Prime Minister Anutin declared, “Don’t say the relief funds are insufficient. The government is responsible for the overall management. When disasters occur, local authorities provide initial relief. Besides, whenever someone requests money, no one ever says it is enough. I emphasize that the verification process must be strict.”,
At 12:10 p.m. on 27 October 2026, at the Government House, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul gave an interview about the flood relief funds for Bangkok (BMA) being insufficient. He asked, “Who said the money isn’t enough?” When a reporter replied that the BMA said the money was insufficient, Anutin responded, “Whenever someone asks for money, no one ever says it’s enough. But overall, the government must take responsibility. If a disaster occurs locally, the local authorities provide relief first. If that is not enough, then it is the government's duty to supplement.”
Anutin further explained that discussions had taken place with the Governor of Bangkok, the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, and the Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). Bangkok’s relief spending is nearly 4 billion baht, with the city contributing 500 million baht and the remaining 3.5 billion baht coming from central funds. He personally allocated this from the Cabinet meeting last week, setting aside over 10 billion baht. He hopes this will be the last time such funds are needed because if a disaster occurs now, insurance packages will cover it. Therefore, he said, “Don’t talk about insufficient money. The government must take overall responsibility.”
Regarding complaints that relief payments are delayed and no one has pressed the payment button despite waiting weeks, the Prime Minister said it is due to verifying names and qualifications. Some attempt tricks by splitting one household into five or ten to claim multiple payments, which is not allowed. Justice nationwide must be upheld. The initial relief measure is 9,000 baht per household. Regardless of variations, it must be 9,000 baht per household. The problem is that verification is necessary. Sometimes payments are made but later found not to meet criteria, and recovery must be pursued through official letters, causing distress. Previously, payments waited until situations stabilized, but now payments are expedited to ease citizens' burden. However, strict verification remains essential.