Thailand Live Saturday 15 Oct 2011

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Thailand Live Saturday 15 October 2011

News, Bits and Tweets

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Keep up to date with live updates from the news, hour by hour.

For breaking news,national, regional and international news updates on a daily basis only, this thread is closed to commentary so that those who wish to follow the news can find it here...

Commentary is still open for Thailand news in the relevant thread posted in News Clippings.

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Related topic: Thailand Live Friday 14 Oct 2011

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Today's Thailand weather and forecasts:

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ANALYSIS

Conflicting updates cause flood of confusion: Bangkok

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627 Bangkok communities under water

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Your chance to quiz UK ambassador to Thailand

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1,000 villagers flee collapse of small dam in Ang Thong

The Nation

A small dam collapsed in Ang Thong's Muang district, causing floods to spread to vast areas and prompting 1,000 residents in five villages to move their belongings.

The dam collapsed under the pressure of overflowing water following many hours of heavy rains, while the excessive water increased the currents in the swelling Thung Lam Tha Daeng nearby. The flood waters rose to a metre high in urban areas and markets in Muang district.

The provincial flood relief centre said a brimming Chao Phraya section was filled with water travelling from Sing Buri and Lop Buri, and the dam's collapse worsened the situation. A major school was also flooded with the provincial prison also facing the threat. Residents in tambon Sala Daeng and Pa Ngew have been warned.

Bang Pla Ma district in Suphan Buri, covering more than 100 households in tambon Ongkharak, has been under three metres of water.

Four major bridges have been closed to traffic indefinitely due to the swelling Chao Phraya River, and the canals under them - Rama IV, Rama V, KrungthepNonthaburi and RangsitPathum Thani - the Department of Highways said yesterday.

There are 102 key roads in 18 provinces that are now impassable due to flooding while 40 flooded roads are still useable, directorgeneral Wanchai Phaklak said. He called on motorists to study the road situation and alternatives before beginning their journey. They could also contact information service at the Department's call centre on 1586, or Highways Police on 1193 around the clock.

A 4,500squaremetre area belong to the Treasury Department in the government centre off Chaeng Wattana Road in northern Bangkok has been opened to shelter about 1,000 flood victims if needed, said Deputy Finance Minister Viroon Tejapaibul. A meeting hall is also open to host 800 government officials moved away from their flooded offices.

An indoor gymnasium inside the Public Health Ministry is open to prepare for 500 evacuees, with food, drinking water and mosquito nets ready, said Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri, in case the shelter at a sports complex in Nonthaburi is overloaded.

Thailand is asking to study and possibly follow a flood relief plan used by the US government, which proved effective during the Katrina crisis a few years ago, Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul said. He added that a number of diplomats based in Thailand would be invited over to the Centre next week to observe how it operated.

-- The Nation 2011-10-15

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Soldiers, officials work hard as runoff swamps Nakhon Sawan

The Nation

Residents told to evacuate even though water levels still 30 centimetres lower than Chao Phraya

Though soldiers from the Third Army Region have been working nonstop for many days to slow down the water gushing into Nakhon Sawan, it will still take at least 15 days to pump the water out of the municipal area, the governor said yesterday.

Governor Chairote Meedaeng said yesterday that the water level in the city area was still 30 centimetres lower than the Chao Phraya River, but it is expected to rise to the same level soon.

As soon as the runoff in Nakhon Sawan can be controlled, the military will use sandbags to fix broken barriers, he said. He added that almost 8,000 people had moved to 11 evacuation centres, which could accommodate 30,000 people.

Chavalit Pongsittisak, chief of the Nakhon Sawan provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office, advised residents to move to evacuation centres yesterday so officers can handle the situation.

Chairote's deputy, Sak Somboonto, said a steel bridge had been set up from the Dechatiwong Bridge to City Hall allowing people to commute more easily. However, the neck of Dechatiwong Bridge, a key thoroughfare for the province, is damaged and safety has become a concern.

Mayor Chittakasem Nirotethanarat said the facility housing the provincial water mains was flooded and out of order, though repairs were ongoing.

Part of a dyke collapsed late on Thursday night, allowing water from the Ping River to flood Woranart Banpot Temple and Paknampo market. People were advised to evacuate as the water is expected to rise to a metre high.

The City Hall, provincial prison, Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University and the markets were under a metre and a half of water, while water reached houses' roofs in some areas.

Meanwhile, provincial police commander Pol MajGeneral Chadin Prompaiboon had papers moved from his office to the second floor as the water was at chesthigh level.

On behalf of His Majesty the King, Disathorn Watcharothai, chairman of the Rajaprajanugroh Foundation, donated floodrelief items to 5,000 families in five of the province's evacuation centres.

