A recent Assumption University ABAC poll found that the THB5,000 offered by the government for repair of flood-hit households was insufficient to cover the real costs of fixing up properties.
Of those surveyed, 59.5 percent said they needed more than THB5,000 while 40.5 percent said the amount was enough.
The poll surveyed 1,738 people in nine provinces – Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Lop Buri and Nakhon Sawan – from Dec. 15 to Jan. 7.
Roughly 64 percent of respondents paid an average of THB37,022 to repair their flood damaged homes, 40.6 percent paid an average of THB20,475 baht to buy new appliance and furniture, and 20.6 percent paid an average of THB7,096 to fix electric, water and telephone systems.
The survey found that 84.2 percent of flood-affected people were using their life savings to repair flood damage, 40.8 percent were borrowing from loan sharks, and 16.4 percent were borrowing from banks.
Dr. Noppadon Kannika, director of ABAC poll center, said the results proved that THB5,000 is not enough for flood relief and that the government should review its payment plan, according to the Bangkok Post. The poll showed that many were struggling financially and depending on loan sharks, he added.
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A flooded neighborhood in Ayutthaya Province in October, 2011. Photo: Coconuts Bangkok
