Thailand Approves $313 Million in Flood Relief After Deadly September Floods
The cabinet backed 10.5 billion baht in aid, debt-payment suspensions, soft loans and tax relief after floods killed at least 80 people and hit Bangkok.
BANGKOK, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Thailand's cabinet has approved 10.5 billion baht ($312.7 million) in flood relief, alongside other measures including debt-payment suspensions and soft loans, government officials said on Tuesday.
• The government had previously paid more than 5 billion baht in flood assistance, government spokesperson Ekkapob Pianpises told a briefing
• The cabinet also approved tax relief and customs duty exemptions for flood victims, a finance ministry official said
• In September, Bangkok was declared a disaster-affected zone after nearly 300 mm (12 inches) of rain hit the city in just three days, as much as it typically receives in the whole of the month
• Flooding disrupted operations of automakers and parts suppliers, and killed at least 80 people
• Bank of Thailand Deputy Governor Piti Disyatat told Reuters last week the floods would not significantly affect the economy, which is expected to grow 2.3% or higher this year
($1 = 33.58 baht)
(Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat, Orathai Sriring and Chayut Setboonsarng, Editing by David Stanway)
