The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) is proposing a 10.5 billion baht central budget to the Cabinet today for additional flood relief. Minister Pradorn expressed confidence that payments will proceed smoothly and warned that officials certifying eligibility must be held accountable if verification finds conditions not met. He emphasized that delays are due to the verification process, not the funds themselves.
At 09:10 on 20 October 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Pradorn Prissanantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, spoke at the Government House before the Cabinet meeting, saying that yesterday (19 October) the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) submitted a central budget request for fiscal year 2027 amounting to 10.5 billion baht to provide additional relief to flood-affected citizens. This round is expected to cover all remaining affected areas, and he confirmed that the matter will definitely be presented at the Cabinet meeting today. He expressed confidence that payments will not be interrupted, as funds from the previous allocation were still being disbursed yesterday, and if the Cabinet approves today, payments can continue immediately tomorrow or the day after.
Mr. Pradorn added that today's delays are not due to the funds themselves but rather the verification process. For example, in Bangkok, unlike other provinces where relief payments to citizens have proceeded smoothly, Bangkok faces some bottlenecks. Yesterday, he discussed this with Mr. Worasit Liangprasith, Deputy Minister of Interior overseeing Bangkok, to consult with district offices on how to speed up verification. However, accuracy is essential to avoid a surge of complaints afterward.
Regarding the 9,000 baht relief payment per household, some recipients have been asked to return funds. Mr. Pradorn said the principle is that relief payments will be made only to those who meet conditions. First, they must be homeowners or persons residing in flood-damaged houses to receive 9,000 baht. Those surrounded by floodwaters for over seven days will get 5,000 baht. Those not meeting these conditions may register to test eligibility, but final verification is the responsibility of local authorities. In Bangkok, districts are responsible for confirming eligibility.
When asked if refunds are possible, Mr. Pradorn said that is up to district offices, but these are public funds, so only those who meet the hardship criteria should receive them. Those who do not qualify have no right to payment. If payments were made due to ignorance or error, districts must follow up for recovery and may take legal action if complaints arise. Those responsible for certifying ineligible recipients must be held accountable.
Regarding fraud in relief claims, Mr. Pradorn said the government cannot delve deeply into local verification details, but fundamentally, if officials certify someone undeserving and fraud is proven upon complaint, legal proceedings will follow. As the overseer of the Budget Bureau, he only handles Cabinet submissions of requested funds. Verification details are local matters. He reiterated that those who certify eligibility for unqualified persons bear responsibility.