The Thai Chamber of Commerce and the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce have estimated the total area affected by the floods is approximately 3 million rai, divided into 1,166,992 rai of agricultural land and 1,826,812 rai of other areas.
Mr. Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, revealed that the current flood situation has expanded to 33 provinces in both the North and the Northeast, including Chiang Rai, Phayao, Sukhothai, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Phichit, Sakon Nakhon, Phitsanulok, and Udon Thani.
The assessment found that the agricultural sector was the most affected, with a total damage value of 29,845 million baht, accounting for approximately 82.3% of the total damage. The service sector came in second with 5,121 million baht in damage.
The industrial sector suffered approximately 171 million baht in damage, a small proportion compared to damage in other economic sectors, because they were well prepared to cope with the flood.
Mr. Sanan said the three provinces with the highest damages are Chiang Rai, with a total damage of 6.412 billion baht, followed by Phayao, with 3.292 billion baht, and Sukhothai, with 3.042 billion baht.
Furthermore, frequent flooding and drought problems have directly affected agricultural production, an important part of driving the Thai economy. Therefore, the government needs to budget more than 100 billion baht annually to alleviate damages and assist the people in this area.
The Chamber of Commerce said that the Government of Thailand should review and plan water management systematically and prepare proposals for infrastructure and water management policies, as well as supportive proposals, such as studying obstacles in water management in the regions to reflect comprehensive solutions to problems in each area.
The government needs to better communicate information about the water situation in the country so that the public receives accurate, clear information and is in the same direction, including opening opportunities for the private sector to invest with the government in developing water infrastructure and groundwater replenishment to manage water shortages. Including water conservation guidelines to support sustainable consumption and commercial use.
Meanwhile, Mr. Athip Pichanon, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Trade Association Network Development Committee said that assistance had been mobilized, including financial support, consumer goods, medicines, pet food, and equipment to repair damaged homes, totaling more than 5.7 million baht, to urgently deliver assistance to affected provinces.
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Geoff Thomas is an award winning journalist known for his sharp insights and no-nonsense reporting style. Over the years he has worked for Reuters and the Canadian Press covering everything from political scandals to human interest stories. He brings a clear and direct approach to his work.
