Yingluck, Abhisit Discuss Bangkok Risk

[webfact]

Yingluck, Abhisit discuss Bangkok risk

THE NATION

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday denied being under stress even as many upstream provinces remained submerged and run-off and dam releases were besieging Bangkok.

When asked if she was confident that authorities could cope with the approaching menace, all she could do was give a deep sigh. "We will do our best," she managed to say meekly.

Reporters noticed that Yingluck looked tense after being briefed about the latest developments, when the surge from Northern provinces broke through some floodgates in Pathum Thani, which is immediately upriver from the capital.

She was monitoring the unfolding situation at the government's Flood Relief Operation Command at Don Mueang Airport.

She welcomed Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, whom she had sent into the opposition, as he led a visit to the government centre with some Democrat politicians including Korn Chatikavanij, Alongkorn Ponlaboot and Deputy Bangkok Governor Pornthep Techapaiboon.

Yingluck told Abhisit that she appreciated advice from all parties and wanted the flood crisis to be treated as a national agenda item. Abhisit offered to help the government in every way he could.

The prime minister took the opposition leader and his entourage to a meeting room where they were updated by officials from various agencies.

Yingluck expressed concern over the speed and force of the deluge that had flooded many of Bangkok's neighbouring provinces and was now threatening to engulf the capital.

She said the priority now was to drain waters out of the affected areas.

Abhisit said later that he offered the government three suggestions - closely coordinate the work of its many flood centres to ensure unity, clearly designate areas of responsibility and quickly evacuate victims from heavily flooded areas, and issue an order to allow special powers for the government.

In the afternoon Yingluck rode a police helicopter for an aerial inspection of the flood situation in Pathum Thani and Ayutthaya.

She also gave out relief items to residents in areas inaccessible by road.

Wim Rungwattanajinda, spokesman for the flood-relief centre, said residents of the two areas complained that they had not received any assistance from authorities for three days.

Earlier in the day, Abhisit went to Thammasat University's Rangsit Campus in Pathum Thani, which has been turned into a shelter for Ayutthaya flood victims.

He consoled the evacuees, saying the centre had good management, although there were worries that new arrivals were going to overwhelm its capacity.

The government should find more large buildings for new refugees, he said, adding that those at Don Mueang Airport were also suitable.

Politicians from both the Democrat and Pheu Thai parties will have to work together and forget about their political affiliations, he said.

Although the Bangkok governor is from the Democrat Party, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is not the only agency taking care of the city, Abhisit said. The key is an efficient system to release excess water, he added.

-- The Nation 2011-10-12

[KKvampire]

The Government and the Thai people are learning a hard lesson. If you are not ready suffer the consequences, I see the boy scout uniforms as a teacher in Thailand, (although they are never taught about the Baden Powell principles) Number 1 was "BE PREPARED"

[chooka]

It is good to see them working together for a common cause.

[Scott]

It does provide a little comfort to know that everyone is making a concerted effort to help. Two heads are better than one and neither of them seem to be very arrogant or conceited people.

[webfact]

UPDATED 12 October: Maps of Flood Risk Areas in Bangkok: http://bit.ly/qlId0X

/via@RichardBarrow

[geriatrickid]

Abhisit said later that he offered the government three suggestions - closely coordinate the work of its many flood centres to ensure unity, clearly designate areas of responsibility and quickly evacuate victims from heavily flooded areas, and issue an order to allow special powers for the government.

Interesting. I don't know what special power the government needs that it does not already wield.

Even more interesting that Abhisit calls for special powers.

Had PM Yingluck made this call, this thread would be filled with the psychotic rantings of marginal foreign guests screaming that it was a plot by the government to turn the nation into a dictatorship. Some people should take the hint, that if political opponents can give the impression they are working on behalf of the nation, that the farang venom spitting can go on hiatus too. The government is doing the best it can under very difficult circumstances.

[chooka]

Abhisit said later that he offered the government three suggestions - closely coordinate the work of its many flood centres to ensure unity, clearly designate areas of responsibility and quickly evacuate victims from heavily flooded areas, and issue an order to allow special powers for the government.

Interesting. I don't know what special power the government needs that it does not already wield.

Even more interesting that Abhisit calls for special powers.

Had PM Yingluck made this call, this thread would be filled with the psychotic rantings of marginal foreign guests screaming that it was a plot by the government to turn the nation into a dictatorship. Some people should take the hint, that if political opponents can give the impression they are working on behalf of the nation, that the farang venom spitting can go on hiatus too. The government is doing the best it can under very difficult circumstances.