Since there was no electricity or water supply, Kamphaeng Phet's groundwater office and the provincial waterworks office supplied clean water to Nakhon Sawan evacuation centres.

Chamroen Sangkaworn, who is in charge of the province's power supply, said officers had to cut off electricity in some flooded areas for people's safety.

So far, two people have drowned and another was electrocuted.

Provincial public health chief Buares Sripratak said all hospitals were out of service, and the inpatients had been evacuated to hospitals within a 120kilometre radius since Monday.

Eleven patients in critical condition were moved to betterequipped hospitals by air on Thursday and 30 more were evacuated yesterday, he said. More evacuations would be considered on a casebycase basis.

Outpatient and emergency services are available at a temporary centre near the Paholyothin junction.

Meanwhile, Nan residents and redshirt supporters in Lamphun have held separate events to raise funds for Nakhon Sawan flood victims.

-- The Nation 2011-10-15

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Military wants PM to declare state of emergency in capital

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Germany gives Bt1.7m to Red Cross

The Nation

German Ambassador Rolf Schulze yesterday handed over a cheque for 40,000 euros (Bt1.7 million) to Phan Wannamethee, secretarygeneral of the Thai Red Cross Society, to assist the Red Cross and the people of Thailand in their efforts to cope with the ongoing flood crisis.

The funds have been released by the government of the Federal Republic of Germany and will be used to buy two lifeboats and other items of humanitarian aid.

-- The Nation 2011-10-15

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CORPORATE FLOOD RELIEF

Firms offer assistance, banks soft loans: Thailand flood

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Floods see govt cut 2012 export growth target

Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation

The severe flooding has prompted the Commerce Ministry to revise downward its export growth target for next year from 15 per cent because of damage to many industrial estates and the logistic systems.

Anchalee Promnart, deputy director-general of the Department of Export Promotion, said the serious floods would lower exports in the first quarter next year, as many enterprises have suspended their operations and shipments.

The financial crunch in Europe and economic problems in the United States are also expected to contribute to lower trade growth in the global market and affect Thai exports next year.

The department will soon call for a meeting with exporters and producers about export targets and promotion strategies for next year. It will also seek remedies for enterprises affected by flooding, she said.

Anchalee said Thailand should still achieve its 20-per-cent export-growth target to US$230 billion (Bt6.9 trillion) this year.

In addition, Thailand's high-profile health and beauty industry is expected to see exports rise 20 per cent to more than Bt130 billion this year as awareness grows of health and beauty products and recognition increases of the quality of Thai products and services.

Ketmanee Lertkitcha, president of the Thai Cosmetics Manufacturers Association, said that because of high competition in the cosmetics market, Thai manufacturers are trying to create their own quality-brand products to attract foreign buyers.

"Manufacturers are trying to adapt quality herbs and plants into our products, as foreign customers are paying more attention to natural products with special physiological actions to benefit health," she said.

Nahkah Tawichawatt, vice president of the Herbal Industry Club of the Federation of Thai Industries, said Thai herb producers will next year focus more on promoting herbal and supplementary products overseas after focusing on the domestic market.

The herbal products trade is expected to grow to Bt90 billion next year, from Bt80 billion this year, he said.

To promote Thai health and beauty products, the Commerce Ministry will host the "Thailand Health and Beauty Show 2011" at Bitec from October 30 to November 3.

-- The Nation 2011-10-15

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Govt faces growing pressure: Flood

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Red shirts mimic village tactics used by rebels: Thai opinion

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Boat owners join Navy in drainage effort

The Nation

A number of boat owners have confirmed their participation in a planned project to speed the flow of water from the Chao Phraya River into the sea, Navy chief Admiral Surasak Runroengrom said yesterday.

The Royal Thai Navy will work together with the private sector to use a fleet of some 1,000 boats to help push water out to sea tomorrow (Oct16), he said.

The Navy had already used this technique in Salaya district of Nakhon Pathom, and in the Lad Pho and Sappasamit canals, the admiral said.

It had also deployed 300 officers to build water barriers in Salaya and made 300 rafts available for use in Ayutthaya, he said.

-- The Nation 2011-10-15

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Minister retracts statement on flooding

The Nation

Referring to his statement on Thursday predicting widespread flooding in Bangkok caused by damage to the Bang Phrao watergate in Pathum Thani's Sam Khok district, which caused panic among residents, Science Minister Plodprasob Surassawadee explained: "I only said it out of concern for the lives and properties of people."

During a visit yesterday to the watergate, which is undergoing aroundtheclock repairs, he said 70 per cent of the damaged bits had been repaired and the gap would be plugged by today. Though he did not apologise for making a misleading statement, he did extend his thanks to the military, civilian officials and villagers who have been helping.

