Chamber of Commerce advocates mitigation of damage from floods

TCC chairman Sanan Angubolkul said on Monday that flooding has now spread to 33 provinces across the North and Northeast regions, including Chiang Rai, Phayao, Sukhothai, Nong Khai and Nakhon Phanom. 

Concerns remain high as water continues to flow south and further rain is forecast. The potential for additional flooding behind dams in October is a particular worry.

He emphasised the need for all sectors to monitor the water situation closely. He called on the government to act swiftly on creating a clear preventive plan. 

Initial assessments conducted by the TCC and the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimate total damage at about 29.845 billion baht (0.17% of GDP). This includes more than 3 million rai of land affected, with 1.1 million rai dedicated to agriculture.

The agricultural sector suffered the most significant losses, accounting for roughly 82.3% of the total damage. The service sector followed with 5.121 billion baht in losses, while the industrial sector lost a relatively low 171 million baht thanks to pre-emptive measures.

TCC vice-chairman Vichai Assarasakorn highlighted the growing problem of frequent and severe floods and droughts. He stressed the negative impact these events have on Thailand's agricultural sector, a crucial driver of the national economy. He noted that the government currently spends more than 100 billion baht annually to manage the effects of these disasters.

The chamber is calling for a systematic review and plan for water management in Thailand. It has proposed a series of measures, including:

• Identifying and addressing regional water management challenges: This includes surveying water management tools, systems, and infrastructure to develop comprehensive solutions.
• Promoting the use of water data resources: Training and education initiatives will be established to encourage the use of existing water databases for planning and mitigating water-related issues.
• Supporting a government water information war room: The private sector backs the government's initiative to establish a central location for disseminating accurate and timely information on water levels, forecasts, and warnings to the public.
• Financial relief for flood victims: The private sector advocates for financial assistance programs to help individuals and businesses affected by the floods. This may include insurance options to support recovery efforts.
• Integrated river management: Collaboration with neighbouring countries is crucial for managing shared river resources. This could involve establishing joint water flow guidelines and developing integrated drainage systems.
• Prioritisation of water management projects: The government should review and prioritise water management projects based on current needs. This includes long-term plans for flood and drought management, infrastructure development, and water conservation initiatives.

Athip Pichanon, vice-chairman of the TCC and chairman of the Trade Association Network Development Committee, highlighted the collaborative efforts of trade associations under the Council of Thai Chambers of Commerce to provide urgent assistance after recent flooding. 

He said the TCC, alongside various trade associations, has mobilised resources to deliver essential goods such as consumer products, medicines, and pet food to affected provinces. Leading retailers and wholesalers have implemented discount campaigns to alleviate the burden on consumers and businesses. 

Additionally, provincial Chambers of Commerce and foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand have provided various forms of assistance.
Meanwhile, the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce is accepting donations to help with flood relief efforts. Donations can be made to Kasikorn Bank's "Commercial Relief Foundation" account (004-2-39457-2). Donations can be deducted once for tax purposes. The university has also taken steps to exempt affected students from late-tuition fines.