[KKvampire]

Abhisit said later that he offered the government three suggestions - closely coordinate the work of its many flood centres to ensure unity, clearly designate areas of responsibility and quickly evacuate victims from heavily flooded areas, and issue an order to allow special powers for the government.

Interesting. I don't know what special power the government needs that it does not already wield.

Even more interesting that Abhisit calls for special powers.

Had PM Yingluck made this call, this thread would be filled with the psychotic rantings of marginal foreign guests screaming that it was a plot by the government to turn the nation into a dictatorship. Some people should take the hint, that if political opponents can give the impression they are working on behalf of the nation, that the farang venom spitting can go on hiatus too. The government is doing the best it can under very difficult circumstances.

O dear the conspiracy theorists are out, Abhisit is giving advice based on his experience as PM. She can take it or leave it,

[OzMick]

Abhisit said later that he offered the government three suggestions - closely coordinate the work of its many flood centres to ensure unity, clearly designate areas of responsibility and quickly evacuate victims from heavily flooded areas, and issue an order to allow special powers for the government.

Interesting. I don't know what special power the government needs that it does not already wield.

Even more interesting that Abhisit calls for special powers.

Had PM Yingluck made this call, this thread would be filled with the psychotic rantings of marginal foreign guests screaming that it was a plot by the government to turn the nation into a dictatorship. Some people should take the hint, that if political opponents can give the impression they are working on behalf of the nation, that the farang venom spitting can go on hiatus too. The government is doing the best it can under very difficult circumstances.

". I don't know what special power the government needs.........."

Your ignorance doesn't mean that they might not exist. You think that they are doing the best possible, which doesn't seem to reflect the attitude of the Thai people affected, possibly "the psychotic rantings of marginal foreign guest..."

[h90]

Abhisit said later that he offered the government three suggestions - closely coordinate the work of its many flood centres to ensure unity, clearly designate areas of responsibility and quickly evacuate victims from heavily flooded areas, and issue an order to allow special powers for the government.

Interesting. I don't know what special power the government needs that it does not already wield.

Even more interesting that Abhisit calls for special powers.

Had PM Yingluck made this call, this thread would be filled with the psychotic rantings of marginal foreign guests screaming that it was a plot by the government to turn the nation into a dictatorship. Some people should take the hint, that if political opponents can give the impression they are working on behalf of the nation, that the farang venom spitting can go on hiatus too. The government is doing the best it can under very difficult circumstances.

O dear the conspiracy theorists are out, Abhisit is giving advice based on his experience as PM. She can take it or leave it,

I think it meant that Government should declare state of emergency in the flooded areas. But government prefer to let people die and not loose face.

[Scott]

The two have a lot in common. Both served/are serving under difficult circumstances. Abhisit found his comfort zone in having a State of Emergency; Yinluck doesn't feel it's necessary. If needed, it's out on the table.

Depending on how this whole mess shakes down, the clean-up effort may be a very trying time. Should unemployment and shortage become common place and tensions mount, the gov't may need additional powers.

[animatic]

Abhisit said later that he offered the government three suggestions - closely coordinate the work of its many flood centres to ensure unity, clearly designate areas of responsibility and quickly evacuate victims from heavily flooded areas, and issue an order to allow special powers for the government.

Interesting. I don't know what special power the government needs that it does not already wield.

Even more interesting that Abhisit calls for special powers.

Had PM Yingluck made this call, this thread would be filled with the psychotic rantings of marginal foreign guests screaming that it was a plot by the government to turn the nation into a dictatorship. Some people should take the hint, that if political opponents can give the impression they are working on behalf of the nation, that the farang venom spitting can go on hiatus too. The government is doing the best it can under very difficult circumstances.

". I don't know what special power the government needs.........."

Your ignorance doesn't mean that they might not exist. You think that they are doing the best possible, which doesn't seem to reflect the attitude of the Thai people affected, possibly "the psychotic rantings of marginal foreign guest..."

Repeating a flame as if it is not flaming again is unneeded...

Special powers?

Well for instance something resembling 'Eminent Domain', as in:

we can cut through your land to make drains, flood it, remove walls and buildings, erect walls etc. or what ever is needed for the greater good in this massive emergency. That Abhisit is recommending it means there are valid issues to be dealt with in the Emergency that can't be normally.

It is good to see her benefiting from Abhisit's recent experiences from last year.

Not only is it good sense, to benefit from someone who had practically the same things and people to deal with, but also looks bi-partisan and actually like reconciliation from the top down. Sending a message to those below; This IS the time to play nice. Jatupron will never listen, but others may.

