Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, held a press briefing after a joint meeting with the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance, and relevant agencies on integrated assistance, relief, and rehabilitation for flood victims in the South, held at the Ministry of Finance. She stated that the Prime Minister had issued urgent instructions following the flooding, ordering a rapid assessment of damage and the impact on affected establishments and employees. Initial data indicate that over 10,000 establishments and approximately 200,000 employees have been affected. The Prime Minister directed all agencies to accelerate every possible project that can provide the fastest relief and support.
For the Ministry of Labour, immediate assistance includes income compensation for insured employees under the Social Security scheme. Through the enhanced benefits programme for unemployment due to force majeure caused by natural disaster, the Social Security Fund will provide 50% of daily wages, for days employees are unable to work, for a period of up to 6 months. This measure aims to provide quick relief and mitigate immediate hardship before moving into the reconstruction and recovery phase.
The Minister of Labour added that, for insured persons requiring assistance and relief, she has instructed the Social Security Office to issue an urgent policy directive for all provincial Social Security offices to act immediately, as they already possess the necessary insured-person data. After this initial stage, during the recovery phase, the Ministry of Labour has planned additional support for affected citizens. She has tasked the Department of Skill Development with preparing to assist with the repair and reconstruction of homes and vehicles. The Ministry has repair and restoration centres ready to provide initial support once the floodwaters recede, in accordance with the Prime Minister’s directive for the Ministry of Labour to act swiftly.
