Thai PM Moves To Soothe Bangkok Flood Panic

[webfact]

Thai PM moves to soothe Bangkok flood panic

BANGKOK, October 14, 2011 (AFP) - Thailand's premier moved Friday to reassure Bangkok's 12 million residents over a looming flood crisis, after one of her ministers briefly sparked panic with an evacuation warning.

Science minister Plodprasop Suraswadi rushed out of a flood briefing late Thursday to say that several areas in Bangkok's northern suburbs were at risk of being submerged by up to one meter (3.3 feet) of water after a dyke burst.

But the authorities quickly backtracked, causing confusion among residents who have been braced for floodwaters to reach the capital after causing havoc across northern and central Thailand, leaving at least 289 people dead.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said on Friday that the situation was under control.

"The water level is stable and not increasing. So I would like to ask people not to panic," she told reporters.

"Minister Prodprasob wanted to update the people about the situation because he was concerned that they were anxious about it," Yingluck explained.

"So he just reported about the possibility of what might happen to the people, and nothing happened. Everything was normal."

Some residents in the affected areas rushed to move their belongings to higher ground after the warning.

In the Bangkok suburb of Saimai, local authorities received hundreds of phone calls from concerned residents, district chief Nongpanga Boonpaksa told AFP by telephone.

"After last night's announcement people in Saimai were panicky. There were some frantic traffic jams in our district because people were trying to move their cars to higher places but the situation later returned normal," she said.

About 110,000 people around the country have sought refuge in shelters in the face of the floods that have destroyed crops, inundated hundreds of factories and damaged the homes and livelihoods of millions of people.

Currently 26 out of 77 provinces are affected, but conditions in inner Bangkok and at most of Thailand's top tourist destinations are normal.

The capital is, however, bracing for a large amount of run-off water to reach the city along with seasonal high tides that will make it harder for the flood waters to flow out to sea.

Bangkok residents have thronged supermarkets in the capital to stock up on instant noodles and other non-perishable food, while flashlights have been flying off the shelves.

Sandbags have been piled in front of homes and businesses in preparation for possible inundation, while some residents have opted to leave their vehicles in multi-storey carparks in the city to avoid possible flooding.

Central Bangkok is protected by flood walls and the authorities have piled sandbags along the Chao Phraya River to try to keep water out of nearby areas, whose residents are no strangers to seasonal floods.

The authorities have said they will dredge and drain canals in the capital to allow more water to flow through.

The floods have dealt a heavy blow to Thailand's economy, leaving hundreds of factories under water.

Japanese automakers including Toyota have suspended production in the kingdom due to water damage to facilities or disruption to parts supplies.

The ancient city of Ayutthaya, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) upriver of Bangkok, has been badly affected and the UN cultural organisation UNESCO said it would launch a mission to the World Heritage site to assess the impact.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-10-14

[webfact]

PM Urges Public to Remain Confident in Govt Flood Relief Effort After False Alarm

The prime minister has expressed confidence in the flood relief operations center's performance and said that from now on, she will be responsible for making emergency statements, including evacuation orders.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has pleaded with the public to remain confident in the flood relief operations center's performance, despite yesterday's blunder in which Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi issued a false alarm for a mass evacuation of the northern areas of Bangkok.

Yingluck explained that Plodprasop's statement was well-intentioned and aimed to update the public on the current situation.

The prime minister has pledged that the flood relief operations center will improve its performance.

In the future, all evacuation orders will be televised.

Yingluck indicated that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is responsible for informing the public of the flood situation in the capital, while the flood relief operations center will manage the crisis at the national level.

Meanwhile, Plodprasop defended his action as well-intentioned, claiming that he was merely asking the people to prepare, not to evacuate right away.

However, he said he is willing to be criticized if it will keep everyone safe.

The science and technology minister also indicated that the inner areas of Bangkok are still safe, and he urged the public not to be misled by many false rumors.

Today he will inspect the repair of the damaged sluice gate in Pathum Thani Province.

-- Tan Network 2011-10-14

[Crushdepth]

I wish the politicians would just butt out and let the officials handle everything - including the announcements. Having our "leaders" constantly contradict one another is not helpful.

[webfact]

Thai PM reassures Bangkok residents that city will be safe from flooding - Reuters /via@BreakingNews

[webfact]

No Transfer or Dismissal Over False Alarm

The spokesman of the Flood Relief Operation Center said all units have been doing their best to prevent inundation; however, the natural disaster has been worse than they expected.

No officials will be transferred or dismissed.

Spokesman of the Flood Relief Operation Cente, Wim Rungwattanajinda talked about Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi, who issued a flood evacuation alert which turned out to be a false alarm, that the alarm was made with good will.

Meanwhile, officials at the Flood Relief Operation Center are continuing discussions to provide residents with the facts, since the natural disaster is sometimes not able to be controlled.

He went on to say that no officials will be transferred or dismissed from positions, as he believes all officials are doing their best.

He admitted the situation is critical, while officials in all units are doing their best to provide assistance to victims.

However, the number of assistants might be insufficient due to the enormity of the situation.

Nevertheless, he promises that economic areas will be protected.

-- Tan Network 2011-10-14

[whybother]

The authorities have said they will dredge and drain canals in the capital to allow more water to flow through.

Shouldn't this have been something that was done a few weeks ago?

[serenitynow]

I guess the obvious question is, when incompetent people are doing their best, should the citizenry be satisfied with what results?