It is also the 1st picture of the last week or two where she doesn't look 5-10 years older than she did in August. Stress will age anyone very fast, just look at what 4-5 years does to most any National Leader. But nice to see a pic that doesn't show her in near collapse as most of the recent ones seemed to.

[Who, me ?]

Abhisit said later that he offered the government three suggestions - closely coordinate the work of its many flood centres to ensure unity, clearly designate areas of responsibility and quickly evacuate victims from heavily flooded areas, and issue an order to allow special powers for the government.

Interesting. I don't know what special power the government needs that it does not already wield.

Even more interesting that Abhisit calls for special powers.

Had PM Yingluck made this call, this thread would be filled with the psychotic rantings of marginal foreign guests screaming that it was a plot by the government to turn the nation into a dictatorship. Some people should take the hint, that if political opponents can give the impression they are working on behalf of the nation, that the farang venom spitting can go on hiatus too. The government is doing the best it can under very difficult circumstances.

How come you don't know? You are usually aware of so many things that us, simple mortal can even not imagine...

As for Yingluck asking for anything, you know very well that she would onl;y put someone else's words into her mouth....

[geriatrickid]

I think it meant that Government should declare state of emergency in the flooded areas. But government prefer to let people die and not loose face.

That's not a fair comment. No one in the current government wants to "let people die". I don't udnerstand how a declaring a state of emergency will change anything except suspend civil liberties and allow government officials to run roughshot over people. The provincial government currently has the authority to order an area evacuated and the national government has deployed all available personnel that can be put to use. To be blunt, there is nothing much anyone can do in some areas except to evacuate and wait it out.

[nong38]

It is good to see them working together for a common cause.

Yes I fully agree, working for the people, long may it continue, well done to the two of them.

[geriatrickid]

How come you don't know? You are usually aware of so many things that us, simple mortal can even not imagine...

As for Yingluck asking for anything, you know very well that she would onl;y put someone else's words into her mouth....

Thank you for the compliment. I am not directly involved in the flood response, although I do get to see some of the pictures of the infections and injuries. To be blunt, I am more concerned about the long term health effects than the immediate flood damage. I know from Iwhat have seen and heard, there are large orders in the pipeline for vaccines and medications to deal with the potential for typhoid, cholera, GI infections and wounds. It's going to take time to get the stockpiles in place as millions of people may need treatment. The WHO is already on scene assessing as are some of the big NGOs. Rapid response teams from foreign countries are getting ready to come if called. The real crisis starts after the flood waters recede. I am particulalry concerned with the potential for a serious malaria and dengue epidemic. The standing water will be there for months. The flood itself is nothing compared to aftermath and that's when the crisis will really start. If the agriculture sector has been damaged, Thailand will go from food exporter to food importer and if there is significant industrial zone damage, we'll have thousands of workers unemployed.

[mijan24]

This lady could end up being very good for Thailand unlike the other character(TS) who refused help following the Tsnamui she has the fortitude to respect the gravity of the situation :jap:

.When asked if she was confident that authorities could cope with the approaching menace, all she could do was give a deep sigh. "We will do our best," she managed to say meekly

Once again not false bravado just an acknowledgement of the situation - I for one take my hat off to her.

[kmj]

Abhisit said later that he offered the government three suggestions - closely coordinate the work of its many flood centres to ensure unity, clearly designate areas of responsibility and quickly evacuate victims from heavily flooded areas, and issue an order to allow special powers for the government.

Interesting. I don't know what special power the government needs that it does not already wield.

Even more interesting that Abhisit calls for special powers.

Had PM Yingluck made this call, this thread would be filled with the psychotic rantings of marginal foreign guests screaming that it was a plot by the government to turn the nation into a dictatorship. Some people should take the hint, that if political opponents can give the impression they are working on behalf of the nation, that the farang venom spitting can go on hiatus too. The government is doing the best it can under very difficult circumstances.

O dear the conspiracy theorists are out, Abhisit is giving advice based on his experience as PM. She can take it or leave it,

I think it meant that Government should declare state of emergency in the flooded areas. But government prefer to let people die and not loose face.

The Government has left it up to the individual province to declare a state of emergency, you won't know that as your obviously a blinkered Abhisit lover and /or Yingluck hater

[h90]

I think it meant that Government should declare state of emergency in the flooded areas. But government prefer to let people die and not loose face.

