Chiang Rai, April 22, 2025 – A meeting was held at the Tham Langka Conference Room, located on the third floor of the Chiang Rai Provincial Hall, where Mr. Ruchit Sak Rangsee, the Deputy Governor of Chiang Rai, presided over the session aimed at monitoring the implementation of disaster relief and rehabilitation plans following the flooding, landslides, and other natural disasters that have impacted the province. This meeting was part of the second phase of the recovery plan, emphasizing Strategy 3, which focuses on expediting compensation for those affected by these disasters.
Representatives from various agencies participated in the meeting, presenting updates on the progress of the relief efforts. The Cabinet resolutions dated September 17, 2024, and October 8, 2024, have led to significant actions in helping the citizens affected by these calamities. As of now, Chiang Rai Province has received a total of 35,124 applications for assistance from households impacted by the disasters.
According to the Government Savings Bank, financial aid has been fully disbursed to the affected individuals, amounting to a staggering 316,116,000 baht. This financial assistance is part of the 2024 disaster relief fund, which has seen a total contribution of 9,839,079.03 baht from various donors. The Government Savings Bank has provided 9,768,000 baht in aid, which has been crucial for the recovery process.
Furthermore, Chiang Rai Province was allocated 100 million baht for disaster management funds under a Cabinet resolution from 2019. To date, 95,179,184 baht has been utilized, with each affected household receiving 10,000 baht. As a result, 18,362 households have applied for this assistance, with 4,994 households having already received aid. However, there are still 13,368 households awaiting assistance.
In addition to the Government Savings Bank's efforts, the Prime Minister's Office and local organizations are actively providing support. The Prime Minister's Office has allocated a total of 13,570,000 baht for the relief efforts, which has been distributed in two rounds. Currently, a third round of assistance is under consideration, which aims to address the needs of two additional deceased individuals and 39 households that have suffered complete destruction.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that the integrated cooperation of all sectors is essential to alleviate the suffering of citizens affected by floods and landslides. The meeting aimed to accelerate rehabilitation and compensation efforts for citizens in the impacted areas.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has reported that Chiang Rai Province experienced a total of 48 flooding incidents in 2024, affecting 14 districts and over 87,000 people. The financial losses from these disasters are estimated to be around 2,043 million baht, as reported by the Ministry of Finance's Economic and Fiscal Policy Office.
As of May 2025, the province has completed 91.7% of the budget allocated for disaster relief, with the aim of finalizing all assistance by the end of the second quarter of the fiscal year 2025. This meeting marks a critical step in rebuilding trust among the affected citizens and reaffirms the commitment to transparency and fairness in the assistance process.
In a related incident on April 21, 2025, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) dispatched aid teams to inspect areas affected by a bus accident in Prachinburi Province. A bus from 407 Phatthana Company overturned, colliding with a trailer truck, resulting in seven fatalities and over 40 injuries. The DDPM, in collaboration with the Nakhon Ratchasima and Nakhon Nayok provincial offices, coordinated immediate assistance for the victims.
The bus involved was reported to have valid insurance coverage with Wiriya Insurance Company, which includes compensation for fatalities and serious injuries. The insurance policy provides up to 500,000 baht per person for death or permanent disability, and 80,000 baht for medical expenses per person.
Mr. Chatchai Sirilai, a DDPM official, confirmed the tragic details of the accident and stated that the agency is working diligently to ensure that the victims receive the necessary support and compensation. The DDPM has expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased and injured, ensuring that they will facilitate insurance claims and medical expenses directly with hospitals, relieving the burden on the victims.
Meanwhile, the military government of Myanmar has extended a ceasefire for another week to support earthquake relief efforts, with over 2 million people requiring urgent assistance following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28, 2025. This extension, now lasting until April 30, is a response to international calls for continued humanitarian aid.
The ceasefire was initially set for 20 days following the earthquake, which resulted in significant casualties and destruction. However, reports indicate that fighting between government forces and armed groups has persisted, even during the ceasefire period. International organizations and local observers have urged both sides to maintain peace to facilitate relief efforts.
The United Nations has warned that the earthquake has displaced over 60,000 individuals, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian assistance. The DDPM is actively involved in coordinating aid to ensure it reaches all affected areas effectively.
As the situation evolves, the commitment to support those affected by natural disasters remains a priority for local and international agencies. The collaborative efforts between the government, NGOs, and local communities are crucial in mitigating the impact of such disasters and ensuring a swift recovery for those in need.
