Summary Of PM Yingluck's Radio Broadcast

[webfact]

PM's Radio Broadcast

During her weekly radio address, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra noted that it’s been almost 2 months since the flood crisis hit, starting in September at Phitsanulok, Chainat, Nakhon Sawan, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and now Bangkok, particularly its western part where the flooding is spreading rapidly.

She said various storms hitting Thailand brought with it huge volume of rain that exceeded the capacity of the country’s irrigation system. However, the government has addressed the drainage of dams as best it can and has always coordinated with various agencies to help and evacuate flood victims.

Today Nakhon Sawan is the second province to start rehabilitation after flood waters recede, following on the heels of Phitsanulok. Ayutthaya should follow suit soon.

The government has prepared a budget of 100 billion baht to carry out rehabilitation of homes and of the economic system.

Yingluck stated that the water in northern Bangkok has moved from Rangsit to Kasetsart University onto Lardprao, Ratchadapisek and Chatuchak. The government is slowing down the water and helping in the drainage of the Royal Irrigation Department and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The department and the BMA have been working closely.

Deputy Bangkok governors Pornthep Tejapaibul and Thirachon Manomaipibul have set up a committee to manage water in disaster areas. However, there is a lot of obstacles to the authorities’ work such as the technical aspect in managing the flood water as the water moves from high to lower ground. The existing flood walls are not adequate to tackle huge volumes of water and this results in cracks and leaks. Equipment, construction tools and water pumps are running all day and all night, resulting in wear and tear, particularly during the high tide period.

However, despite these obstacles, we have to move on and brainstorm ideas such as installing more water pumps to combat the rising volume of water with support from the Royal Thai Army headquarters.

Yingluck asked all Thais to look at the overall picture rather than their own benefits and allow the authorities to proceed with the opening and closing of sluice gates as they see fit. She promises to use the law to prevent any particularly individual or group to obstruct flood measures. This work is tiring but she isn’t giving up and is asking for understanding so she can do the best in this job.

She added that flood measures for eastern and western Bangkok are in accordance with those proposed by experts, the Royal Irrigation Department and the BMA and confirmed the government has been supportive of the BMA’s work.

Drainage in western Bangkok will be 1-2 weeks slower than that in eastern Bangkok so please be patient.

She's also ordered Flood Relief Operations Center and Deputy PM Yongyuth Wichaidit to make sure flood victims have enough food and asked the military to prepare vehicles to transport people in flooded areas and the Public Health Ministry to send out medical units and prevent an outbreak of water-borne diseases.

Provincial governors have been asked to set up canteens to provide meals for flood victims and to distribute boats.

Next Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting will discuss rehabilitation of homes, schools, hospitals and roads as soon as possible and compensation for farmers, industries and SMEs, which will include tax measures.

Following today’s show, the PM will travel to Nakhon Sawan to see how rehabilitation is proceeding.

For long-term rehabilitation measures, she will invite recognized experts to give their inputs and look into legal constraints.

It is now time for everyone to unite to fight through this flood crisis. People in non-flooded areas are sending their love and support for flood victims.

She's open to suggestions from all sides in terms of rehabilitation to strengthen our country and said Thais must show the international community our resilience.

Their Majesties the King and Queen and members of the Royal Family will inspire us to overcome this crisis.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-05

[jonclark]

I have lost all faith in this government, her words are meaningless and her actions feeble. If she uses the 'be patient' comment again I'll puke. Its been her mantra since day 1 of office.

The Chinese would have been able to build a second 'great wall' in the same time it takes Thailand to sort this flood out.

Don't mean to be negative, but so frustrated with the inaction and the ineffectiveness of current actions. <deleted> Ask for international help, get this problem sorted in the shortest possible time, don't try to show the international community how resilient we are by needlessly enduring this disaster any longer than possible due to stubbornness in seeking assistance.

Edited November 5, 2011 by jonclark

[givenall]

Lies, Lies, LIes .......... Lies

[beano2274]

FROC have again moved, to another location that is flooded, what a bunch of ar8eholes. The PM and her friends have been too busy with many other things, the time should have been used to prepare Bangkok, but they have been looking at getting their people in the right places to get a certain person back again.

Pluck up the courage and ask for International help.

