Flood Control to Be Tightened in Economic Areas

(22/05/2012)

The Government is confident that it will be able to cope with the next possible flooding situation, saying that flood control will be tightened, especially in key economic areas. Minister of Science and Technology Plodprasop Suraswadi stated that the flooding situation in 2012 would not be worrisome, as all major dams have been prepared to accommodate a greater volume of water, following the lesson learned from severe floods in 2011. The Government has managed the existing dams by lowering the water level, so that they would be able to store more water during the peak rainy season. In protecting Bangkok from floods, he said, embankments had been built along Rangsit Canal, and if Rangsit Canal was free from inundation, the Don Mueang area would be safe. This means that the other areas of Bangkok would be safe, as well. Flood walls have also been set up along various canals, while more water retention sites, known as “Kaem Ling – Monkey’s Cheek,” have been built. Moreover, waterways in many areas have been cleared to prevent them from blocking water flows. According to Mr. Plodprasop, rain would arrive later in 2012 than in 2011. Since the climate in Thailand is monsoonal, flooding is considered more or less normal. Certain areas along the Chao Phraya River, such as those in Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Chai Nat, Nakhon Sawan, Suphan Buri, and Ayutthaya, might be affected by floods this year. But major economic zones and industrial estates have been all protected, with the construction of protective barriers. He said that officials could not get to certain flooded areas last year, as they were inaccessible by car. In order to tackle this problem, the Government has installed 200 more closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in various flood-prone areas, bringing the total number of CCTV cameras for the purpose to 300 now. The system will enable the Government to manage water drainage more effectively. A budget of 350 billion baht, or about 11.4 billion US dollars, is being invested in measures to prevent a repeat of last year’s floods. Mr. Plodprasop stated that the fund would be spent mainly on flood diversion projects to protect Bangkok and neighboring provinces, which are the country’s economic zones, from flooding. It would also be used to build a large dam. Out of this budget, 25 billion baht has already been used to repair water gates, clear waterways to facilitate water drainage, and construct dykes and barriers. The Government would invite both Thai and foreign investors to propose conceptual plans for flood prevention in Thailand. The best plan would be selected and translated into action. The Cabinet, during its meeting on 7 February 2012, approved the setting up of a single command authority to manage the country’s water in an integrated manner. Concerning this authority, Mr. Plodprasop said that the Prime Minister is the chairperson, with representatives from water-related management agencies as members, and that he would handle tasks assigned by the Prime Minister. With all these measures in place, he made assurances that the flood situation would be brought under control this year.