PM Presides At Ceremony Sending Off Relief Caravan

[Lite Beer]

PM presides at ceremony sending off relief caravan

BANGKOK, Sept 18 -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinwatra on Sunday presided over a ceremony to send off relief caravan from Government House to aid flood victims in Ang Thong, Ayutthaya and Uthai Thani provinces before she proceeded to inspect the flood situation in Nonthaburi.

Many agencies joined to provide assistance to be delivered by the caravan of 23 trucks.

Thirty flatbottomed boats and 210 boats will be delivered to Ang Thong, Ayutthaya and Uthai Thani; 8,000 relief packages will go to Udon Thani, 3,000 to Ayutthaya and 1,000 to Ang Thong.

Sixteen mobile toilets are being sent to Ayutthaya, and two water trucks, one ambulance and two rescue vehicles with 94 emergency toilets joined the caravan to help flood victims.

Ms Yingluck said the caravan came from public donations to help flood victims in 55 provinces. Flood-affected families will initially be given Bt5,000 per household plus a relief package.

A committee will be set up to provide care, and to consider and approve financial aid to distribute the assistance to all victims.

After the ceremony at Government House, Ms Yingluck was scheduled to inspect flood situation in Nonthaburi's Pak Kret district and Wat Chimplee in Koh Kret.

The premier is to visit flood victims at a mosque in Tha-id subdistrict and Wat Chalermprakiat until 1pm before taking boat trip from Nonthaburi pier to the Royal Thai Navy Convention Center to inspect the water level and flood prevention dykes along the Chao Phraya River. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-09-18

[Lite Beer]

Yingluck give aid to flood victims and discusses flood prevention for Bangkok

BANGKOK, 18 September 2011 (NNT)- At the Government House, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra presided over the launch of a caravan to aid provincial flood victims. From public donations, the government had arranged for supplies which included 30 small boats, 210 raft boats and 8000 life jackets, all transported to Udon Thani, Ayutthaya, and Ang Thong provinces. In addition, 16 mobile water closets, one ERT emergency vehicle and 2 truckloads of drinking water were part of the caravan as well.

Later PM Yingluck embarked on a journey to the riverside district of Pak Kret in Nonthaburi Province to visit residents along the Chao Phraya River as well as handing out supplies and life jackets to those in need, followed by a trip to various temples and mosques on Ko Kret before examining the water levels and prevention systems towards the west of Nonthaburi port. Furthermore, the PM engaged on a cruise along the river to meet Navy personnel in order to discuss flood prevention methods for Bangkok.

-- NNT 2011-09-18

[Buchholz]

Yingluck give aid to flood victims and discusses flood prevention for Bangkok

BANGKOK, 18 September 2011 (NNT)- At the Government House, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra presided over the launch of a caravan to aid provincial flood victims.

Gosh, and people wonder why so many Thais are mistaken in their erroneous beliefs, eg. Thaksin personally paid off the IMF loan, Thaksin paid for my son's operation out of his own pocket, etc.

From the above, one might misconstrue, with just a bit more repetition and spinning, that Yingluck is providing for these flood relief items herself from her personal stock portfolio funds.

==========================================

On the flooding itself, it's good that something is being done 17 days after the start of this month:

More than 102 dead in Thai flooding

More than 102 people have died due to the flooding in Thailand during the rainy season which began this month.

Sep 18, 2011

http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/09/18/56328865.html

.

Edited September 18, 2011 by Buchholz

[Deez]

Most countries they rush to get relief to victims. Here they have to arrange a photo shoot to show what a generous person she is to be taking care of the people. Disgusting

[ratcatcher]

Most countries they rush to get relief to victims. Here they have to arrange a photo shoot to show what a generous person she is to be taking care of the people. Disgusting

Quite so. Who is providing the financial assistance to flood victims?

The Government?

Yingluck Shinawatra?

Public donations?

Amazing! Here we have Thailand in the throes of the flood of the century and she's band-standing using public donations while people spend week after week up to their knees, waist etc in flood water. I know, as I'm sitting surrounded by water outside the house right now.

Puea Thai, long may they rain.

[djlest]

Now here is an idea...

How about improving the education system - and teaching ALL THAI CHILDREN how to swim...

Because believe it or now about 95% of the population cannot swim...

