ส.อ.ท. เฝ้าติดตามสถานการณ์อุทกภัย เสนอมาตรการช่วยเหลือผู้ประกอบการในพื้นที่เพิ่มFTI Monitors Flood Situation, Proposes Additional Assistance Measures for Affected Operators

Mr. Isares Ratnandilokan Na Phuket, Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), revealed that following the FTI's recent visit to meet and assist members affected by the flooding in Chiang Rai last September, the FTI is continuing to monitor the flood situation. In October, the FTI also monitored the flood situation in Chiang Mai, which has been similarly affected. According to data as of October 9, 2024, the following FTI member operators have been affected:

1. Severe flooding (machinery, electrical systems within buildings, office equipment damaged): 23 companies
2. Moderate flooding: 17 companies
3. Flooded but able to assist themselves: 36 companies
4. Not flooded but affected: 52 companies

    
Additionally, the FTI has made recommendations to the government, requesting the development of an accurate and timely disaster warning system that can provide real-time alerts through mobile phones, as well as coordinate with neighboring countries to expedite solutions for agricultural issues in forest areas to preserve upstream forests and prevent flash floods and landslides.

“The current flooding situation is quite severe and has come quickly, coinciding with the year-end tourist season. Furthermore, from the end of this year to January next year, we will encounter PM 2.5 issues again. These crises will significantly impact Thai society and the economy. Therefore, the government must urgently find solutions to mitigate these issues and stimulate the economy to recover as quickly as possible,” Mr. Isares stated.

In addition, the FTI has developed further measures to assist operators in affected areas, categorized into four areas as follows:

1. Financial Assistance
- A moratorium on principal and interest payments for at least 12 months
- A 50% reduction in installment payments and a 1% interest rate reduction for 12 months
- Loans for repairs of homes and establishments available at 100% with low interest rates
- Low-interest loans of 1% to circulate funds and rehabilitate businesses from state financial institutions or the People's Fund from the Ministry of Industry
2. Tax Assistance
- Machinery and raw materials can be moved from factories to other locations or exported in emergencies with permission from the Board of Investment (BOI) which can be sought afterward
- Duty exemption for machinery imported to replace those damaged by flooding, along with the ability to increase production capacity simultaneously
- Exemptions on import duties for damaged raw materials imported under Section 36 due to flooding
- Local governing bodies are requested to provide tax relief measures for affected operators on selected items
3. Ministry of Industry Fees
- Request to extend the registration period for factories damaged by natural flood disasters from the original deadline of October 31, 2024, to November 30, 2024
4. Utility Costs
- Exemption from electricity bills for residences and SME establishments for the months of October – November 2024
- Waiver of water supply fees and general service charges for residences and SME establishments for the months of October – November 2024

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Published by the Corporate Communication Department, Federation of Thai Industries (Tel. 0-2345-1051)