THB2 million compensation for flood victims confirmed across Southern
Government compensation of 2 million baht per deceased victim of Southern floods, extending relief to areas outside Emergency Decree.
- The Thai government has confirmed a compensation payment of THB2 million for the family of each person who died in the Southern floods.
- This financial assistance is specifically designated to cover the funeral costs of the deceased victims.
- The policy was confirmed by the Director of the Emergency Flood Crisis Operations Centre and applies to all affected Southern provinces, with Pattani explicitly included.
Paradorn Prissananantakul, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office and Director of the Emergency Flood Crisis Operations Centre (EFCOC), chaired the EFCOC meeting at Government House on Thursday (December 4).
Provincial Governors from the Southern provinces affected by the floods joined the meeting via video conference.
In one part of the discussion, Paradorn stated, "I would like to announce good news for the deceased. The government will provide funds for funeral costs, similar to the assistance offered in areas under the Emergency Decree. Please convey this message to the villagers."
Following this, Pateemoh Sadeeyamu, Governor of Pattani Province, inquired whether the funeral costs mentioned were the same as the widely reported amount of THB2 million per person.
Minister replied, "Yes, they are." The Governor of Pattani asked for further confirmation whether Pattani Province was also included, and he confirmed, "Yes."
Later, Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office and Spokesperson for the EFCOC, announced the results of the meeting.
Regarding compensation for those who died in the Southern flood situation, He stated that the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (December 2) approved funding from two sources: THB1 million from the central budget and another THB1 million from the Prime Minister’s Office Public Disaster Relief Fund.
The funds have already been transferred to the provinces.
Siripong noted that the guidelines for considering compensation are not limited to Songkhla Province but will be extended to eight other provinces affected by the floods: Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Trang, Phatthalung, Satun, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala, bringing the total to nine provinces, including Songkhla.
Each province will establish a committee, chaired by the Provincial Governor, to consider claims.
The definition of death for this compensation includes:
- Drowning.
- Death in a residence or hospital surrounded or inundated by floodwater.
- Death while being evacuated or moved from the flooded area to a hospital, temporary shelter, or safe place.
The defined period for these incidents is November 22 to 27.
Siripong stated that the documents required from relatives of the deceased are:
- Death certificate.
- Case report.
- The doctor’s judgment in cases where a conclusion cannot be reached necessitates further questioning of witnesses. In such difficult cases, an additional affidavit of heirship (Por Kor 14) is required.
Confirmation of identity and status of the legal heir entitled to receive the compensation.
Siripong also thanked the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand for their gracious assistance.
Due to some cases where the deceased's body must be handled within 24 hours according to religious principles, the Sheikhul Islam (Chularajmontri) has assigned the Muslim Committee in each district to participate in the consideration process.
