Thailand Flood Crisis Brings Out The Best In People

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EDITORIAL

Flood crisis brings out the best in people

By The Nation

Natural disaster provides an opportunity for Thais to set an example for shameful politicians

The government and the public will have to be prepared to deal with the repercussions of the worst flooding in recent history. The deluge has already claimed at least 107 lives, and although water levels have started to recede in some provinces, the floods are expected to have severe consequences for large numbers of people.

Flooding has affected a huge number of farmers, whose crops have been destroyed or diminished. These farmers will see their earnings decrease while the cost of living continues to rise, with greater demand and subsequent price hikes driven by the limited supply of produce after the natural disaster. Thai textile exports, a main sector of the economy, have also been affected because the floodwaters have blocked certain transport routes.

Many workers in inundated areas have not been able to get to work. The disaster has also slowed down the recovering tourism industry. The industry estimates the flooding has caused damage and losses amounting to at least Bt600 million. This comes on top of the damage caused by the ongoing political conflict.

The government and relevant agencies involved must take immediate action to alleviate the effects of the flooding. And priority should be given to those directly hit.

Already, the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives have announced plans to re-schedule debt payments for farm households hit by the deluge. But farmers are faced not only with debt and earning problems; many have seen their entire property - houses, vehicles and machinery - completely submerged. Repair and reconstruction of homes must be executed promptly once the water recedes.

Two naval vessels, including the helicopter carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet, have been dispatched to provide medical and logistical support for the relief operation in the south.

Although the water has receded somewhat in Hat Yai, areas of the city are still two metres deep in water. About 3,000 troops are already in place assisting local residents, and an additional 5,000 to 6,000 more are expected to be sent to the disaster zone.

These events could not have hit Thailand at a worse time. Already bogged down in a seemingly intractable political crisis, with no real end in sight, the floods have taken the wind from us yet again. But it is at times like this that people come together, putting aside their differences and working toward a common goal. In many areas, volunteers and private companies are providing assistance to affected people, handing out dried food and bottled water. Local community leaders have reportedly sought donations to assist people most affected by the flooding.

Ordinary folk have shown great spirit in helping the victims. Indeed, when neighbours are neck-deep in water, the colour of one's political allegiance doesn't make much difference. And while the political stalemate is set to continue after the waters have finally receded, people will have demonstrated that we do have the ability to cooperate as one for the common good.

Still, greater cooperation from the private sector is essential, as public assistance alone will not be able to effectively address the needs of the victims. The encouraging economic growth rate of 8 per cent will not be meaningful if Thais fail to help each other during this time of difficulty. This means that, in many cases, personal sacrifices will have to be made. Human history is full of exploitation but we can make an example here to show the world that all of us, the affected and unaffected, share the same heart and soul during times of crisis. Shop- and business-owners must think twice before they raise prices, especially in areas affected by flood.

Helping those in need must be on our minds and at the centre of our decision-making during this difficult time. We can all make a difference, no matter how small - by choosing to spend our vacations domestically instead of abroad, or by buying locally to help support local producers. Such thoughts should be part of our consideration.

This natural disaster will test our ability to be resilient together. How we turn this crisis into an opportunity is essentially up to us all.

-- The Nation 2010-11-04