Ah but netbooks are more fun and look better... point taken

[Lite Beer]

Herbal medication kits to be distributed to flood victims

BANGKOK, 18 September 2011(NNT)-The Department for Development of Thai Traditional Medicine and Alternative Medicine has distributed herbal medication kits to residents in disaster areas in a bid to relieve flood-borne diseases.

The medication kits for flood victims comprise herbal medicines which are used for curing common illnesses, such as sore throats, fever, diarrhea and joint pain.

The first 300 kits have been distributed to residents in Bang Pa-In district of Ayutthaya province. So far, the Public Health Ministry has provided more than 800,000 medication kits to people in flood-hit areas and has sent its medical teams to take care of more than 200,000 people, most of whom suffer cold, Athlete's foot, skin problems and stress.

-- NNT 2011-09-18

[chinook]

Now here is an idea...

How about improving the education system - and teaching ALL THAI CHILDREN how to swim...

Because believe it or now about 95% of the population cannot swim...

Ah but netbooks are more fun and look better... point taken

Exactly where would ’ALL THAI CHILDREN’ learn to swim?

[OzMick]

Now here is an idea...

How about improving the education system - and teaching ALL THAI CHILDREN how to swim...

Because believe it or now about 95% of the population cannot swim...

Ah but netbooks are more fun and look better... point taken

Exactly where would 'ALL THAI CHILDREN' learn to swim?

The normal place is in water.

[thequietman]

Many agencies joined to provide assistance to be delivered by the caravan of 23 trucks

I think i am right when i say that this isnt the most reliable way to send aid and certainly not the quickest. the roads are a mess and most impassable due to flood waters. a helicopter relief effort would make more sense for the jungle areas where most of these people reside.

however as someone said before its probably all show boating for the cameras. 23 trucks would look impressive on a highway with more than likely phue thai banners strapped to them claiming the aid is from them and not donated by the people.

Helicopters would fly too high and get everything there quicker which interferes with their face farce.

[rubl]

Many agencies joined to provide assistance to be delivered by the caravan of 23 trucks

I think i am right when i say that this isnt the most reliable way to send aid and certainly not the quickest. the roads are a mess and most impassable due to flood waters. a helicopter relief effort would make more sense for the jungle areas where most of these people reside.

however as someone said before its probably all show boating for the cameras. 23 trucks would look impressive on a highway with more than likely phue thai banners strapped to them claiming the aid is from them and not donated by the people.

Helicopters would fly too high and get everything there quicker which interferes with their face farce.

Surely you're a bit cynical here. Yesterday it said

"The average flood level in Angthong is at 1 to 2 metres, especially in urban areas, where schools and markets are closed."

Should be no problem for trucks sent off with a smile

Edited September 18, 2011 by rubl

[geriatrickid]

As usual, the negative brigade has arrived to render judgement. Not that any of these people have experience in delivering aid or support in such circumstances or understand the exact nature of the flood losses, but they criticize all the same. Why do I say that? Well, look at some of the unrealistic statements;

1. "Trucks should not be used, as helicopters are better."

Nice sentiment, but Thailand does not have a fleet of helicopters capable of delivering the quantity of material necessary. The delivery and distribution of relief supplies requires a staging area and a logistics system. One can't just fly helicopters into a region and dump the aid. The amount and type of aid needed requires the combined use of rail & road transport. People are not starving. What is needed are heavyweight supplies and helicopters are NOT the most efficient method of delivery.

2." The response is too slow."

That is the criticism leveled every time there is a flood. I don't suppose that people understand that each province is responsible for the first response to a catastrophe. The provincial governors are responsible for assessing and providing the aid. Once the catastrophe reaches a threshold, then the national government steps in. Until that point, the national ministries are there to support and assist the provincial administrtaions since it is the provincial goverments that have the existing infrastructure and logistics capabilities in place to act.

3 ." I don't understand the delay, so the government is inept."

The response so far has been better than previous floods. The credit for that doesn't necessarily belong to the government. Rather, last year's flooding left a legacy of skills, staging areas, and an inventory of relief goods. Unlike last year's floods where a large part of the supplies had to be rushed from manufacturers and other suppliers, some of it was already stockpiled. Last year's severe flooding was a learning opportunity for the various governments and they have learnt from their mistakes. 17 days is quite good for large scale activity.Last month, in the USA, large segments of its north east region were devastated by a hurricane. A month later, there are still parts of states with washed out bridges and roads, destroyed towns, and no electricity or phone service. There are boots on the ground and there is a response. You can't just rebuild a road and bridge overnight.