That's not a fair comment. No one in the current government wants to "let people die". I don't udnerstand how a declaring a state of emergency will change anything except suspend civil liberties and allow government officials to run roughshot over people. The provincial government currently has the authority to order an area evacuated and the national government has deployed all available personnel that can be put to use. To be blunt, there is nothing much anyone can do in some areas except to evacuate and wait it out.

You don't need civil liberties when you stay in the water. You need fast decisions without bureaucratic. Doing that 4 weeks ago and some evacuation would have been earlier, some more sandbags would have been in place. This is exactly the situation for which the emergency laws are.

[h90]

I am no Abhisit lover, he was not efficient. But Thaksin is worse.

The complete "not enough sandbags" story could have been avoided. That is the failure of the government and I don't say Abhisit would have done it better.

[softgeorge]

It is good to see them working together for a common cause.

Yes I fully agree, working for the people, long may it continue, well done to the two of them.

+ 1

Good to see them working as one.

[Cayenne]

+1 to see them working together too. Funny how in times of crisis it is usually the moderates on each side that will sit down and work for the good of the nation while the extremists (i.e. Jatuporn, the red shirts, the yellow shirts) seem awfully quiet. You would think that now is when their manpower organizational skills would put to good use in mobilizing volunteers.

Oh, wait, Jatuporn was too busy with his red district grand opening...never mind that last statement then.

[OzMick]

The Government has left it up to the individual province to declare a state of emergency, you won't know that as your obviously a blinkered Abhisit lover and /or Yingluck hater

Could you give a source for that claim? Strange that not one governor has seen fit to do so with a death toll approaching 300.

[kimamey]

It does provide a little comfort to know that everyone is making a concerted effort to help. Two heads are better than one and neither of them seem to be very arrogant or conceited people.

I agree.

Maybe this is her chance to show her leadership. She might be out of her depth politically due to her in experience but she may have organisational and leadership skills from her business life although I do realise her brother may have given her extra help there.

If she can cope well with this and show cooperation with her opponents there may be long lasting good for the country beyond the floods. I'm more of an Abhisit supporter but I wish her and the country the best of luck.

[looping]

Yingluck finally admits that she's OUT OF HER DEPTH!

[metisdead]

Some posts have been removed as posters have deleted quoted post headers as they had reached the maximum number of nested quotes allowed leading to misunderstanding of who posted what. When deleting posts to meet the maximum number of nested quotes allowed, be careful about deleting the relevant quote headers, otherwise it's difficult to determine who said what. When replying to certain parts of a post, learn how to use the Insert quotation feature.

[nurofiend]

-snip

issue an order to allow special powers for the government.

-snip

Had PM Yingluck made this call, this thread would be filled with the psychotic rantings of marginal foreign guests screaming that it was a plot by the government to turn the nation into a dictatorship

-snip

regardless of the rest of your post, this i wholeheartedly 100 thousand million billion percent agree with!!

[nurofiend]

Yingluck finally admits that she's OUT OF HER DEPTH!

zzzzz

[chooka]

It does provide a little comfort to know that everyone is making a concerted effort to help. Two heads are better than one and neither of them seem to be very arrogant or conceited people.

Agree

An Aussie saying

"Encourage your people to be committed to a project rather than just involved in it. You know the difference between involvement and commitment don't you? In a meal of bacon and eggs, the chicken is involved, the pig is committed"

In this case I think Yingluck and Abhisit both represent the pig in the meal.

[hellodolly]

<br>

<br>

<br>Abhisit said later that he offered the government three suggestions - closely coordinate the work of its many flood centres to ensure unity, clearly designate areas of responsibility and quickly evacuate victims from heavily flooded areas, <b>and issue an order to allow special powers for the government.<br></b><br>Interesting. I don't know what  special power the government needs that it does not already wield.<br>Even more interesting that Abhisit  calls for special powers.<br>Had PM Yingluck made this call, this thread would be filled with the  psychotic rantings of marginal foreign  guests screaming that it was a plot  by the government to turn the nation into a dictatorship. Some people should take the hint, that if political opponents can  give the impression they are working on behalf of the nation, that the farang venom spitting can  go on hiatus too. The government is doing the best it can under very difficult circumstances.<br>

<br><br><img src="http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/clap2.gif" class="bbc_emoticon" alt=""><br>

<br>O dear the conspiracy theorists are out, Abhisit is giving advice based on his experience as PM. She can take it or leave it,<br><br><br><br>

<br>evidently geriatrickid doesn't want it and is in the usual red shirt manner trying to knock the democrats.<br>Personally I am happy to see them both on the same side of the fence in the fight against mother nature.<br><br><br>