Thailand’s government has approved 4.1 billion baht ($122 million) in emergency assistance for flood victims as the country continues to recover from weeks of heavy rainfall that have affected more than 2.6 million people and killed at least 19.
The funding will be distributed by the Interior Ministry to compensate households affected by the widespread flooding, according to government spokesperson Ekkapob Pianpises.
The financial assistance comes as floodwaters gradually recede in Bangkok following days of torrential rainfall, although several neighbourhoods remain inundated and disruptions to transportation and business activities persist.
Bangkok, which experienced extensive flooding over the weekend, has recorded improvements in drainage conditions, with rainfall largely easing across the capital. However, low-lying communities, particularly in the eastern districts, continue to experience flooding as authorities work to restore normal conditions.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said traffic was expected to return to normal on most major roads within two days, although some low-lying areas could require up to seven days for floodwaters to recede sufficiently for roads to dry out.
The flooding has disrupted transportation, businesses and essential services, with authorities continuing to assess the damage and provide assistance to affected residents.
Despite the improving conditions in Bangkok, the Thailand Meteorological Department forecast heavy rainfall in other parts of the country on Tuesday, raising concerns about further flooding in vulnerable communities.
As of Tuesday, residents in 29 of Thailand’s 76 provinces remained affected by the floods, highlighting the widespread impact of the prolonged rainfall.
Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa estimated that the flooding had caused approximately 22 million baht, or about $655,000, in damage to businesses nationwide.
The economic consequences have extended beyond direct damage to businesses, with disruptions to transportation and supply chains affecting commercial activities in several areas.
At least 19 people have died in flood-related incidents nationwide, including four in Bangkok, as emergency authorities continue to respond to the disaster.
The government’s approval of emergency funding is intended to provide financial relief to affected households as recovery efforts continue across the country.
Meanwhile, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport has continued to experience operational difficulties following widespread flooding, which disrupted ground-handling services and contributed to a substantial backlog of passenger baggage.
Hundreds of suitcases were seen piled up in the airport’s arrivals area on Tuesday as airlines and airport personnel worked to reunite passengers with their luggage.
The Thai Air Force has deployed personnel to assist airport operations and help clear the backlog, following reports that flooding had prevented some employees from reaching their workplaces.
Although conditions in Bangkok have improved, authorities remain concerned about the possibility of further flooding in other parts of the country as heavy rainfall continues.
The disaster has also affected neighbouring Myanmar and Cambodia, where severe weather has triggered flooding, landslides and evacuations.
The regional impact has added to the challenges facing emergency authorities as they work to assist affected communities and limit further damage.
Thailand’s emergency funding is expected to support recovery efforts as the country continues to address the humanitarian and economic consequences of the floods.
Thai Airways Issues Apology For Disruptions
Thai Airways apologised to passengers facing delays in receiving their luggage, with hundreds of suitcases accumulating in the arrivals area as ground-handling operations struggled to cope with the backlog.
The airline’s Chief Executive, Chai Eamsiri said that the airline was making every effort to reunite passengers with their baggage as quickly as possible, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the disruption.
The disruption has also affected airline schedules, with Thai Airways cancelling more than 10 domestic and international flights scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. “I sincerely apologize to all passengers for the inconvenience caused,” the airline’s Chief Executive said. “Thai Airways is making every effort to ensure that passengers are reunited with their baggage as soon as possible,” Chai Eamsiri, added.
The baggage backlog has added to the difficulties facing travellers at one of Thailand’s principal international aviation hubs, with staff shortages and disruptions to ground-handling operations complicating efforts to restore normal services.
The flooding has affected airport staffing, with some employees unable to reach their workplaces, contributing to delays in baggage handling and other ground services.
The Thai Air Force has deployed personnel to assist with clearing the backlog and supporting airport operations as efforts continue to restore normal services.
The disruption has compounded the difficulties faced by travellers as Bangkok recovers from days of heavy rainfall, with the airport continuing to address the consequences of the flooding.
READ ALSO: Malaysia Begins Repatriating Myanmar Nationals Despite Safety Concerns