Since October 9 Sunday, both sides of the watergate have been damaged by strong currents, allowing water to submerge the eastern part of the district. On Thursday, Plodprasob predicted that a large area of Bangkok would be flooded by water travelling through the broken Bang Phrao watergate.

"We finally have enough metal sheets and heavy machinery," he said, adding that he was confident that there would be no flooding in the capital.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration lent the machinery to Pathum Thani authorities to help repair the watergate, deputy BMA spokesman Wasant Meewong said.

-- The Nation 2011-10-15

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Ministry worries over hygiene of donated food

Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

To prevent outbreaks of diarrhoea, members of the public are being reminded to use proper hygiene when preparing donated food for distribution to flood victims.

"We know that many people are trying to bring food boxes to help flood victims, but because of the long distances involved, food could become tainted," Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Paijit Warachit said.

He instructed the Food and Drug Administration and the Medical Science Department to check donated food being distributed to flood victims.

"We need to take hygiene into account, as we want to prevent outbreaks of diarrhoea among flood victims," he told health officials at a meeting of the ministry's operations centre called to discuss handling of the flood situation.

The ministry has dispatched teams of medical workers, including psychiatrists, to provide care and help victims deal with stress.

Local health officials were instructed to survey the number of medical workers and supplies of medicines in their local health units as a basis for forming the teams dispatched by the ministry.

The ministry has sent out 1,510,250 medicine packages to help flood victims. Paijit said he had instructed health officials to speed up this effort, particularly for blood-pressure and diabetes medications.

Paijit said he had ordered Pathum Thani and Pranang Klao hospitals, which are at risk from flooding, to evacuate patients to other hospitals. Only 100 patients remained in Pathum Thani Hospital yesterday.

He said he had also ordered hospital staff to conserve medicines and electricity for use in urgent cases.

-- The Nation 2011-10-15

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Provincial courts accepting donations

The Nation

Members of the public can now make donations to help floodaffected people at 108 provincial courts nationwide, representatives of the Lawyers Council of Thailand told a press conference yesterday.

Bangkokians can make donations at the council's office on Rajdamnoen Road.

Volunteer lawyers have also been dispatched to give advice to people whose personal documents have been swept away by floods.

In a related development, Phum Phairot Witthaya School in Bangkok's Lak Si area has been set up as an evacuation shelter. It can support up to 300 evacuees.

Meanwhile, the prime minister's spouse and those of the Cabinet ministers will repair floodhit schools, health centres and temples to celebrate His Majesty the King's 84th birthday. They will spend Bt20 million on this project.

-- The Nation 2011-10-15

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Pathum Thani watergate repairs take extra day

The Nation

Repairs to a key watergate in Pathum Thani expected to be finished yesterday would not be completed until today, Charn Puangphet, chief of the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organisation, said yesterday.

Since Sunday, both sides of the Ban Phrao watergate in Pathum Thani's Sam Khok district have been damaged by strong currents, allowing water to submerge the eastern part of the district.

During a visit yesterday to the watergate, which has undergone around-the-clock repairs, Science Minister Plodprasob Surassawadee said 70 per cent of the damaged bits had been repaired and the gap would be plugged by today. Though he did not apologise for making a misleading statement, he did extend his thanks to the military, civilian officials and villagers who have been helping.

Referring to his statement on Thursday predicting widespread flooding in Bangkok caused by damage to the Ban Phrao watergate, which caused panic among residents, Plodprasob explained: "I only said it out of concern for the lives and properties of people."

On Thursday, Plodprasob predicted that a large area of Bangkok would be flooded by water travelling through the broken Ban Phrao watergate.

"We finally have enough metal sheets and heavy machinery," he said, adding that he was confident that there would be no flooding in the capital.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration lent the machinery to Pathum Thani authorities to help repair the watergate, deputy BMA spokesman Wasant Meewong said.

-- The Nation 2011-10-15

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Sri Pathum University - KMUTT offers shelter

The Nation

A floodrelief centre set up by King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi has received calls for help from residents in Bangkok's Thung Khru and Rat Burana districts, and is also providing shelter to other flood victims. Contact details: 024709999 (5 lines)

Sri Pathum University yesterday set up a flood shelter with capacity to accommodate up to 400 people. Call 025791111 ext 1

-- The Nation 2011-10-15

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UPDATED: Times of King High Tides this weekend in Bangkok http://bit.ly/nuSrtQ

/via@RichardBarrow

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Explosion at factory in Hi-Tech Industrial Park in Ayutthaya from chemicals coming into contact with flood water; 3 injured /TAN_Network

Bangpa-in chicken farms in Ayutthaya flooded causing death to millions of chicken;Chao Phraya water level in BKK at 2.18m which is safe/TAN_Network

