Southeast Asia's third largest economy approves $313M flood relief

Thailand, the third largest economy in Southeast Asia, has approved 10.5 billion baht (US$313 million) in flood relief, alongside other measures including debt-payment suspensions and soft loans, government officials said on Tuesday. The government had previously paid more than five billion baht in flood assistance, government spokesperson Ekkapob Pianpises told a briefingThe cabinet also approved tax relief and customs duty exemptions for flood victims, a finance ministry official said. People navigate through a flooded market in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 28, 2026. Photo by Reuters In September, Bangkok was declared a disaster-affected zone after nearly 300 mm of rain hit the city in just three days, as much as it typically receives in the whole of the month.Flooding disrupted operations of automakers and parts suppliers, and killed at least 80 people.Bank of Thailand Deputy Governor Piti Disyatat told Reuters last week the floods would not significantly affect the economy, which is expected to grow 2.3% or higher this year.