Thailand Live Friday 14 Oct 2011

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Is PM Yingluck crying?

The photo taken during flood inspection yesterday. via Matichon

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AFP: Thai PM moves to soothe Bangkok flood panic

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Plan adjusted to rescue major industrial estate: Army

BANGKOK, Oct 14 – The Thai Army will adapt the plan to rescue the Ban Wa (Hi-Tech) Industrial Estate in flood-stricken Ayutthaya province by halting the dropping of cargo containers from Chinook transport helicopters to block the inflow of floodwater, but is now opting to use bagged rocks to fill ruptures in flood prevention dykes, according to the First Army Region commander.

Lt-Gen Udomdej Sitabutr said the water level surrounding the industrial estate is about one-metre deep after a section of the temporary flood prevention dyke was breached and floodwater poured into the facility on Thursday.

He said the damaged dyke was widened to 15 metres from its original five metre width.

The commander said the army has cancelled the plan to use Chinook transport helicopters carrying weighted containers to drop into place to block the water inflow into the industrial estate as the water around the location of containers was already high.

The army will instead use pontoons to move large sacks of rock for dumping into the ruptured dyke to block the inflow of water, as the military vehicles could not enter the area due to the deep floodwater, he said.

However, the mission must wait until the strong floodwater currents become slower.

The Hi-Tech Industrial Estate houses 143 factories, mainly dedicated to manufacturing auto parts, electronics and steel, with a total investment of Bt65 billion, providing employment for more than 51,000 workers.

At least two industrial estates have been flooded -- Rojana and Saha Rattana Nakhon.

In a separate development, Pathum Thani Governor Peerasak Hinmuangkao said he expected the Ban Phrao sluice gate repair work would finish today as only 10 metres left to build temporary dyke to control the flow of water.

Ban Phrao sluice gate in Sam Khok district was breached on Monday night.

The damaged dyke increases the flood threat to Pathum Thani’s Klong Luang area, Talaad Thai, a major market for agricultural produce and Thammasat University’s Rangsit campus, which is now a temporary shelter for flood victims.

Repairing the dyke will also impact the water level in the capital city of Bangkok. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-10-14

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BKK is safe, as water level in Chao Phraya will be only 2.3-2.4m on Oct 15, the dept announced. /via @Biz_TheNation:

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Phuket Prison warden hangs himself

The main entrance to Phuket Provincial Prison.

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No Transfer or Dismissal Over False Bangkok Evacuation Alarm

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Bkk governor: I'll tell you by myself which area is under threat. /via@tulsathit /via@Neaw_NBC

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Justice Mini Pracha, as head of Flood Operation Center, says he will take charge of press conferences by himself; assures BKK spared /TAN_Network

Defence Min Yutthasak: military ready for evacuation via helicopter and military hospitals will take in flood victims /TAN_Network

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SET closes up by 1.69 during midday break at 938.51 with value of Bt6.47 as gains were weighed by concerns about flooding /TAN_Network

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MRT closes off some exits as flood prevention; if roads submerged under 50cm of water, MRT will have to suspend services /TAN_Network

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Overflowing Chao Phraya reaches record high

The Nation

The water level at Chao Phraya River on Friday rose to 2.13 meters, breaking the last year's record high of 2.10 meters, Bangkok Drainage Office said.

The water flow at Ayutthaya's Bang Sai was at 4,250 cubic meters per second. The safety flow for Bangkok is at 3,500 cubic meters per second.

Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Baripatra said the capital had not plunged into a flood crisis as speculated.

"If a crisis erupts, I will be the first to inform the people," he said, urging for calm.

Overflowing water disrupted traffic in Nonthaburi, the ousskirts of Bangkok.

Road snarls due to inundation were reported from morning to noon at the ramps for Rama V Bridge. Motorists were advised to use an alternative route via Rattanathibaet Road.

About 8,000 homes in Bang Bua Thong housing estate in Nonthaburi was inundated with water level ranging between 50 centimeters to one meter.

Rescue workers were organising the emergency evacuation.

The inundation at Pathum Thani town rose to 60 to 80 centimeters, putting a stop to all road traffics. Transport could be by boats only.

Provincial authorities were trying to pump the water out of key government installations, including the provincial hall.