[MaxYakov]

I don't think I've seen a happier couple (yesterday's FROC/BMA meeting). They were looking at a display and I get the idea they weren't pleased. Maybe it was a totally unacceptable luncheon menu? OMG! Brown bags?

Edited November 5, 2011 by MaxYakov

[hammered]

I have lost all faith in this government, her words are meaningless and her actions feeble. If she uses the 'be patient' comment again I'll puke. Its been her mantra since day 1 of office.

The Chinese would have been able to build a second 'great wall' in the same time it takes Thailand to sort this flood out.

Don't mean to be negative, but so frustrated with the inaction and the ineffectiveness of current actions. <deleted> Ask for international help, get this problem sorted in the shortest possible time, don't try to show the international community how resilient we are by needlessly enduring this disaster any longer than possible due to stubbornness in seeking assistance.

Actually having patience with the flood is all people can do. When the decision to avoid all risk to central BKK was made it was always going to delay the waters going down and guarantee others were hit far harder. One analyst put it: those who cant afford to pay for the damage are suffering so those that can afford to dont have to suffer. The wider political ramifications of this (beyond organised party politics as they exist right now) are going to resonate.

How the aftermath is dealt with will be critical to whether Thailand sees stability or not. Personally I dont think the masses will abandon PTP, but if they do has anyone thought where they will go? It certainly isnt back to the establishment or the democrat party

[jonclark]

I have lost all faith in this government, her words are meaningless and her actions feeble. If she uses the 'be patient' comment again I'll puke. Its been her mantra since day 1 of office.

The Chinese would have been able to build a second 'great wall' in the same time it takes Thailand to sort this flood out.

Don't mean to be negative, but so frustrated with the inaction and the ineffectiveness of current actions. <deleted> Ask for international help, get this problem sorted in the shortest possible time, don't try to show the international community how resilient we are by needlessly enduring this disaster any longer than possible due to stubbornness in seeking assistance.

Actually having patience with the flood is all people can do. When the decision to avoid all risk to central BKK was made it was always going to delay the waters going down and guarantee others were hit far harder. One analyst put it: those who cant afford to pay for the damage are suffering so those that can afford to dont have to suffer. The wider political ramifications of this (beyond organised party politics as they exist right now) are going to resonate.

How the aftermath is dealt with will be critical to whether Thailand sees stability or not. Personally I dont think the masses will abandon PTP, but if they do has anyone thought where they will go? It certainly isnt back to the establishment or the democrat party

I don't think the dems needs the masses to go back to them, only a proportion of them (15%) or so

[Murgatroyd]

When it comes time to disburse the 100 billion Baht earmarked for rehabilitation I wonder how much will actually be used to help the people who have suffered, and how much will wind up in the pockets of "Family firms". Perhaps the scheme would benefit from an ongoing audit initiated on day one, instead of trying to find out where the money went after it's all been frittered away.

[drdoom6996]

She didn't cry because there were no cameras

[drdoom6996]

I have lost all faith in this government, her words are meaningless and her actions feeble. If she uses the 'be patient' comment again I'll puke. Its been her mantra since day 1 of office.

The Chinese would have been able to build a second 'great wall' in the same time it takes Thailand to sort this flood out.

Don't mean to be negative, but so frustrated with the inaction and the ineffectiveness of current actions. <deleted> Ask for international help, get this problem sorted in the shortest possible time, don't try to show the international community how resilient we are by needlessly enduring this disaster any longer than possible due to stubbornness in seeking assistance.

Actually having patience with the flood is all people can do. When the decision to avoid all risk to central BKK was made it was always going to delay the waters going down and guarantee others were hit far harder. One analyst put it: those who cant afford to pay for the damage are suffering so those that can afford to dont have to suffer. The wider political ramifications of this (beyond organised party politics as they exist right now) are going to resonate.

How the aftermath is dealt with will be critical to whether Thailand sees stability or not. Personally I dont think the masses will abandon PTP, but if they do has anyone thought where they will go? It certainly isnt back to the establishment or the democrat party

I don't think the dems needs the masses to go back to them, only a proportion of them (15%) or so

Just go see who is dry and who is wet. Take pictures with notations and timestamps. I'll bet the Shin clan is dry.