4. "It's a photo-op"

Yes, there are photos taken, The reason this is done is to counter the innuendo and falsehoods spread about that nothing is being done. In an ideal world one wouldn't need to do such things, but then the world would need to be rid of people that spread falsehoods requiring photographic displays to counter the misinformation.

And for the record, the national government had deployed the same public health teams as last year within days of this year's floods. They were on standby before the crisis. The government had also expedited requisitions for flood aid as well. Simply because some of you are unaware of what is going on, doesn't mean nothing is happening. Most of the key relief response positions are held by seasoned professionals who responded to the floods last year during the Abhisit administration, and before that who responded to the floods under the Thaksin administration and then the military junta rule. It's the same <deleted> personnel.The only thing that has changed is the severity and reach of the flooding.

Edited September 18, 2011 by geriatrickid

[rubl]

In some of his remarks the Gkid is right. Thailand has this type of flooding for ages and urbanisation, cutting down forests, etc., etc. hasn't made it any better either. Governments tend to re-act, rather than pro-act or even prevent.

Only one thing though. Delivering aid needs both planning, logistics, proper execution. Helicopters would be ideal, although boats can be used as well if the water level is high enough. Trucks are a problem with more than half a meter of water and roads washed away.

[Buchholz]

Many agencies joined to provide assistance to be delivered by the caravan of 23 trucks

I think i am right when i say that this isnt the most reliable way to send aid and certainly not the quickest. the roads are a mess and most impassable due to flood waters. a helicopter relief effort would make more sense for the jungle areas where most of these people reside.

however as someone said before its probably all show boating for the cameras. 23 trucks would look impressive on a highway with more than likely phue thai banners strapped to them claiming the aid is from them and not donated by the people.

Helicopters would fly too high and get everything there quicker which interferes with their face farce.

There has been a helicopter used in regards to the flooding, but it was just for Yingluck's traveling:

It was a rental that cost taxpayers 66,000 Baht per hour.

[rubl]

Many agencies joined to provide assistance to be delivered by the caravan of 23 trucks

I think i am right when i say that this isnt the most reliable way to send aid and certainly not the quickest. the roads are a mess and most impassable due to flood waters. a helicopter relief effort would make more sense for the jungle areas where most of these people reside.

however as someone said before its probably all show boating for the cameras. 23 trucks would look impressive on a highway with more than likely phue thai banners strapped to them claiming the aid is from them and not donated by the people.

Helicopters would fly too high and get everything there quicker which interferes with their face farce.

There has been a helicopter used in regards to the flooding, but it was just for Yingluck's traveling:

It was a rental that cost taxpayers 66,000 Baht per hour.

Well, with all the flooding a helicopter is the way to travel. Our PM Yingluck is a busy person, so using a helicopter makes sense

[Buchholz]

Many agencies joined to provide assistance to be delivered by the caravan of 23 trucks

I think i am right when i say that this isnt the most reliable way to send aid and certainly not the quickest. the roads are a mess and most impassable due to flood waters. a helicopter relief effort would make more sense for the jungle areas where most of these people reside.

however as someone said before its probably all show boating for the cameras. 23 trucks would look impressive on a highway with more than likely phue thai banners strapped to them claiming the aid is from them and not donated by the people.

Helicopters would fly too high and get everything there quicker which interferes with their face farce.

There has been a helicopter used in regards to the flooding, but it was just for Yingluck's traveling:

It was a rental that cost taxpayers 66,000 Baht per hour.

Well, with all the flooding a helicopter is the way to travel. Our PM Yingluck is a busy person, so using a helicopter makes sense

Been nice if she had given a ride to at least some of the 102.

On the flooding itself, it's good that something is being done 17 days after the start of this month:

More than 102 dead in Thai flooding

More than 102 people have died due to the flooding in Thailand during the rainy season which began this month.

Sep 18, 2011

http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/09/18/56328865.html

[mca]

I would have thought there's enough to attack the PM with without resorting to the fact that she uses a helicopter as i would imagine every other PM in the world does.

[Buchholz]

I would have thought there's enough to attack the PM with without resorting to the fact that she uses a helicopter as i would imagine every other PM in the world does.

What other PM's use helicopters in natural disasters where over a hundred people are dying, but no helicopters are used for assisting them nor the hundreds of thousands that are also affected?

