Several provinces in the upper part of Thailand are taking a battering from the remains of tropical storm Bualoi, as floods have devastated vast residential areas, crippled infrastructure and inundated farmland close to harvest time.

The government’s Khon La Khrueng (half-half) co-payment economic stimulus scheme will begin on Oct 29, with registration expected to open soon after cabinet approval next week, according to Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

Authorities are urging caution in northern and upper northeastern Thailand, where heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers remain likely over the next couple of days, despite Typhoon Bualoi having weakened into a strong low-pressure system.

The opposition People’s Party has sharply criticised the government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for pressing ahead with the controversial southern Land Bridge project, despite longstanding doubts about its financial and environmental viability.

The Royal Thai Navy has confirmed progress in dismantling structures encroaching on Thai territory along the border in Trat province, as parallel operations to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance have secured more than 236,000 square metres of land.

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand says it plans to fill the sinkhole on Samsen Road in Dusit district of Bangkok and reopen the road for traffic by Oct 9.