Historic Sites In South Of Thailand Hit By Floods

[Lite Beer]

Historic sites in South hit by floods

By The Nation on Sunday.

Several ancient sites in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani have been severely affected by the recent floods, the Fine Arts Department's Archaeology Division reported yesterday

The damage assessment report by Fine Arts Office 14 in Nakhon Si Thammarat said that satellite photo analysis showed 52 ancient sites in Sichon district, estimated to belong to the 12th-14th centuries of the Buddhist era, which were yet to be fully explored, were submerged. The floods also damaged the Tumpang archaeological site in Tha Sala district, Wat Chaeng's Chinese pavilion, and the ancient wall and fortress on Ratchadamnoen Road in Mueang district, the report said. In Surat Thani, the Wiang Sa ancient city was severely hit by the floods while the Kuan Tharae, Tha Sathon and Nam Rob temples on the banks of the Tapi River were also damaged by flood waters.

Meanwhile, HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana yesterday visited flood victims in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Nopphitam district.

Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Theera Mintrasak said that 600,000 relief bags from the royal family, the state and private sectors were distributed to some 200,000 flood-affected families. He urged those victims who had not received it to inform local leaders or district chiefs.

Meanwhile, Sompong Chusri, the grandfather of two Krabi boys who were orphaned by the March 29 landslide in Khao Phanom district, said yesterday that he and the boys were overjoyed and excited to hear that HRH Princess Srirasmi would be visiting them tomorrow. The Princess has taken the two boys under her royal patronage.

After the new home being built for the boys is finished next month, Sompong said he and his wife would move in to raise the two boys to be good persons as the princess had showered her kindness on them.

-- The Nation 2011-04-17

[Lite Beer]

PM: Floods in the South subsided

By NUPPOL SUVANSOMBUT.

BANGKOK, 17 April 2011 (NNT)-Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said in his weekly television program "Confidence in Thailand with PM Abhisit" that floods had subsided in the Southern region as the rehabilitation program had already begun.

The Prime Minister said only a few areas around Tapi River remain inundated. Railways and airport in the South have now resumed their operations. Meanwhile, several electricity generators and water systems are being repaired while most of them have already been fixed.

Temporary shelters have been built for residents who have lost their homes to the natural disasters. The flood relief fund will also be distributed to farmers who have lost their jobs. The rescue teams are reportedly having some difficulties in dealing with flood victims as some fear to return to their homes while others refuse to do so even though rescue staff confirm their homes are now safe. Mr. Abhisit has assured the Southern residents that the rescue efforts are being made continuously to make sure the situation returns to normal soon.

-- NNT 2011-04-17