Thailand approves 4.1 billion baht flood relief as 2.6 million are hit

Thailand's government has approved emergency funds of 4.1 billion baht (USD 122 million) for people affected by flooding that has battered the country since mid-September, impacting more than 2.6 million people and killing at least 19. Even as Bangkok began recovering after days of torrential rain and widespread flooding, disruptions continued in parts of the capital and at its main airport.

Officials said 29 of Thailand's 76 provinces were still affected on Tuesday. While rain had largely stopped in Bangkok, heavy rain was forecast in other parts of the country, and the flooding had also caused losses to businesses and severe disruption to daily life.

Government spokesperson Ekkapob Pianpises said the approved funds would be distributed by the Interior Ministry to compensate people affected by the floods across the country. Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said the flooding had caused an estimated 22 million baht (about USD 655,000) in damage to businesses nationwide. Of the 19 deaths reported so far, four were in Bangkok.

Some neighbourhoods in Bangkok, especially in the east, remained inundated. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said traffic should return to normal on most main roads within two days, although in some low-lying areas it could take up to seven days for roads to dry out. The Thailand Meteorological Department said Bangkok was expected to remain dry, but heavy rain was forecast elsewhere in the country on Tuesday.

At Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thai Airways apologised to passengers over a massive baggage backlog after recent flight cancellations. The airline said the problem was partly caused by staff shortages linked to the flooding. Hundreds of suitcases were seen lined up in the arrivals area on Tuesday, and the Thai Air Force said it had sent personnel to help deal with the luggage pile-up.

"I sincerely apologise to all passengers for the inconvenience caused. Thai Airways is making every effort to ensure that passengers are reunited with their baggage as soon as possible," said Chai Eamsiri, the airline's chief executive officer. Thai Airways also cancelled more than 10 domestic and international flights on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In Bang Kapi, one of Bangkok's worst-hit areas, residents waded through floodwater and some used small boats to move around. Vendors from a nearby market, where water was still knee-high, shifted to a raised walkway outside a mall and continued selling meat, vegetables and herbs. Music played from loudspeakers as vendors called out to customers moving through floodwater or passing through the mall.

Lon Cheng, a Cambodian vendor who has lived in Thailand for more than 20 years, continued selling vegetables despite heavy losses. "The first day ... I spent about 70,000 baht (about USD 2,100) and I could sell for only 20,000 baht (about USD 600)," he said. "It was a big loss, but with losses I still need to sell."

Neighbouring countries were also hit by flooding. In Myanmar, local media reported that at least 10 people were killed and dozens were missing after heavy rain caused widespread flooding and landslides in the southern coastal region of Tanintharyi. In Cambodia, disaster management officials said flash floods hit at least 10 provinces, affecting 44,889 families and forcing nearly 4,000 people to evacuate, while workers at the Angkor temple complex opened water gates and diversion systems to reduce the risk of flooding at the archaeological site. Overall, the floods continued to affect large parts of Thailand and the wider region, even as Bangkok slowly moved towards recovery.

With PTI Inputs

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