems with village headmen, community leaders, and local administrative members who are strong local authorities. These local leaders personally verify the claims of their community members. This contrasts with Bangkok, where district directors and various officials, including community committees, must conduct the verification. He is unsure whether Members of Parliament (MPs) and Bangkok council members should also assist to expedite the process. This difference in approach is the main distinction between Bangkok and the provinces.
When asked if Bangkok's limited officials and the large number of affected people might cause delays in relief payments, Mr. Pradorn said he did not know the exact process in Bangkok and did not want to comment to avoid errors. He is more familiar with the provincial process and can describe it, but not Bangkok's. He said Bangkok may have community committees checking accuracy, but that is a local matter. The data will be compiled for the DDPM, which will then submit it to the Cabinet. He reiterated that the Cabinet is willing and ready to provide equitable relief to all affected citizens.