Edited October 14, 2011 by serenitynow

[OzMick]

What happened with the boat scheme? Amazing lack of reports of success, or more likely, total failure.

[ETatBKK]

although I was also one of in this 'little panic', I would rather a bit OVER-ALERTED than under-alerted. after all, no harm ! well done Minister Plodprasop, good intention appreciated, perhaps a better process even better !

I don't want to see the next evaculation warning with a parliament authorisation seal and PM signed :-)

[PoorSucker]

Plodprasop Suraswadi should have stayed in Chiang Mai serving his elephant and tiger steaks.

[BKKBrit]

After the downpours last night and the one now, there is a noticeable increase in the level of Klong San Saeb. But whereas yesterday there were no klong boats running up and down between Pratunam and Mall Bangkapi, there're limited service today - albeit moving much slower than normal.

The wash from the boats is lapping over the pathway so that's a good sign that all is not well. But never fear! Our crack Minister of Science and Technology has things covered.

[noahvail]

Quote:

"Spokesman of the Flood Relief Operation Cente, Wim Rungwattanajinda talked about Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi, who issued a flood evacuation alert which turned out to be a false alarm, that the alarm was made with good will."

So, in effect, the Science and Technology Minister shouted "fire" in a crowded theatre, but that's ok because he meant well, even though the theatre wasn't on fire. Brilliant. Guess his job is well protected.

Edited October 14, 2011 by metisdead
Font reset.

[Tokay]

Nothing says "incompetent" like a false evacuation warning.

How did the 1000 boats on the river thing work out?

[David48]

I think the best line is uttered by Yingluck herself she said ... "So he just reported about the possibility of what might happen to the people, and nothing happened. Everything was normal."

Just about sums it up, the flood will pass, we morn the people who died and those whose livelihoods were ruined and next year, when the Rainy Season is upon us again, what flood mitigation work was completed?

To quote Yingluck again ... "and nothing happened. Everything was normal."

[ctira]

PM caught crying due to stress from flooding crisis

Edited October 14, 2011 by ctira

[chuang]

When fools rush out....

[jackdawson]

PM caught crying due to stress from flooding crisis

Awesome post

[theoldgit]

After the downpours last night and the one now, there is a noticeable increase in the level of Klong San Saeb. But whereas yesterday there were no klong boats running up and down between Pratunam and Mall Bangkapi, there're limited service today - albeit moving much slower than normal. The wash from the boats is lapping over the pathway so that's a good sign that all is not well.

Have to say that after yesterdays announcement that the boats were suspended until further notice I was a little surprised to see them operating today, I suppose people do rely on them. There were loads of people out fishing yesterday and there appeared to be an abundance of fish, and of course the normal selection of plastic bags - when will people learn.

Have to say that I didn't think the boats are going any slower.

[OzMick]

PM caught crying due to stress from flooding crisis

Maybe she broke a finger nail.

[Crushdepth]

Nothing says "incompetent" like a false evacuation warning.

How did the 1000 boats on the river thing work out?

I am pleased to report that water is still moving downstream as planned.

[bigbamboo]

Surely in a nation of 60 million people there must be a better option than Plodprasop as Minister of Science and Technology?

[BuckarooBanzai]

PM caught crying due to stress from flooding crisis

House Speaker John Boehner sorrowfully tweets, can't you fools give the poor girl a break!

[hardy1943]

PM caught crying due to stress from flooding crisis

House Speaker John Boehner sorrowfully tweets, can't you fools give the poor girl a break!

It will never happen at this British dominated forum. They still miss their Oxford boy!

[elcent]

Surely in a nation of 60 million people there must be a better option than Plodprasop as Minister of Science and Technology?

As long as there's now a fleet of Honda submarines nothing to fear. All according to plan. - This could be a remark by the minister of science technology now. Of course no oil and chemical spills of whatever sort.

[DonGato]

Maybe she broke a finger nail.

you stole my thoughts!!!!

[ETatBKK]

To quote Yingluck again ... "and nothing happened. Everything was normal."

one of her domestic helper forget to turn off the tap and flooded the house. 'and, nothing happened, everything was normal.'

OMG, this is a country of 66.7 million people and millions of them are in the water. is this normal ?

[scorecard]

Surely in a nation of 60 million people there must be a better option than Plodprasop as Minister of Science and Technology?

True, there are many highly qualified / highly capable / well experienced / highly insightful / very sincere / totally honest people in this country who could be taking Thailand forward in great leaps and bounds, creating a scenario whereby a large percentage of the population have a good quality of life through there own productivity, and more.

So why are they not in the government / heading ministries etc etc?

Easy answer:

- They won't allow themselves to be associated with the lowlife corrupt no morals people who are what (currently) this country calls politics and political parties (read get rich pyramid schemes).

- They don't want to be part of a situation where promotion is either by how much money you have / from political favors / by seniority.

[bigbamboo]

PM caught crying due to stress from flooding crisis

House Speaker John Boehner sorrowfully tweets, can't you fools give the poor girl a break!

It will never happen at this British dominated forum. They still miss their Oxford boy!

There are more American expats in Thailand than British. Of course most Americans prefer to whoop and holler rather than debate....!

[OzMick]

PM caught crying due to stress from flooding crisis

House Speaker John Boehner sorrowfully tweets, can't you fools give the poor girl a break!

Why the tears, did his suntan fade?

[BuckarooBanzai]

PM caught crying due to stress from flooding crisis

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg also sorrowfully tweets, please Brits, have a heart!

Edited October 14, 2011 by BuckarooBanzai