Seven measures to help flood victims

Seven measures to help flood victims

BANGKOK (NNT) - The recent flood situation in Thailand has affected more than 380 entrepreneurs, causing damage of up to 133 million baht. The Ministry of Industry has announced seven measures to provide immediate assistance to affected entrepreneurs and repair damaged utilities.

The Industry Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, has ordered all units under his ministry to assist people in flood-hit areas once the flood water recedes.

The seven measures taken by the Ministry of Industry will make it easier for flood-hit entrepreneurs to access financial sources from the Small And Medium Enterprise Development Bank (SME D Bank).

They will be offered suspension of principal payments for a maximum period of six months. They can also seek emergency loans with an interest rate of 0.415% per month and Smart SME loans with a monthly interest rate of 0.55%.

New clients can seek loans of up to 500,000 baht. The bank will also offer existing clients loans according to their previous loan contracts. They will be offered a suspension of payments for four months. Currently, 387 entrepreneurs have sought loans worth a total of 19 million baht.

The Government Housing Bank (GH Bank) has also announced financial measures to help its flood-affected clients. The annual interest rate for loans granted to existing clients with damaged collateral will be 0% for the first four months.

As for new clients or existing clients who wish to seek new loans, the bank will offer a special 3% interest rate for three years. In cases of accidental death or permanent disability, the annual interest payment will be reduced to 0.01%.

As for those with irreparable damage to their homes, their debts will be eliminated altogether.

The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security’s four rehabilitation measures, focus on distributing survival kits to the victims, repairing damaged homes, identifying occupational needs and offering a moratorium period on debts to affected elderly and disabled citizens.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, Dr. Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, warned the general public in flood-hit areas of water-borne illnesses caused by contamination of food and drinking water.

He urged people to clean themselves thoroughly after passing through areas of stagnant water to prevent gastrointestinal infections, diarrhea, leptospirosis and conjunctivitis.