The Bangkok Metropolitan Council approved the use of 1.139 billion baht from reserve funds to accelerate relief for Bangkok flood victims. Deputy Governor Tawida explained that preliminary damage calculations were made using the Claim Bangkok and State applications.
On 4 Nov 2026, during the fourth regular session of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council at the Council Meeting Room, Iravadee Pattana Building, Bangkok City Hall 2, Din Daeng, Ms. Patraporn Kengrungreungchai, Chairperson of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, chaired the meeting. The council approved a draft Bangkok Metropolitan Budget Ordinance for additional expenditures for fiscal year 2027, amounting to 1,139,273,100 baht, to be paid from the city's reserve funds to provide relief to those affected by the flood situation in Bangkok.
Mr. Chatchai Moddee, Bangkok Council Member for Bangna District and Chair of the Special Committee reviewing the ordinance draft, reported that the committee carefully considered the budget details and agency needs. They resolved to rename the project to "Relief Project for Flood Disaster Victims in Bangkok" to clearly define the budget's purpose in line with the council's approval. The 1.139 billion baht, calculated from preliminary damage assessments via the Claim Bangkok and State apps, is designated specifically to assist flood victims from September and to prevent funds from being used for unrelated purposes.
Additionally, the special committee offered observations and recommendations: 1. Material damage evaluations should reimburse at current market prices, referencing Ministry of Commerce prices and central accounting standards. Bangkok should pay for damaged materials at present market rates. 2. Compensation payment criteria should be clear, transparent, and publicized promptly to ensure proper community understanding.
Mr. Napapol Jirakul, Bangkoknoi District Council Member, questioned the project name change, stating that requests to use reserve funds require a clear spending plan. He noted that the initial budget appeared to gather funds to be paid later, mentioning the phrase "and immediate needs," so changing the project name could alter its context.
Mr. Chatchai explained that during the special committee meeting, some members raised concerns about the phrase "immediate problem-solving," fearing that after approval, funds might be diverted to other uses, violating the budget's original intent to provide flood relief as approved by the council.
Deputy Governor Tawida Kamonwet added that the original project name was "Relief Project for Disaster and Immediate Problems (Flood) in Bangkok." The committee questioned the 1,139,273,100 baht figure, which was calculated from preliminary damage data via the Claim Bangkok and State apps, with expenses already estimated. Therefore, this money should be used solely for the recent flood relief. She requested removing the phrase "immediate problems." If funds remain or are insufficient, the administration will propose a new budget to the council accordingly.
Mr. Wirat Meenachainan, Minburi District Council Member, further explained that he raised concerns about the original name because it conflicted with the rationale approved in the initial session. The administration's purpose was to use the funds specifically for flood relief in September, with expenses already calculated.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Council resolved to enact the ordinance so the administration can promptly proceed with relief efforts and disburse funds to alleviate the suffering of residents.