Thai Businesses Battle Severe Flood Damage and Disruptions

[webfact]

 

Businesses across Thailand's North and Northeast are reeling from severe floods, with ongoing heavy rains exacerbating the situation. Many companies are scrambling to implement relief measures and maintain operations amid the deluge.

 

Durbell Co Ltd, a distribution and warehouse arm of TCP Group, reported that most of its dealers affected by the floods are located near rivers. Arjaree Suwangool, Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications at TCP Group, announced that the company has launched flood relief efforts, helping affected stores relocate stocks to dry Durbell warehouses.

 

Additionally, Durbell has pledged to accept returns of damaged TCP products and extend credit terms, alongside providing special discounts to impacted stores.

 

Efforts to adjust logistics routes to accessible roads are also underway, with operations being closely monitored, particularly in severely affected areas like Chiang Rai's Mae Sai district.

 

Similarly, Tops grocery stores, operated by Central Food Retail Co, has set up an operations team to monitor flooding in the North. While Tops outlets in the region remain undamaged, the company has initiated a financial aid programme and provided disaster relief bags to flood-affected staff members.

In an effort to assist those struggling with damaged electrical appliances, Thai Samsung Electronics Co Ltd has launched a repair service offering free labour and discounted spare parts. This service is available in flood-hit provinces including Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, and Sukhothai.

 

The Thai Retailers Association estimates that the flood damage to the retail sector exceeds 1 billion baht. The association’s vice-president, Chatchai Tuongratanaphan, has called on the government to implement relief measures for retail operators.

 

Proposed initiatives include a debt moratorium, corporate tax exemptions, extensions to the tax filing deadline, and reductions in employers' social security contribution rates. Furthermore, the association urges the government to prioritise sustainable water management through long-term planning to mitigate future disasters, reported Bangkok Post.

 

With the floodwaters showing no signs of receding soon, the affected businesses continue their struggle, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive disaster management and support.

 

FILE photo courtesy: Siam Rath

 

-- 2024-09-28