Photo: Helena Jankovičová Kováčová / Pexels
Thailand has launched a government-funded disaster insurance scheme called Disaster Insurance for the People. It covers floods, windstorms and earthquakes for 30 million households nationwide. It started on October 1, 2026 and runs to September 30, 2027, with plans to renew it each year. Residential property is covered up to 100,000 baht per incident, per household. There is also life cover of 2 million baht per person for accident-related death.
What the scheme covers
The scheme covers three types of disaster: floods, windstorms and earthquakes. It is aimed at households and residential property. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul launched it, according to the National News Bureau of Thailand (NNT).
It gives households a defined verification and claims process, on top of existing disaster aid. The stated goals are:
- faster compensation
- less financial impact from disasters
- help for families to repair homes and restore their livelihoods
Payout amounts
Residential property is capped at 100,000 baht (about US$3,100) per incident, per household. Each disaster type pays an initial amount first, then a further amount up to the cap.
| Disaster | Initial payment | Additional payment |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | 10,000 baht | Up to 90,000 baht |
| Windstorm | 5,000 baht | Up to 95,000 baht |
| Earthquake | 5,000 baht | Up to 95,000 baht |
Prolonged flooding
If a household is surrounded by floodwater and can't live normally for more than 7 consecutive days, it can receive 10,000 baht per incident.
Life cover
The scheme also includes 2 million baht per person for accident-related death.
How it is being rolled out
Anutin told provincial governors, district chiefs, local administrative organisations and community officials to learn the policy. They are to explain the coverage and eligibility to residents in simple terms. If you live in Thailand and think you may qualify, your local administrative office or community officials are the people to ask.
What it means for visitors and residents
The article doesn't say tourists are covered. It talks about households and residential property, so assume the scheme applies to Thai households and not to visitors.
- Tourists: Don't count on it for hotel stays, rentals or belongings. Travel insurance is still the safeguard for trip disruption, medical costs and lost property.
- Residents and resort owners: Owners of a residence may be eligible. This is an inference, and the article doesn't address commercial property or foreign owners, so check with local officials.
- Travel plans: Flood disruption is ongoing elsewhere in Thailand, including Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi, so check flights and weather before you travel.
Information sourced from The Thaiger.