At least B1 billion in flood damage to industries expected - Bangkok Post

A worker inspects a pickup truck on the assembly line at the Toyota Ban Pho plant in Chachoengsao. The automaker had to suspend operations at its four Thai plants because flooding had disrupted parts deliveries and prevented many employees from getting to work. (Photo: Supplied) Damage caused by heavy rainfall in Thailand’s eastern and central regions over the past week is expected to exceed 1 billion baht, according to a preliminary assessment by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

The estimate is based on damage reports collected between Sept 24 and 30, although the federation said the figure remains subject to revision as more information becomes available from affected businesses, particularly those located in industrial estates in Chon Buri province.

“The data is based on partial information gathered so far and will be updated as additional reports of actual damage are received from entrepreneurs, especially in industrial estate areas in Chon Buri,” the FTI said in a statement released on Thursday.

Toyota on Wednesday suspended operations at four Thai plants as flooding was disrupting parts deliveries and also preventing many employees from travelling to work.

There was concern that many more parts suppliers would be affected, said Surapong Paisitpatanapong, spokesman for the Automotive Industry Club of the FTI.

In addition to flooding previously reported by the Ministry of Industry in the Lat Krabang and Bang Chan industrial estates in Bangkok, the FTI said a growing number of member companies have reported flood-related disruptions.

According to the FTI survey, 28 member companies in Nonthaburi were affected, with most reporting floodwaters surrounding their factories or business premises.

Another 18 companies in Prachin Buri, seven in Nakhon Nayok, and one company each in Kanchanaburi and Chachoengsao also reported impacts from the flooding.

The federation said it is continuing to gather information from affected factories in order to determine the full extent of the damage.

“In the short term, the priority is to ensure that affected businesses can sustain their operations and resume normal activities as quickly as possible,” said Pimjai Leeissaranukul, chairwoman of the FTI.

Based on proposals submitted by its members, the FTI urged the government to introduce a series of measures to support businesses and workers affected by the floods.

In called for financial assistance and compensation programmes for employees whose workplaces remain unable to operate normally.

It also proposed low-interest loans to help companies restore operations and sought reductions or exemptions for government fees and charges related to factory operations.

The FTI further asked authorities to accelerate coordination with insurance companies to facilitate damage assessments and claims, deploy experts to evaluate factory damage and recommend repairs and expedite support for the disposal and management of flood-damaged waste, materials and industrial debris.