[givenall]

I don't think I've seen a happier couple (yesterday's FROC/BMA meeting). They were looking at a display and I get the idea they weren't pleased. Maybe it was a totally unacceptable luncheon menu? OMG! Brown bags?

I think they were happy to have another person to finger point at later

[David48]

the floods are still with us if you haven't noticed and it is mother nature we are dealing with here, haste leads to waste (good example Australia in recent times).

hummm ... myself, being an Australian, born in south-East Queensland where the floods were recently and an often traveller to Thailand ... what exactly are you referring to with "haste leads to waste (good example Australia in recent times)"

I can see that you are a colourful person so I am looking for a colourful reply

[webfact]

Bt100 billion initially prepared for flood rehabilitation plan: PM

BANGKOK, Nov 5 -- The government has initially prepared Bt100 billion for rehabilitation plans to help those who were affected by the flood crisis nationwide, while residents living in western Bangkok were urged to be patient as floods sweeping those areas for weeks already would likely linger for a long period of time, according to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Addressing the public on her weekly TV and Radio programme, "Yingluck Government meets the People," the prime minister said the government has initially set aside Bt100 billion to restore homes and government offices which were damaged by the flood.

The budget would be spent on measures and systems that could protect major economy areas from future floods, she said, adding that Nakhon Sawan and Ayutthaya would be in line for rehabilitation from flood damage.

Ms Yingluck said that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Royal Irrigation Department have affirmed that if the drainage plan ran smoothly, most areas in eastern Bangkok could be spared from flooding but the residents on the western side of the capital city have to be patient as water would recede slower than in the east by 1-2 weeks.

The premier admitted that she was fatigued but she has strong will and would go on tackling the flood crisis, meanwhile she would not let anyone obstruct the plans to solve the flood problem. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-11-05

[sandrew33]

Actually having patience with the flood is all people can do. When the decision to avoid all risk to central BKK was made it was always going to delay the waters going down and guarantee others were hit far harder. One analyst put it: those who cant afford to pay for the damage are suffering so those that can afford to dont have to suffer. The wider political ramifications of this (beyond organised party politics as they exist right now) are going to resonate.

How the aftermath is dealt with will be critical to whether Thailand sees stability or not. Personally I dont think the masses will abandon PTP, but if they do has anyone thought where they will go? It certainly isnt back to the establishment or the democrat party

Well, yes, probably but in reality, so what?

There isn't a government on Earth that would have looked at the current set of facts and gone "yeah, lets let the inner city flood for a couple of weeks ... ". For a whole lot of genuine and perception reasons flooding the centre of BKK is an awful outcome for Thailand and for Thais generally. Would it provide some, perhaps limited, short term relief for some affected people? Sure ... But governments are elected to deal with both easy and difficult matters, IMO avoiding flooding central BKK is one of the easy decisions but the complete inability to lead on this issue or to communicate the reasons why has been the big issue ...

Do you actually believe the government should just "let the water flow" and swamp the centre of the capital for maybe 2 or 3 weeks?

Sure, it might happen anyway and certainly the moronic mobs that demand gate openings and sabotage dykes aren't helping, but no government on earth would have made a decision to swamp a city as economically significant as BKK.

[dru2]

Actually having patience with the flood is all people can do. When the decision to avoid all risk to central BKK was made it was always going to delay the waters going down and guarantee others were hit far harder. One analyst put it: those who cant afford to pay for the damage are suffering so those that can afford to dont have to suffer. The wider political ramifications of this (beyond organised party politics as they exist right now) are going to resonate.

How the aftermath is dealt with will be critical to whether Thailand sees stability or not. Personally I dont think the masses will abandon PTP, but if they do has anyone thought where they will go? It certainly isnt back to the establishment or the democrat party

Well, yes, probably but in reality, so what?

There isn't a government on Earth that would have looked at the current set of facts and gone "yeah, lets let the inner city flood for a couple of weeks ... ". For a whole lot of genuine and perception reasons flooding the centre of BKK is an awful outcome for Thailand and for Thais generally. Would it provide some, perhaps limited, short term relief for some affected people? Sure ... But governments are elected to deal with both easy and difficult matters, IMO avoiding flooding central BKK is one of the easy decisions but the complete inability to lead on this issue or to communicate the reasons why has been the big issue ...

