Bangkok: ‘Pipat’ mobilizes to distribute relief bags to help flood victims in the South, along with solving problems related to employment, reducing social security contributions for 6 months, registering for unemployment, and expediting repairs of electrical appliances and motorcycles after the water recedes. On December 2, 2024, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labor, along with Mr. Sirapop Duangsodsri, Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Labor, Mr. Aree Krainara, Secretary to the Minister, Mr. Thanat Taveekeokulkit, Advisor to the Minister, Mr. Phumipat Mueanchan, Spokesperson of the Ministry, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyudh, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labor, and executives of the Ministry of Labor mobilized forces to pack relief bags worth over 1.8 million baht and send them on 3 trucks to the flood victims in Songkhla and Hat Yai at the lobby on the ground floor of the Ministry of Labor building.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pipat stated that the recent flood situation in the sout
hern provinces has led to flash floods and forest runoff affecting 8 provinces: Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Satun, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The disaster has impacted 78 districts, 515 sub-districts, and 3,552 villages, affecting 684,388 households and resulting in 9 fatalities. To address these challenges, he, alongside the Ministry of Labor’s Permanent Secretary and officials, prepared relief bags for the affected regions. Initially, on November 28, 2014, the Ministry distributed 540 relief bags valued at 270,000 baht, followed by an additional 3,100 relief bags worth 1,550,000 baht. Mr. Pipat also announced plans to visit the affected areas from December 4-7 to further assist in the relief efforts.
Mr. Pipat further explained that financial aid has been distributed to alleviate the hardships of labor families and networks, with donations amounting to 69,000 baht in Songkhla Province, 52,500 baht in Pattani Province, 115,000 baht in Yala Province, and 141,000 baht in Narathiwat
Province. The Ministry of Labor’s measures to assist flood victims include reducing contribution rates and extending contribution periods for insured employees unable to work due to flooding. Affected employees can apply for unemployment benefits due to force majeure and register for unemployment insurance online. The Ministry is also assessing the need for projects to address occupational hardships, assisting with employment post-flood, and coordinating with employers to allow employees to take leave without penalty. Additionally, repair technician teams are being organized to assist with electrical equipment, housing, and motorcycle repairs once the floodwaters recede.
Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labor, emphasized the cooperation received from all departments and agencies under the Ministry of Labor, with the Ministry serving as a central hub for relief efforts. He urged those affected by the floods in the South to contact the Ministry of Labor or local labor volunteers
for assistance. The Ministry is employing the ‘Chiang Rai Model’ to facilitate a return to normalcy for affected workers. Private sector organizations are encouraged to donate consumer goods to aid in the relief efforts, with a preference for halal food items. For further assistance, the Ministry of Labor’s hotline at 1506 is available.