Bang Rakam Model: A Pilot Project to Tackle Flooding in Thailand

(02/09/2011)

The “Bang Rakam Model” in the northern province of Phitsanulok has been cited as a pilot project to help tackle flooding in Thailand. Government Spokesperson Thitima Chaisaeng said that the idea for the model came after Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had visited Bang Rakam district, Phitsanulok province, which faced recurrent floods. After having discussed the situation with officials involved, the Prime Minister then came up with the model to solve flooding through integrated operations of all relevant agencies. The model calls for preparations for dealing with the natural disaster and responses to the needs of affected people. It also seeks to rehabilitate flood victims and prevent the problem in the long run. The Government Spokesperson said that, under the Bang Rakam Model, the responsible agency must have information about flood damage in the respective area. The information should involve, for example, affected families and farmland. Flood reports must be sent to the central administration for prompt assistance and flood management on a long-term basis. She gave an explanation of this model, because some people misunderstood that this model involved only the distribution of necessary items to flood victims. In fact, it is a one-stop service center and will serve as an effective example for other areas, as well. This model would ease people’s suffering, thus enabling them to lead their normal lives. In this connection, the government agencies involved must listen to the complaints from the public and the views of all sectors of society. According to the Government Spokesperson, Prime Minister Yingluck had stressed the need to pay greater attention to monitoring the affected people to ensure that they received assistance. Flood protection must also be carried out on a continual basis and responsible officials need to be alert to the situation. She said that the Government wanted people to have better understanding about the Bang Rakam Model, which clearly has a responsible agency to handle the problem. Meanwhile the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that eight provinces still faced flooding. These provinces included Sukhothai, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Chai Nat, and Ubon Ratchathani, and Sing Buri. The Government earlier approved compensation for the people whose farmland was affected by floods. Each rai, or 0.4 acre, of rice field will receive 2,222 baht in compensation. A workshop will be held soon, with the participation of water management experts, to come up with flood prevention in both the short and long term.