-- The Nation 2011-10-14

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Govt Urged to Shape Up Flood Center's Work

The Opposition leader has advised the Flood Relief Operations Center to cross check its facts before making any announcement in order to regain public confidence.

Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva commented that the government's Flood Relief Operations Center needs to improve its information management system by crosschecking facts before reporting them to the public.

Abhisit has pointed out some inconsistencies in the center's flood reports.

The Opposition leader advised that there should be someone in charge 24 hours a day and that person should be the prime minister because a critical decision must be made at any given moment.

Nonetheless, Abhisit acknowledged that the government and the Bangkok governor have been working closely together on flood relief efforts.

The governor has admitted that he is under strong pressure as the capital is a very crucial area.

The Democrat Party leader also urged the government to start deliberating whether it should take out more loans to fund rebuilding efforts after the floods recede and ensure that the money is carefully spent.

Abhisit said that the government may have to rethink some programs planned for the 2012 fiscal year.

He named the 30 billion-baht first-car owners scheme in particular.

-- Tan Network 2011-10-14

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MRT operational despite flood-prevention works

The Nation

Bangkok Metro Plc (BMCL), the operator of MRT subway, today temporarily closes more entrances to install flood barriers.

The subway remains operational, while this works are carried out, the company said in a statement.

From 2.30am today, the following entrances at these stations will be closed as stop logs and flood boards are installed.

- Huay Kwang Staion - entrance 3

- Phetchaburi Station - entrance 2 (including Lift)

- Sukhumvit Station - entrance 1 (including Lift)

- Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre Station - entrance 2, Lift of entrance 1

- Lumpini Station - entrance 3 (including Lift)

- Silom Station - entrance 1 (including lift) , 2

- Sam Yan Station - entrance 2 (including lift)

- Hua Lamphong Station - entrance 2 (including lift)

For more information, please check out www.bangkokmetro.co.th , www.facebook.com/bmcl.mrt or Customer Relations Center 0 2624 5200.

-- The Nation 2011-10-14

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Landslide on Phuket bypass road causes serious damage

The state of the Adisak Trading Company warehouse this morning.

The company is a major retailer of construction supplies in Phuket.

The feared slide knocked over shelves of stock items. The owners are

today moving salvaged stock to other locations in Phuket before the

situation worsens.

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Floods hit 627 communities in Bangkok

The Nation

Floods have already hit 627 communities in Bangkok, with floodwater as deep as 70 centimetres at some spots.

These flood-hit areas spread across 20 out of 50 Bangkok's districts.

The worst-hit spots are in Klong Sam Wa district, which is located in the eastern zone. Floodwater level ranges between 30 and 70 centimetres there.

-- The Nation 2011-10-14

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BMA: No more flood concerns after Sunday in Bangkok

BANGKOK, 14 October 2011 (NNT)-The National Flood Relief Coordination Center said in a joint statement with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) that there was a false alarm last night in the flood alert which prompted the Director of the Center to issue the next warning by himself.

Justice Minister Pol. Gen Pracha Promnok who also chairs the Center said in order to assure the public of the correct information on the flood updates and warnings, the BMA and the Center would from now on issue a joint warning to the people.

Bangkok Deputy Governor Mr. Pornthep Techapaiboon denied the rumor that Bangkok had been declared a disaster zone, adding that the situation was still under control; although the fact clarifying was in order since some people might have overreacted to the situation and began to panic.

Other problems also include missing sandbags and anger over the water log situation. Authorities had to visit areas where these problems existed to raise their confidence. Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor said if there was a mild crisis; backhoes and trucking delivering basic survival supplies would begin their operation.

According to Mr. Pornthep, the Bangkok Governor is expected to take an aerial view of Bangkok from a helicopter while a rescue plan has been in place for vulnerable areas. A team of 5,000 flood relief individuals has been on standby to help in any emergency situations. The BMA will continue to inspect the flood barriers and raise confidence in people.

The Deputy Governor reiterated that the water levels had remained stable and under control although the natural high tide would be a factor in the fluctuation of flood levels. He added that the concerns for floods in Bangkok would be over after 15-17 October, 2011. He further said that the second round of high tide which would occur on 30 October where the sea level would rise to 2.10 meters would still be under control.

