Thai businesses suffer severe flood damage and disruption

Businesses in northern and northeastern Thailand are suffering from severe flooding, with prolonged heavy rains worsening the situation. Many businesses are desperately trying to take relief measures and maintain operations despite the floods.

Darvel, the distribution and warehousing arm of TCP Group, reported that most of the dealers affected by the floods are located near the river. TCP Group’s Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications Arjaree Suwangool revealed that the company has launched flood relief efforts and is helping affected stores move their inventory to the dry Darvel warehouse.

Furthermore, Darvel has agreed to take back damaged TCP products, extend credit periods and offer special discounts to affected stores. Efforts are also being made to adapt logistics routes to motorable roads. The process is being closely monitored, especially in heavily affected areas such as Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district.

Similarly, Tops, a grocery store run by Central Food Retail Company, has set up a response team to monitor flooding in the north. While Tops stores in the region remain undamaged, the company has launched a financial assistance program and provided disaster relief packages to employees affected by the floods.

To help those in need of damaged electronic devices, Samsung Electronics Thailand has launched a repair service that provides free labor and discounted spare parts. The service is available in flood-hit provinces such as Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae and Sukhothai. The Thai Retailers Association estimates flood damage to retail businesses will exceed 1 billion baht. Chatchai Tuongratanaphan, vice president of the association, called on the government to provide relief measures for retailers.

Proposed initiatives include debt moratoriums, corporate tax exemptions, tax filing deadline extensions and reductions in employers’ social security contributions. In addition, the association called on the government to prioritize sustainable water management through long-term plans to mitigate future disasters, reported the Bangkok Post.

With no signs of flooding receding soon, affected businesses continue to struggle, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive disaster management and assistance.