Frustrated claimants in overnight queues outside district offices
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has extended the deadline for flood victims to file the paperwork needed for financial assistance for another month, until the end of November.
The extension was announced as flood-affected residents continued to form long lines at Bangkok district offices, many queueing overnight, to register claims for compensation as the month-end deadline drew near.
Bangkokians had 30 days to register for flood relief from the first day their respective districts were declared disaster zones, freeing up emergency funds.
Three districts were declared disaster zones on Sept 25 and other districts the following day, meaning they all face a looming deadline.
The BMA announced on Monday the deadline had been moved to the end of next month, to allow victims more time to register for assistance.
Victims in the capital can apply for the aid programme through the government's thangrath app, on the BMA's claim.bangkok.go.th website, by online queue reservation in the district where they reside, or show up at the district office for a walk-in process.
The filing process is complicated and time-consuming because the compensation claim forms are different for those whose houses were flooded out and those merely trapped by floodwater, such as flat residents.
Many people have aired their frustration on social media, some saying they had filled out the appropriate form online but had received no feedback days or even weeks later and did not know if their claim was accepted.
Many decided to return in person to the district office, adding to the queues, in the hope they would be eligible for assistance and within the deadline.
The queue problem has been most serious in northern and eastern districts such as Don Muang, Min Buri and Sai Mai, where flooding caused severe damage late last month. Victims have been seen using sandals, water bottles and even dolls to reserve their place in the queue overnight outside the Sai Mai district office.
The BMA advises applicants to ensure they prepare all documents needed to accompany the claim form, to prove they are eligible for the money.
Financial aid for flood victims varies from 5,000 baht per household to 9,000 baht, depending on the severity of the situation at their location.