Thai PM visits flood-hit provinces as 1,600 villages grapple with damage

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Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to visit flood-stricken communities in Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, and Roi Et today. The severity of Thai floods in these areas is still under assessment, with aid strategies being formulated.

 

Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke reported that the ongoing heavy rains have triggered Thai floods, engulfing over 1,600 villages across 28 provinces from September 26 until yesterday.

 

Accompanying the 61 year old prime minister on his tour are Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chaiya Promma, and Deputy Interior Minister Kriang Kantinan.

The itinerary includes the Thai PM attending a follow-up meeting on the Thai floods situation at the Regional Irrigation Office 7 in Ubon Ratchathani today. He will also visit the hydro-measuring station (M7) at the Seri Democracy Bridge in the Mueang district of Ubon Ratchathani.

 

by Mitch Connor

Photo: Nujaree Rakrun/Bangkok Post

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-06

 

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Over development of the town centres. Concreting over what were flood plains without adequate drainage.

 

Many years ago, Buriram used to flood badly. Their political kingpin and his wife, head of Tessaban, secured funding for all underground drainage pipes in affected area to be dug up and replaced with much larger ones. They also dredged the reservoir to increase capacity. Problem solved.

 

As for the villages, time and again they have been advised to turn part of their rice paddy over to water storage. Grants issued to dig. Most decided against it as they'd lose the 3 bags of rice that 1 rai would produce. The chances are many will now lose the whole crop.

Edited October 6, 2023 by youreavinalaff