Deputy Interior Minister Worasit is set to announce a retrospective disaster declaration for Phuket, confirming that affected individuals qualify for insurance. Regarding flood relief funds in Bangkok, the government will cover amounts exceeding 300 million baht.
At 10:00 a.m. on 27 Oct 2026 at the Government House, Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasert spoke about Phuket's flood situation. He explained that the province experienced flash floods and landslides late on the night of 25 Oct 2026. He praised the strong local response teams who managed the situation well. When he visited the site on 26 Oct, about 80% of the affected areas had been cleared, with some remaining to be addressed—expected to be resolved today, returning conditions to normal. Full vigilance remains as heavy rain is forecast in southern Thailand on 28-29 Oct. When asked if the situation qualifies for National Disaster Insurance compensation, Worasit said eligibility depends on conditions. Normally, if flooding lasts less than seven days it may not qualify, but if homes are damaged, it does. On 26 Oct, the province began collecting data for relief, with instructions to expedite the process. Regarding whether the retrospective disaster declaration qualifies for insurance claims, he confirmed it does, and insurance must provide coverage accordingly.
He confirmed that the government must take responsibility for Bangkok flood relief.
When asked about debates over Bangkok's flood relief budget, Worasit said it was simply a matter of procedural steps. Bangkok had already discussed the matter with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). Some have politicized the issue, which is inaccurate. Normally, during disasters, Bangkok, as a special local government, is the primary responder with the Governor of Bangkok commanding the response. If limitations arise, the government steps in to support. For example, during the Bangkok floods, the government provided assistance for shortfalls. This case is similar. If these discussions were a condition for relief payouts, Bangkok residents would not have received aid earlier, as the DDPM has already provided over 2 billion baht for Bangkok. The current phase is just a new round of funding, and progress is ongoing without issues. When asked about how much Bangkok contributed amid reports of over 200 million baht, Worasit rejected the notion of a pooled fund. He reiterated that Bangkok operates within its legal framework and handles what it can. The government supports any excess because all citizens are Thai and the government must care for them.
Bangkok covers 300 million baht while the government takes care of the remainder.
When asked to confirm if Bangkok contributed over 200 million baht for flood relief, Worasit said yes. Yesterday, Bangkok added 100 million baht. Overall, Bangkok’s initial relief budget is about 4 billion baht, with the government covering the rest. When asked if Bangkok’s share is approximately 300 million baht and the government handles the remainder, Worasit confirmed that out of the 4 billion baht, Bangkok has spent 300 million baht so far, and the government will provide additional support. He emphasized this is not a pooling of funds but rather each agency fulfilling its designated responsibilities.