Floods have damaged 4,500 factories

Combined esimated damage B2.14 billion, assistance being prepared

Recent floods have damaged more than 4,500 factories nationwide, most belonging to small or medium-sized businesses, Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said on Tuesday.

Mr Varawut said that as of Monday flooding had affected 4,523 factories in 55 provinces. They comprised 316 factories of established industrialists, 4,113 factories of small or medium-sized enterprises and 94 plants owned by community enterprises.

The combined esimated damage was 2.14 billion baht.

The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand reported that floods affected 180-190 plants in industrial estates and damage there amounted to 1.7-1.8 billion baht, the minister said.

Mr Varawut said industrial officials would work out appropriate assistance for affected operators. Those whose plants had been brought to a total stop would receive special care.

The Industry Ministry would ask financial institutions to help affected operators by providing debt moratoriums and loans for repair and rehabilitation. Industrial works officials would also advise on after-flood safety procedures at damaged factories, Mr Varawut said.