Seventy-four provinces will receive Bt200 million each while harder-hit Surin and Buri Ram in the Northeast will each get Bt500 million.

Following approval of the funding proposed by the Interior Ministry and Budget Bureau, the provinces must now submit by September 30 plans to manage drought and flooding, ensuring they draw no objections from the public and can be implemented promptly.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Interior Minister General Anupong Paochinda visited Surin and Buri Ram earlier this month to inspect drought conditions and to discuss water-shortage solutions with the governors of 20 provinces in the Northeast.