-- NNT 2011-10-14

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Bangkok confirmed safe from floods with more dykes being built urgently

BANGKOK, 14 October 2011 (NNT) – Justice Minister Police General Pracha Promnog, in his capacity as director of the Flood Relief Operations Center (FROC), has reaffirmed that Bangkok will be safe from floods.

The minister said at a press conference this morning that the FROC gave highest priority to the protection of Bangkok which is the major economic center, and the situation was currently under control.

According to Pol Gen Pracha, Bangkok is establishing three flood dykes, one of which is in Pathum Thani Province at Kilometer 6 near Muang Aek area. The construction has been under joint responsibilities of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Royal Thai Army, which should assure Bangkok people of its efficiency.

The second flood wall has already been raised from Thawee Watthana Canal to Salaya District in Nakhon Pathom Province. The government is strengthening the wall at its base and adding height to it to ensure flood prevention efficiency. The third floodwall is being built in Rangsit area along Rangsit Canals 1 to 8. Moreover, the government has ordered construction of another flood dyke to fortify the third floodwall. The additional dyke will be 24 kilometers long running from the Pratunam Phra-in floodgate to Raphiphat Canal. The construction started today and is expected to complete in two days' time.

-- NNT 2011-10-14

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Bangkok revokes flood evacuation order

South East Asia correspondent Zoe Daniel, staff

Thai authorities have revoked an evacuation order for people in Bangkok's north-east in the hope a breached flood barrier can be repaired.

Bulldozers are working in rushing water to try and plug the leak at a sluice gate in Pathum Thani on Bangkok's outer north-eastern fringe.

By inserting steel posts into the water, they are trying to block a 70-metre gap at the gate.

In a live TV broadcast last night, the science and technology minister issued an evacuation order for parts of the north and north-east of the city due to the breaching of the key floodgate.

But he was soon followed by the minister heading flood relief who directly contradicted the order, saying that the breach can be repaired.

Residents were warned that flooding would be about one metre and told that major flooding is unlikely, despite high tides this weekend.

Those in two-storey houses were told they could stay if they wished.

There is now confusion about the level of risk to residents on that side of town.

If the leak cannot be repaired, Pathum Thani will be inundated.

There is already substantial flooding in parts of the suburbs, as water flows to the sea after the worst monsoon season in decades.

Cambodia flooded

Meanwhile across the Thai border, Cambodia's worst flooding in a decade is continuing to take its toll.

At least 247 people have died the country's worst floods for a decade, with huge tracts of land still submerged.

Prime minister Hun Sen says floods have destroyed 8 per cent of the rice crop and damaged around twice that amount.

The Water Festival, an annual three-day event that was scheduled for next month, has also been cancelled, with the money saved to be put toward flood relief.

The nation's biggest festival, it typically draws more than a million people to Phnom Penh to watch traditional rowing races.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-14/bangkok-revokes-flood-evacuation-order/3572284

-- abc.net.au 2011-10-14

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Pawnshops Reduce Interest Rate to Relieve Flood Crisis

Pawnshops in Bangkok will reduce the interest rate and approve extension of debt repayment to help flood victims.

Pawnshop owners will extend the debt repayment deadline up to two months for customers who used pawnshop services since last May.

The debt repayment extension policy can alleviate the flood victims' financial burden.

Meanwhile, pawnshops will propose the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration committee to reduce the interest rate as well.

Flood victims can also store their valuables in the “strong room”, a security room commonly offered by many pawnshops in Bangkok with a low service charge.

-- Tan Network 2011-10-14

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A defence volunteer gunned down in Narathiwat

Suspected insurgents on Friday gunned down a defence volunteer who was on his way home after praying at a mosque in Narathiwat's Ba Joh district.

Police who rushed to the scene found body of Abdullohman Sani, 40, near his motorcycle. He had two gun wounds at the torso and back.

Initial police investigation showed that the victim was riding on his motorcycle when two suspected insurgents on a motorcycle fired at him. He just finished his prayer at a mosque which was about a kilometer away from his house in Yatoh village.

Police believed that the killing was aimed at creating chaos in the area.

