Formation of Two Major Committees to Deal with Reconstruction after Flooding and Water Management

(09/11/2011)

The flooding situation in Thailand, the worst in half a century, has seriously and extensively affected the livelihood of local people. Apart from launching rehabilitation programs to assist affected residents in immediate and short terms, the Thai government deems it necessary to bring recovery to the country and put in place better water management in the long run. It has formed two strategic committees to work out plans and measures for the country’s rehabilitation on a long-term basis. The first one, the Strategic Committee for Reconstruction and Future Development, is chaired by Dr. Virabongsa Ramangkura, former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister. This committee consists of two Deputy Prime Ministers, Mr. Yongyoot Wichaidit and Mr. Kittiratt Na-Ranong, as members. The other one is the Strategic Committee for Water Resources Management, to be chaired by the Prime Minister, or a designated deputy prime minister. The Government has invited Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul, Secretary-General of the Chaipattana Foundation, to serve as an advisor to this committee. Mr. Virabongsa pointed out that the current flooding is having an impact on the confidence in Thailand among investors, especially foreign business people. He stressed the need to quickly restore investor confidence, rebuild the country, and work out flood prevention and water management systems. In future development, he said, the country needs to restore confidence in economic stability and growth, investment opportunities, infrastructure development, and energy security, linking with neighboring countries. He said that his committee was assigned to work closely with the Strategic Committee for Water Resources Management, so that the country’s investment would provide the maximum benefit under fiscal discipline. At the same time, the committee must be able to explain its work to investors, so that they would become confident in the country’s water management and economic potential in the future. The Cabinet, during is meeting on November 8, approved compensation payment of 5,000 baht for each flood-hit family in Bangkok. Two conditions have been set for the payment. One is that the houses were hit by a flash flood, causing damage to property. The other condition is that the houses were in stagnant floodwater for at least seven days, with damage to property. These affected houses must be located in declared emergency disaster areas, with a certified letter issued from respective districts. According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, as of October 10, 30 districts in Bangkok have been flooded to varying degrees and 621,355 families have been affected.