Anutin Charnvirakul orders urgent flood relief and debt moratorium

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the acceleration of flood relief measures, directing that compensation payments begin within the week. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has already transferred 4.7 billion baht to the Government Savings Bank to facilitate these disbursements. Officials stated that once local verification is complete, funds will be transferred immediately, with additional emergency budgets available if necessary.

During a meeting of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command, the Prime Minister noted that while conditions are improving in many areas, flooding persists in provinces such as Prachin Buri, Pathum Thani, and Chachoengsao. This has necessitated the evacuation of residents to shelters and the relocation of patients from the closed Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital to Camp Chakrapong Hospital. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for the Ministry of Public Health to ensure a steady supply of medical equipment and medicine to the military hospital supporting displaced patients.

In addition to immediate relief, the Prime Minister addressed potential debt moratorium measures to assist affected citizens, stating they would be proposed to the Cabinet “as soon as possible.” When questioned regarding political rumors about serving additional terms, he declined to comment.