Thailand cabinet approves $400m flood relief, official says

BANGKOK — Thailand's cabinet has approved 10.5 billion baht (S$400 million) in flood relief, alongside other measures including debt-payment suspensions and soft loans, government officials said on Tuesday (Oct 20).

The government had previously paid more than five 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 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 per cent or higher this year.

[[nid:747428]]