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Thailand Live Wednesday 9 Nov 2011


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Special Buses Provided for Flood Evacuation

The city bus authority has confirmed that public buses will continue to regularly serve commuters, but warned that some bus routes have been readjusted and will cover a shorter distance.

Vehicles that can perform special tasks are being utilized as well.

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, or BMTA, stacked up 2,000 sandbags that will serve as the walking path for passengers to get to Morchit Skytrain and Chatuchak subway stations so that commuters do not need to walk in the water to get onto the buses.

Military vehicles and BMTA special buses have been organized to transport commuters from Morchit Skytrain station to the Victory Monument, the Sapan Kwai Bridge and Ladprao.

BMTA Deputy Director Nares Boonpium said buses will be providing service from 4 am to 12 am, but the bus routes have had to be shortened.

67 of the total 108 bus routes have been shortened, and only 50 bus routes are able to run as usual.

Many damaged buses are in need of repair.

The BMTA has been providing special buses to serve people at the points that private bus operators stop their services.

The commuters can contact for the BMTA for further details and inquire about bus routes via their hotline at 184.

The BMTA executive disclosed that the BMTA's revenues have declined from 10 million baht to 8 million baht per day on the weekdays due the flood situation.

Meanwhile, revenue on weekends has dropped from 9 million baht to 7 million baht each day.

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-- Tan Network 2011-11-09

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Normal service at BTS/MRT

The Nation

The skytrain and subway have maintained normal services on Wednesday, despite higher water levels in several areas which significantly reduces the number of commuters.

Anat Arbhabhirama, an advisor to the board of Bangkok Mass Transit System which operates the skytrain, said that the number of daily commuters sharply plunges from 500,000 to 100,000.

He noted that the skytrain service would be disrupted when water level in Mo Chit, where the main operating system is located, is as high as 1.65 metre. At present, it is only 50cm.

Meanwhile, Ronachit Yaemsa-ard, acting governor of Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand - the operator of the MRT subway, said that normal services are maintained at all 18 stations. Water level at four stations - Chatuchak, Phaholyothin, Lat Phrao and Ratchadapisek - is under close watch. The subway now accommodates about 160,000 commuters daily.

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-- The Nation 2011-11-09

Posted

Flood death toll updated to 529

Flood-related death toll rose to 529 with two persons still listed as missing, the Flood Relief Operations Centre announced Wednesday.

The FROC announced that so far 24 provinces are still inundated, affecting 2.8 million people from 1.05 million families in 7,420 villages.

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-- The Nation 2011-11-09

Posted

City issues evacuation advisory for two Khan Na Yao subdistricts

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BANGKOK, Nov 9 – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) on Wednesday issued an evacuation advisory for Khan Na Yao and Ramindra subdistricts in Khan Na Yao district.

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra also announced a special close watch for possible evacuation of Lat Phrao subdistrict of Lat Phrao.

Residents were advised to move their belongings to higher ground. Patients, children, the elderly and pregnant women should move to safer areas.

The BMA is working with agencies, NGOs and the private sector to distribute food, drinking water, medicine and mobile toilets to 470 locations in districts with deep flooding. The cooperating agencies are the Ruamkatunyu Foundation, the Stock Exchange of Thailand, Dhurakij Pundit University, Kasem Bundit University, the Flood Fight volunteer group, Singha Corporation and Thai Bev Pcl.

The BMA will also receive assistance from the Interior Ministry under “One Province One District” project to be launched Thursday at the Royal Plaza. Under the project, mobile toilets, boats, pumps, life jackets will be offered by the provinces to flood victims in Bangkok.

Regarding garbage collection problem in flooded areas, the BMA has hired more collectors to work in 18 districts from Nov 10 to Dec 31 and purchased more garbage collecting equipment.

The amount of garbage which has accumulated will be reduced in three days, the governor said.

Meanwhile, the BMA has cancelled its annual Loy Krathong festival, originally set for tomorrow (Nov 10) in all districts for the safety of festival goers, due to the ongoing flood.

City Hall annually sponsors the traditional Thai festival, near Rama VIII Bridge and other areas.The annual festival falls on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar.

Despite the cancellation, Bangkok residents can celebrate the Loy Krathong and float krathongs, hand-made rafts carrying flowers, candles and incense, into ponds at BMA’s public parks which are not flooded.

The authorities also asked the festivalgoers to float fewer krathongs during this year’s festival in order to help reduce amounts of garbage which may obstruct the drainage system. (MCOT online news)

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-- TNA 2011-11-09

Posted

Minister Sure Airport to Be Safe from Floods

The transport minister expresses confidence that Suvarnabhumi Airport will be safe from flooding, even though floods are getting closer to the airport.

Transport Minister Sukampol Suwannathat said that flood prevention measures implemented at Suvarnabhumi Airport are still not showing any signs of having any problems and he is confident that they will be effective in coping with the incoming floods.

Sukampol then said his ministry expects that the present flood crisis will cost a combined billion baht in damage to roads in affected areas, although his estimate does not yet include roads that are still submerged under water.