Do you actually believe the government should just "let the water flow" and swamp the centre of the capital for maybe 2 or 3 weeks?

Sure, it might happen anyway and certainly the moronic mobs that demand gate openings and sabotage dykes aren't helping, but no government on earth would have made a decision to swamp a city as economically significant as BKK.

Where precisely do you live, Sandrew?

[Samuian]

When it comes time to disburse the 100 billion Baht earmarked for rehabilitation I wonder how much will actually be used to help the people who have suffered, and how much will wind up in the pockets of "Family firms". Perhaps the scheme would benefit from an ongoing audit initiated on day one, instead of trying to find out where the money went after it's all been frittered away.

Well the quote is 60:40 in general for all tender and government spending,

as well as most financial movements for "projects" in the private sector

and the remaining 40% tend to evaporate into the oblivious someone,

somewhere will be left with the task to make something out of nothing or

at least explain something, so the audience, if there is any... it's what they

just been doin' on this radio show - a show!

I bet they train all day for giving these "shocked" facial expressions!

and to the tune of 100 billion someone is dancing the tarantella all night long and it's NOT the end of the day!

Edited November 5, 2011 by Samuian

[lujanit]

There are only two reasons why we are being told to be patient. The main one being that Thaksin, and his cronies have yet to work out how to maximize the amount they can siphon from the multiple rehabilitation funds. The second one is that Yingluck has no idea of what to do however she knows that in time nature will fix the problem. That is why we are being asked to be patient in this stinking, stagnant mosquito infested filth.

[sandrew33]

Where precisely do you live, Sandrew?

My condo in Bangkok is in Sukhumvit.

If I can anticipate your response, which would likely seek to discount my view based on a personal location based bias, then I'd simply say thats the logic of fools.

Sure, I might be angrier if I was living in a metre deep water for a month and I might react foolishly or out of anger and say something dumb or push for an idiotic outcome but logic dictates that inner bangkok is economically more important that ANY of the other areas so far damaged. Its also significant from the point of view of perception particularly externally from investors and from tourists...

Where precisely do you live dru2?

[Skywalker69]

I have lost all faith in this government, her words are meaningless and her actions feeble. If she uses the 'be patient' comment again I'll puke. Its been her mantra since day 1 of office.

The Chinese would have been able to build a second 'great wall' in the same time it takes Thailand to sort this flood out.

Don't mean to be negative, but so frustrated with the inaction and the ineffectiveness of current actions. <deleted> Ask for international help, get this problem sorted in the shortest possible time, don't try to show the international community how resilient we are by needlessly enduring this disaster any longer than possible due to stubbornness in seeking assistance.

I never had any faith in this government.

It´s unbeliveble what YS. puts her self through for Big Brother.

[dru2]

Where precisely do you live, Sandrew?

My condo in Bangkok is in Sukhumvit.

If I can anticipate your response, which would likely seek to discount my view based on a personal location based bias, then I'd simply say thats the logic of fools.

Sure, I might be angrier if I was living in a metre deep water for a month and I might react foolishly or out of anger and say something dumb or push for an idiotic outcome but logic dictates that inner bangkok is economically more important that ANY of the other areas so far damaged. Its also significant from the point of view of perception particularly externally from investors and from tourists...

Where precisely do you live dru2?

In rural Chiang Mai, so well away from the action.

[SabaiBKK]

Sure, it might happen anyway and certainly the moronic mobs that demand gate openings and sabotage dykes aren't helping, but no government on earth would have made a decision to swamp a city as economically significant as BKK.

Moronic mobs? seriously i don't know about you but if they break the dykes i get flooded so i wish they wouldn't , but i would not call them moronic but DESESPERATE as they are living in SEWER WATER up to their chest just because the water doesn't flow and becomes stagnant ... i do not like what they do but I totally understand why they do it .... if I was chest deep in stagnant fetid and smelly water for some time because the authorities ar blocking the water from flowing freely i would probably do the same ... i would abandon all sense of comon good just to try to prevent my daughter from being bitten repetively by dengue mosquitoes, getting leptospirosis, and other waterborne diseases which if the water was flowing would not be so present ...

