This October, many Thais continue to face various disasters, including floods, isolation due to rising waters, gusty storms, landslides, and hazards from waterborne pathogens and aquatic animals.

Life must go on despite these numerous threats. It is important for the public to know that the government has procured free insurance for citizens nationwide to provide a safety net against damages from three types of natural disasters: floods, windstorms, and earthquakes. Under this scheme, the government pays the premiums for 30 million households across the country. Coverage runs from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027 (renewable annually). Benefits include an initial 10,000 Baht payment for flooding (up to a maximum of 100,000 Baht) and an additional 10,000 Baht for being cut off by floodwaters for more than seven days. Life coverage of up to 2 million Baht per person is provided in the event of accidental death. Damage assessments are conducted within 15 days using GISTDA satellite imagery.

Summary of compensation rates and disaster insurance coverage conditions: The public disaster insurance policy clearly specifies compensation and indemnity rates based on the type of damage, as follows:

1. Residential Coverage (Maximum 100,000 Baht per incident per household):

- Flooding: An immediate initial payment of 10,000 Baht is made; for damages exceeding this initial amount, actual costs are covered up to a limit of 90,000 Baht.

- Windstorms: An initial payment of 5,000 Baht is made; for damages exceeding this initial amount, actual costs are covered up to a limit of 95,000 Baht.

- Earthquakes: An initial payment of 5,000 Baht is made; for damages exceeding this initial amount, actual costs are covered up to a limit of 95,000 Baht.

- Encirclement by Floodwaters: If a residence is surrounded by floodwaters to the extent that normal living is impossible for more than 7 consecutive days, compensation of 10,000 Baht per incident per household is provided.

2. Life Coverage: Covers death resulting from an accident caused by a disaster, with a coverage limit of 2,000,000 Baht per person.

Citizens who have suffered damage to their homes, vehicles, or belongings can receive compensation through the "Public Disaster Insurance Scheme." The Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) and the Thai General Insurance Association, manages this scheme on behalf of the government.

Entitlement: Compensation is paid based on specific disaster incidents (calculated by disaster cycle); duplicate claims for the same event are not permitted. Should a new wave of flooding occur after October 1, 2026, eligibility for compensation under the catastrophe insurance system will apply immediately. Regarding operational procedures during a disaster, government agencies—specifically the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), the Department of Provincial Administration, and the Department of Local Administration—will collaborate with local administrative organizations, sub-district headmen (*Kamnan*), and village headmen (*Phu Yai Ban*) to conduct on-site damage assessments.

Meanwhile, Thai citizens affected by floods or storms prior to October 1, 2026, remain eligible to claim government relief payments as usual. Therefore, the public should promptly familiarize themselves with the relevant processes and submit claims for relief funds; doing so will help alleviate hardship and offset costs associated with repairing homes, vehicles, and other property. Relief payments are subject to the conditions stipulated under the existing Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act (at a rate of 9,000 baht).

It is evident that Thailand is facing an increasing number of natural disasters as global climate conditions become more volatile and severe by the day. Consequently, we must remain constantly prepared. No matter what challenges we encounter, we will overcome these crises and lead safe, happy, and sustainable lives...