Cabinet extends relief coverage as Samut Songkhram joins flood aid programme
Thailand's Cabinet has expanded its flood relief programme to include affected communities in Samut Songkhram, approving the move on Tuesday (October 6) after new inundation followed its earlier September 29 budget allocation. The decision brings households in the province into a 4.7-billion-baht framework already set aside for disaster relief, according to Dr Ekkaphop Phianpiset, spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office.
What the 9,000-baht payment covers — and who can claim it
Households across 65 provinces and Bangkok declared as disaster zones can access a flat 9,000 baht relief payment per household through the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. This covers incidents between May 15 and September 30, 2026. Those affected after October 1 fall under a separate National Catastrophe Insurance scheme.
The government has defined four eligibility categories for the 9,000 baht payment:
• Homes flooded for seven days or less with property damage.
• Homes flooded for more than seven consecutive days.
• Homes surrounded by water for more than seven days, making normal daily life impossible.
• Residents in high-rise buildings where floodwaters do not reach their floor but disrupt normal life for more than seven consecutive days.
Each household — defined as one registered housing unit — receives one payment only, whether the claimant is a homeowner or a tenant.
Why renters, not just owners, can receive the money
A crucial distinction in the current relief framework is that both tenants and landlords can qualify for assistance, but for different types of damage. The 9,000 baht household grant goes to whoever was residing in the property at the time of the flood — this means renters can claim this payment if they meet the criteria.
Homeowners, however, are eligible for separate structural repair assistance. Tenants may also claim up to 3,000 baht per month for temporary housing for a maximum of two months if their rental property becomes uninhabitable. Both groups can access up to 13,500 baht for damaged work tools or equipment.
Where proof of residence such as a house registration document is unavailable, local officials can certify occupancy to support a claim.
How to register and what documents you need
Registration for floods occurring between May 15 and September 30 opened on October 2. Residents can apply through the "Tang Rat" government application or submit documents in person at their local administrative office — Tambon councils, municipalities, or district offices in Bangkok.
Claims must be filed within 30 days of the disaster date.
New insurance scheme takes over from October 1
For flood damage from October 1, 2026, onwards, the National Catastrophe Insurance scheme replaces the direct government payment model. Coverage runs until October 1, 2027. Policyholders can receive up to 100,000 baht per household — split between an initial 10,000 baht within 15 days of complete documentation, and a further up to 90,000 baht based on assessed damage.
Fatalities under this policy receive 2,000,000 baht; permanent total disability receives 200,000 baht. Claims can be lodged through the Thai Natural Catastrophe Insurance website, Line OA "@ThaiNATCAT", or by calling 02-012-5555.
Government agencies ordered to coordinate recovery
The Cabinet has instructed ministries to coordinate post-flood recovery measures once water levels recede. Ekkaphop confirmed that agencies reviewed the Prime Minister's flood-response directives at the October 6 meeting, with a focus on ensuring assistance moves quickly across departments. The Ministry of Finance's flood coordination centre — working with the Government Savings Bank, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, and other financial institutions — is offering debt suspension and rehabilitation loans to affected households and businesses.
Long-term prevention efforts remain guided by the 20-year water management master plan (2018–2037), which aims to improve drainage systems, expand water retention areas, and use data forecasting to reduce flood damage in future.