-- The Nation 2011-10-14

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Water level has dropped significantly where we are in Minburi, hopefully it will last /via@RichardBarrow /via@PaulGarrigan

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SET index closed at 955.81 up 18.99; Bt/USD30.68; GBP48.26; AUD31.17; EUR42.21; CAD29.97; HKD3.93; SGD24.04; JPY39.67

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Lucifer’s Disco on Walking Street raided by Pattaya Police

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Dutch tourist slashed by deranged vagrant in Krabi

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National government assures residents Bangkok to be spared flooding

BANGKOK, Oct 14 - In an effort to allay mounting concerns among residents of the Thai capital over to the threat of the coming deluge, the government's Flood Relief Centre chief reassured the public that most of Bangkok would be spared from severe flooding.

Justice Minister Pracha Promnok assigned as the centre head told a news conference that most areas of the capital are safe from the anticipated flooding, but at the expense of some surrounding areas.

The government's reassurance came in the wake of panic among some city dwellers in the northern suburbs following a false evacuation alert announced late Thursday by Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi urging residents to leave their homes as one-metre deep floodwaters approached.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra admitted the mistake and pledged to improve the work of the Centre.

From now on, she added, the Centre director would chair a press briefing and any announcements would be made via national television networks.

The centre also declared 17 districts of the capital as disaster zones to facilitate emergency budget allocation to help flood victims.

Those areas are Bang Sue, Dusit, Pra Nakhon, Samphantawong, Sathorn, Bang Kolam, Yannawa, Klong Toey, Bang Plad, Klong Samwa, Nong Chok, Lat Krabang, Minburi, Bangkok Noi, Thonburi, Klong San and Rat Burana.

Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Director-General Wiboon Sanguanpong said 26 out of 77 provinces are affected by the flooding, which has left 289 persons dead and two missing.

Deputy Finance Minister Wirun Techapaiboon said the ministry estimated the floods could trim this year's gross domestic product (GDP) to less than four per cent.

Permanent Secretary for Commerce Yanyong Puangrach said the flooding damaged 10 million rais of farmland, including 8 million rais of rice paddies which means the loss of 6-7 million tonnes of rice in the market and that rice prices would shoot up.

Bank of Thailand Governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul said the central bank estimates that the current flooding will cost the country Bt100 billion or one per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), an increase from the bank's previous losses estimate of Bt60 billion.

The latest estimate also factored in extensive damage to both the agricultural and industrial sectors, including the inundation of major industrial estates in Ayutthaya province which forced closure of hundreds of factories, the central bank governor said. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-10-14

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Phuket Governor transfer rumors ‘unconfirmed'

Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha

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Robert Amsterdam not a threat: Chalerm

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Toyota suspends operations until Oct 22

The Nation

Toyota Motor Thailand announced today that it will extend the operations suspension until October 22, as floods continue to affect its automotive components suppliers.

This follows Honda’s announcement today that there is no timeframe when its plants in Ayutthaya would resume operations.

In a statement, Toyota said that to help alleviate flood-affected customers, all Toyota showrooms will offer 30 per cent discounts on auto spare parts. Well-trained technicians with experience have also been established to aid in affected areas by giving counsel to customers. Call centre service has now been made available on 02-386-2000.

"We have been closely assessing the situation developments," it said in the statement.

-- The Nation 2011-10-14

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Royal Barge Procession to be postponed

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Thai economy to grow only 3.1-3.5% this year

The Nation

Thailand's economy will grow only 3.1-3.5 per cent this year, due to the floods which should cost more than Bt100 billion in damage and plunge the fourth-quarter growth rate to 0.5-1.5 per cent, according to Frost & Sullivan (Thailand).

The consulting firm earlier projected that Thailand’s gross economic product would grow 4 per cent this year.

Monsinee Keeratikrainon, Country Manager, Frost & Sullivan (Thailand), estimated that the most impacted sectors would be Industrial and the effect would spread to the service sector and also SMEs.

"To minimise the damage and impact on GDP by gaining confidence from businesses and investors, the government should centralize the recovery work from all related agencies and associations while rolling out ’national recovery plan’ with clear programme details, implementation plan, timeline, and support given by each party/association as well as the measurement system to make sure the plan is effectively implemented," she said.

-- The Nation 2011-10-14