Dr. Ekop Criticizes MP Suphanat for Spreading False Claims on Flood Relief Funds

Key summary

Dr. Ekop Peianphiset, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, responded to Suphanat Minchanan, a Bangkok Member of Parliament from the People's Party, who incorrectly stated that the 5,290 million baht flood relief budget had been exhausted. Dr. Ekop accused MP Suphanat of either being unaware or intentionally spreading misinformation for publicity. He clarified that the current relief funds come from the remaining balance of the fiscal year 2026 budget (ending September 30, 2026), which was approved by the Cabinet to be used for disaster relief, amounting to approximately 4,700 million baht. Additionally, a special contingency fund allows provincial governors to disburse up to 50 million baht per province, with Bangkok allocated an extra 100 million baht upon request from the Bangkok governor and approval from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). Dr. Ekop explained that these funds are drawn from the unspent general budget and can be supplemented by requesting additional allocations if needed. He emphasized that national disaster insurance is a strategy to reduce financial risks, speed up assistance for affected citizens, and aligns with recommendations from World Bank and IMF meetings regarding global disaster risk management. Dr. Ekop concluded by suggesting that MP Suphanat's comments were motivated by a desire for media attention rather than factual accuracy.