B2m payout restricted to Songkhla

The government has confirmed that only families of deceased flood victims in provinces under the emergency decree are eligible for the maximum compensation of two million baht, amid rising calls to extend similar financial support to relatives of those who died in other flood-affected areas.

- MONGKOL BANGPRAPA

Responding to these calls, Prime Minister's Office Minister Paradorn Prissanananthakul, who also heads the government's emergency flood operations centre, said yesterday the cabinet had discussed the matter and reached an initial conclusion the highest rate of compensation would be limited to Songkhla, the only province currently under the emergency decree.