The rest of the budget would go towards occupational skills training and mobile units to help find jobs for the unemployed.

The projects started on June 15 and would run for one month.

The five provinces were devastated by severe floods last month and the Meteorological Department is forecasting more heavy downpours in the lower North as a monsoon passes across the country.

Residents in Lampang, Tak, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai and Phetchabun were warned about possible flash floods.

The South was also expected to come under the influence of the monsoon, with showers and some heavy downpours predicted.

Caretaker Agriculture Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan instructed the Irrigation Department to monitor rainfall and the water levels of dams in high-risk areas.

"Small fishing trawlers must also be careful when going out to sea," she said.

Caretaker Finance Minister Thanong Bidaya said he and top officials from the ministry as well as specialised financial institutions would visit flood victims in Uttaradit, Phrae and Sukhothai today.

"We will listen to them and try to draw up additional measures that best respond to their needs," Thanong said.

The Government Savings Bank and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) would be among the state banks on the trip.

The Finance Ministry has already arranged several programmes to assist those with financial difficulties, including tax benefits and grace periods on interest payments.

BAAC president Thirapong Tangthirasunan said he would take 200 photos of His Majesty the King waving his hand during a public audience with HM the Queen by his side.

"I plan to distribute the photos to local people there in a bid to boost their spirits.

"The moral support is very important," he said.