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Yingluck says disaster is one of Thai history's worst, urging frustrated ppl not to destroy flood prevention facilities. /via@MrNaling

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Found displaced/poisonous animals at your home in BKK? Call Khao Kheow Open Zoo 090-101-0030 (in Thai) (via @GCC_1111)

Yingluck: Worst suffering is still in Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Sawan. - @jin_nation/via@tulsathit

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Flood barriers here at MRT Queen Sirikit subway station http://bit.ly/oQNxWG /via@RichardBarrow

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Put populist scheme funds toward recovery: Abhisit

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Some of the entrances to the subway are closed, but trains are running as normal http://bit.ly/qsIann

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Japan offers aid to flood victims

BANGKOK, 15 October 2011 (NNT) – Japan has offered aid worth 12 million THB to flood victims in Thailand.

A Korean Air chartered plane carrying survival kits landed at Don Mueang on Friday. The aid presentation was witnessed by Japanese ambassador Seiji Kojima, Justice Minister Police General Pracha Promnog, and advisor to the deputy PM Wuttipong Chaisang.

The donations, which were made by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) include tents, blankets, mattresses, water tanks, water purifiers and electricity generators.

Japan is the second country which has offered assistance to flood victims in Thailand. Earlier this week, the People’s Republic of China handed cash and necessities worth totally over 80 million THB to the flood relief operation center.

-- NNT 2011-10-15

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DIT finds overpriced sandbags in flood-prone areas

BANGKOK, 15 October 2011 (NNT) – The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has discovered unfair pricing of sandbags in some parts of Bangkok amid flooding and is taking legal action against the vendors.

With the soaring demand for sandbags for use in the prevention of floodwater, DIT Director-General Vatchari Vimooktayon revealed that complaints over high prices and scarcity of sandbags had been received. Therefore, DIT officials were dispatched to areas vulnerable to inundation within Bangkok, such as Sai Mai, Don Mueang, Bang Khen, Lat Krabang and Nong Chok districts, to observe the sale of sandbags in the market.

As a result, Ms Vatchari stated that a well-known construction material store was found to be earning extremely high profits from selling 20-kilogram bags of sand at the rate of 55 THB each. The size of the product being sold was also smaller than the standard size of 25-30 kilograms.

The DIT is now gathering evidence in order to bring charges against the vendor for violating Section 29 of the Act on Prices of Goods and Services. Punishment includes a jail term of up to seven years or a fine of not more than 140,000 THB or both.

Moreover, several other stores also failed to display the prices of their products. A fine was thus imposed on them. Ms Vatchari then reminded people to contact the DIT hotline 1569 if they came across suspicious trading practices.

-- NNT 2011-10-15

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Commerce Min to start selling Blue Flag goods to flood victims on 17 Oct

BANGKOK, 15 October 2011 (NNT) – The Ministry of Commerce is planning to launch Blue Flag events in flood-hit areas on 17 October, during which discounted products will be available to local residents as a way to ease their burden.

Ms Vatchari Vimooktayon, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade (DIT), Ministry of Commerce, indicated that the current flooding disaster had caused inconveniences in people’s daily life and had limited their access to necessities. She elaborated that Bangkok residents had been stocking up on groceries upon anxiety over the flood situation while manufacturers of some products had been affected by the disaster, which led to supply shortages.

Therefore, in order to alleviate the suffering of people, the DIT has decided to organize trade activities under the Blue Flag project from 17 October onwards at the Ministry of Commerce in Nonthaburi and also in other flood-ravaged provinces. Set to continue until the situation improves, the events will offer visitors huge discounts on a wide range of products, including pork, eggs, instant noodles and ready-to-drink milk.

-- NNT 2011-10-15

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Govt to discuss post-flood relief plans with business & financial sectors

BANGKOK, 15 October 2011 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Kittirat Na Ranong will convene a meeting with trade and financial related organizations early next week to talk about post-flood business plans.

Mr. Kittirat will invite representatives from the Thai Bankers Association, the Federation of Thai Industries, and the Thai Chamber of Commerce to the flood operation center at Don Muang Airport to discuss debt restructuring plans to help flood-hit investors on October 17.

Meanwhile, Industry Minister Wannarat Channukul will also propose a plan to exempt affected industrial operators from annual fees as well as extension fees on factory permit. Mr. Wannarat also plans to spare those who have to bring in machinery from abroad from import duties.

The cabinet on Tuesday asked each ministry to provide 10 percent of its budget receiving for fiscal 2012, for post-flood rehabilitation. The allocation will create a total fund of about 80 billion THB to be paid to affected households at 5,000 THB each. Mr. Kittirat said the government would also expedite formalities to ensure that the Village Fund Project would be implemented in February next year, in an effort to revive the economy.

-- NNT 2011-10-15