[webfact]

Central Bangkok risks only 'minor' flooding: Thai PM

BANGKOK, November 5, 2011 (AFP) - Bangkok's well-protected centre is only at risk of "minor" flooding, the Thai premier said Saturday, as the deluge closed in on the metropolis, inundating roads and threatening several subway stations.

Thailand's worst floods in decades have swamped at least 20 percent of the capital but Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said flood barriers and drainage systems would keep the city's economic and political heartland mostly dry.

"If all measures are implemented as planned we can save the economic zone of Bangkok," she said in a weekly radio and television address to the nation.

"Even though there may be minor and brief flooding, we can pump and drain it out swiftly."

With the slowly advancing water now just a few kilometres (miles) away from business and tourists districts, authorities are seeking to push the floods through waterways in the east and west of the sprawling capital and out to sea.

Yingluck said a six-kilometre (four-mile) flood wall of huge sandbags had been erected in the north of Bangkok and more water pumps had been installed in other parts of the city of 12 million people.

Nationwide, the three-month old flood crisis, triggered by unusually heavy monsoon rains, has killed 446 people and damaged the homes and livelihoods of millions.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been told to evacuate a number of Bangkok districts but many have chosen to stay despite risks including electrocution, disease and lack of food and drinking water.

The floodwater arrived at the Lat Phrao intersection on the northern edge of the city centre on Friday, prompting the closure of a major shopping mall.

Also on Friday, a spokesman for the Bangkok metro said three subway stations -- Lat Phrao, Phahon Yothin and Chatuchak Park -- were at risk and might have to be shut down if the water rose to 40 centimetres (16 inches) outside.

Nearby Chatuchak weekend market -- a popular tourist attraction -- re-opened on Saturday but many traders stayed away after warnings from officials to be on alert for possible inundations.

Novice premier Yingluck, facing the first test of her fledgling leadership, told listeners she was feeling the strain.

"I admit that I am so tired but I will not be disheartened," she said. "The understanding from the people is enough for me to go on working."

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-11-05

[toenail]

If Yingluck has any independent spirit in her I hope one lesson she learns is to quit relying on her big brother and his cronies for advice. It has gotten "flooded" her in big problems. She has lived in the West. She should know about problem solving and getting the experts to figure out things.

[Jingthing]

I realize she won the last election, in my view, solely based on her family name, smiling pretty face, and artful coached avoidance of actually debating issues. That said, do you reckon the majority of Thai people suffering these floods feel confidence in her REAL abilities as a leader now, now that the water has hit the fan? I don't think she was ever qualified for her job and don't see any evidence she has any hope of EVER being competent in it. But what do you think the Thai people think about that NOW?

Edited November 5, 2011 by Jingthing

[letitbe]

If Yingluck has any independent spirit in her I hope one lesson she learns is to quit relying on her big brother and his cronies for advice. It has gotten "flooded" her in big problems. She has lived in the West. She should know about problem solving and getting the experts to figure out things.

are you still assuming she is nothing more than a clone and never will be anything else smell the coffee

[metisdead]

Please do not post in all capital letters, bold, unusual fonts, sizes or colors. It can be difficult to read. A post and replies to that post have been removed for this reason.

[CWMcMurray]

Lies Lies Lies..

Edited November 5, 2011 by CWMcMurray

[NCFC]

I realize she won the last election, in my view, solely based on her family name, smiling pretty face, and artful coached avoidance of actually debating issues. That said, do you reckon the majority of Thai people suffering these floods feel confidence in her REAL abilities as a leader now, now that the water has hit the fan? I don't think she was ever qualified for her job and don't see any evidence she has any hope of EVER being competent in it. But what do you think the Thai people think about that NOW?

They're probably wondering why Mark is sunning himself in the Maldive Islands right now.

[E1717007]

she is doing her best but the best is simply not enough!!!!!!

[whatsupdoc]

I realize she won the last election, in my view, solely based on her family name, smiling pretty face, and artful coached avoidance of actually debating issues. That said, do you reckon the majority of Thai people suffering these floods feel confidence in her REAL abilities as a leader now, now that the water has hit the fan? I don't think she was ever qualified for her job and don't see any evidence she has any hope of EVER being competent in it. But what do you think the Thai people think about that NOW?

They're probably wondering why Mark is sunning himself in the Maldive Islands right now.

Check the facts before you post.