While a president and not a PM, the despotic Ferdinand Marcos did.

[serenitynow]

I would have thought there's enough to attack the PM with without resorting to the fact that she uses a helicopter as i would imagine every other PM in the world does.

What other PM's use helicopters in natural disasters where over a hundred people are dying, but no helicopters are used for assisting them nor the hundreds of thousands that are also affected?

While a president and not a PM, the despotic Ferdinand Marcos did.

I don't care if she rents one or not but the Thai people might. The interesting point to me, when she initially started renting her helicopter rides, is that it was because she refused to fly in a military provided helicopter. I wonder if a Thai flies her rented whirlybird.

[mca]

I would have thought there's enough to attack the PM with without resorting to the fact that she uses a helicopter as i would imagine every other PM in the world does.

What other PM's use helicopters in natural disasters where over a hundred people are dying, but no helicopters are used for assisting them nor the hundreds of thousands that are also affected?

While a president and not a PM, the despotic Ferdinand Marcos did.

What was the previous PM's response to flooding during his tenure? Did he order the mobilization of helicopters to assist in flood relief? Not trying to stir the shit. Genuine question.

[Buchholz]

I would have thought there's enough to attack the PM with without resorting to the fact that she uses a helicopter as i would imagine every other PM in the world does.

What other PM's use helicopters in natural disasters where over a hundred people are dying, but no helicopters are used for assisting them nor the hundreds of thousands that are also affected?

While a president and not a PM, the despotic Ferdinand Marcos did.

I don't care if she rents one or not but the Thai people might. The interesting point to me, when she initially started renting her helicopter rides, is that it was because she refused to fly in a military provided helicopter. I wonder if a Thai flies her rented whirlybird.

It surely wouldn't have been a graduate of her alma mater, Kentucky State University.

.

[Buchholz]

I would have thought there's enough to attack the PM with without resorting to the fact that she uses a helicopter as i would imagine every other PM in the world does.

What other PM's use helicopters in natural disasters where over a hundred people are dying, but no helicopters are used for assisting them nor the hundreds of thousands that are also affected?

While a president and not a PM, the despotic Ferdinand Marcos did.

What was the previous PM's response to flooding during his tenure? Did he order the mobilization of helicopters to assist in flood relief? Not trying to stir the shit. Genuine question.

[mca]

Cheers

[thequietman]

As usual, the negative brigade has arrived to render judgement. Not that any of these people have experience in delivering aid or support in such circumstances or understand the exact nature of the flood losses, but they criticize all the same. Why do I say that? Well, look at some of the unrealistic statements;

1. "Trucks should not be used, as helicopters are better."

Nice sentiment, but Thailand does not have a fleet of helicopters capable of delivering the quantity of material necessary. The delivery and distribution of relief supplies requires a staging area and a logistics system. One can't just fly helicopters into a region and dump the aid. The amount and type of aid needed requires the combined use of rail & road transport. People are not starving. What is needed are heavyweight supplies and helicopters are NOT the most efficient method of delivery.

The thai army has 216 helicopters and 12 on back order. at least 5 of these are chinook double propeller ones. Still think they dont have enough.

although they have only had a month since the start of the floods to get organised which isnt nearly enough time. also a lot of the helicopters are been used to ferry around high ranking officers to BBQ,s and such.

so i suppose i am being a bit hard on them. sorry. :whistling:

Equipment^[25]QuantityIn ServiceBeing deliveredHigh quality main battle tanks381381200Medium and low quality tanks4604600APCs, IFVs, ARVs, LCVs12331233181Self-propelled artillery107210726Combat warplanes171+AV816812Transport warplanes1141140Training warplanes56550Military helicopters28228212aircraft carrier batteries110Warships17172 LPDFast Attack Craft-Missile (FAC-M)s660submarine406Patrol boats1271270

[kartman]

I would have thought there's enough to attack the PM with without resorting to the fact that she uses a helicopter as i would imagine every other PM in the world does.

What other PM's use helicopters in natural disasters where over a hundred people are dying, but no helicopters are used for assisting them nor the hundreds of thousands that are also affected?

While a president and not a PM, the despotic Ferdinand Marcos did.

What was the previous PM's response to flooding during his tenure? Did he order the mobilization of helicopters to assist in flood relief? Not trying to stir the shit. Genuine question.

I see the Tourist at 50 sec brought her own bouyancy aids in case of a ditching.