In a significant move to address the pressing needs of communities affected by natural disasters, Bangkok's Deputy Governor, Rosh. Thwida Kamolwatch, announced on April 21, 2025, that the city will be revising its financial aid policies for housing repairs following earthquakes. The proposed changes come in response to growing concerns from residents about the inadequacy of current assistance levels, which have remained unchanged for years.
The financial aid program, which is currently under the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act, provides initial assistance in the form of cash subsidies for repair materials. According to Rosh. Thwida, homes damaged by disasters such as fires can receive up to 49,500 baht in financial support. However, the amount granted is contingent upon the type of materials required for repairs, with city officials conducting on-site assessments to establish the necessary funds.
Rosh. Thwida acknowledged that the existing financial aid may not be sufficient to meet the actual needs of affected households. "The concerns raised by the public regarding this matter will be addressed in discussions today, and relevant agencies will provide clarifications to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the adjustments being made," she stated.
She emphasized that the criteria for financial assistance must be revised to better accommodate the realities faced by residents, particularly those living in condominiums, while ensuring that such changes do not infringe on existing insurance rights for these properties.
Meanwhile, the international community is also grappling with funding challenges. Reports from the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand (FCCT) on the same day revealed that the United States has suspended foreign aid and halted operations of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) since President Donald Trump's administration began in January. This decision has raised alarms about the future of international development projects, including those that support press freedom and humanitarian assistance.
According to the FCCT, the U.S. has not paid its dues to the World Health Organization (WHO) for the year 2027, leaving its membership status in jeopardy. Dr. Hanan Balki, WHO's Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, warned that the organization's budget cuts of 20% could severely hinder its ability to deliver essential healthcare services and emergency medical training to communities in need.
Dr. Balki highlighted that many ongoing projects are currently stalled due to a lack of funding, which could have dire consequences for those requiring urgent care. "If the U.S. withdraws from the WHO, it will impact long-standing communication channels between the organization and various institutions in the U.S.," she cautioned.
In light of these developments, Norway has recently appointed a new ambassador to the FCCT, a move that had faced delays for months. This appointment is expected to facilitate foreign correspondents in accessing aid for international development projects and enhance collaboration among donor countries and organizations.
Onong Ratchabal, a key figure in the FCCT, noted that while the new ambassador will serve a symbolic role in 2025, their presence is crucial for promoting scrutiny, freedom, and inclusion within the organization. Ratchabal also suggested that the FCCT should adopt a more flexible approach by offering discounts of 20% to ease the entry of smaller organizations into the fold.
As the situation unfolds, both local and international stakeholders are urged to collaborate effectively to address the pressing needs of communities affected by disasters and ensure that essential services are maintained despite financial constraints. The discussions held on April 21, 2025, will play a critical role in shaping the future of financial aid policies in Bangkok and beyond.
