Thailand National Disaster Insurance System implementation

The Thai government is preparing to implement a National Disaster Insurance System, with full implementation expected by October 2026. Supported by the Cabinet, the initiative aims to cover approximately 30 million households against floods, storms, and earthquakes. The government will fund annual insurance premiums, estimated at 15.5 billion baht, which officials noted is more cost-effective than current direct disaster relief spending.

Under the proposed system, residential compensation for flood damage can reach 100,000 baht per household, while storms and earthquakes provide up to 100,000 baht. Initial payments for floods are set at 10,000 baht, and 5,000 baht for storms or earthquakes. Additionally, death benefits related to these disasters are set at 2,000,000 baht per person.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, the government has begun surveying households without official addresses. A survey across 76 provinces and Bangkok identified 491,453 homes lacking official house numbers, including 82,810 residences where people are currently living. This effort aims to ensure that disaster relief and compensation reach all citizens, including those in temporary or unregistered dwellings.