He said his ministry is scheduled to complete the repairs to highway routes and roads accessing industrial estates before year's end while others will be gradually re-opened then.

The minister said the police and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration have already negotiated with people who were staging the protest against building the “big bag” flood levees in Don Muang District.

Sukampol said that protesters misunderstood and thought that levee would create an increase in floodwater levels in their communities, while he explained how important it is to guard Bangkok against inundation.

He insisted that the water outside the levee has gone down and that there is no more discharge flowing down from the North.

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-- Tan Network 2011-11-09

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Posted

No of closed bank branches drops

The Nation

For the first time in over a month, the number of temporarily-closed bank branches dropped, showing a good sign that the water level will recede soon.

According to the Bank of Thailand, the number dropped by 18 from the previous day to 613 on Nov 9, thanks largely to the service resumption of branches in Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and parts of Bangkok.

Of total, 334 are located in Bangkok, 147 in Pathum Thani and 64 in Nonthaburi. The rest are in five other provinces.

Though, 5,596 ATMs are unplugged, showing an increase of 103 from the previous day, as floods hit more parts of Bangkok. At present, 2,217 ATMs in Bangkok, 15.8 per cent of total in the province, are unplugged.

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-- The Nation 2011-11-09

Posted

Update:

World Health Organisation on Wednesday said the water production of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA) meet the WHO's standard

Follow this link:

Posted

100 million cubic metres of water increase in city each day: Sukhumbhand

The volume of water entering Bangkok is much bigger than what is being pushed out, according to Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra.

"The difference is about 100 million cubic metres a day," Sukhumbhand disclosed Wednesday.

He pointed out that the big bags placed in areas north of Bangkok had not yet fully prevented the runoff water from the upper part of the country from seeping in.

The big bags, so far, have managed to lower floodwater level in Bangkok's Bang Phlat, Don Mueang and Lak Si districts by between 15 and 20 centimetres already.

"That's good news," Sukhumbhand said.

However, he pointed out that floodwater had continued to spread wider in the capital.

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-- The Nation 2011-11-09

Posted

20 of 93 Bang Chan industrial estate factories suspended operations as flood rises Wed./via@Biz_TheNation

SET index closed down 15.60 pts at 967.84 on floods risk to inner Bkk,and rising floods in Bang Chan industrial estate/via@Biz_TheNation

Posted

SET index end down 15.60 pts,1.59 pct

Thai composite stocks index (SET) closed on Wednesday at 967.84, down 15.60 points, or 1.59 per cent on flood risk to inner Bangkok and rising flood level at Bang Chan industrial estate.

Blue chip SET-50 index ended at 682.33 points, down 13.53 points, or 1.94 per cent.

Top five most active (value) stocks: PTTGC, PTT, JAS, BANPU, SCC.

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-- The Nation 2011-11-09

Posted

Toyota's chief vows to stay

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Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda on Wednesday vowed not to pull the investment out of Thailand, despite fears for the exodus following the worst flooding in nearly 7 decades that have inundated hundreds of Japanese manufacturing plants and caused severe supply-chain disruptions.

During his visit to Thailand, Toyoda said that his company is committed to further expand business in Thailand and maintain its leadership in the Thai automotive industry.

He also announced that Toyota’s 3 plants in Thailand would resume operations on Nov 21. Auto parts from other production bases like Indonesia will be imported to ensure the resumption.

The three plants, one in Samut Prakan and two in Chachoengsao, have been suspended since October 10, as suppliers in Ayutthaya were inundated. Their combined capacity is 650,000 units per annum.

"We (Toyota) definitely will not cease our investment in Thailand. We will expand the business and the automotive industry in Thailand as a whole. We expect to maintain our leadership in the country," he said.

Toyota this year celebrated its 49th anniversary of operations in Thailand. It is now the biggest auto maker, with the annual production capacity of 360,000 units. It also controls over 40 per cent of share in the domestic market.

Due to floods, Toyota has witnessed a ripple effect as it has to cut down production worldwide, chiefly in Japan, the US, Canada, Pakistan, Indonesia, the Philippnes and Vietnam.

In this visit, Toyoda donated Bt10 million to His Majesty the King, to help aid flood victims.

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-- The Nation 2011-11-09

Posted

Private sector's supports

The Nation

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This compilation shows the latest efforts by private companies in addressing flood impacts. Contact [email protected].

Beverages for flood victims

Aje Group is boosting capacity of its beverage plants, to cope with rising demand in Thailand.

Hernan Cordova, managing director of Aje Thai Co Ltd - its local unit, said that so far the company has donated beverages worth over Bt2.1 million to flood victims, aside from "Ceilo" drinking water worth over Bt10 million which is distributed through 7 relief centres.

"We hereby extend condolences to Thais in light of the historical floods and goods shortages. In this unfortunate event, Thais help each others and this should be shown to the world. In recognition of Thai hospitality, Aje Thai is giving our beverages to ease the suffering. Hopefully, the situation will wind up and return to normal soon," Cordova said.

Goods Fair

Bangkok Bank, in partnership with more than 30 manufacturing customers and business alliances, is hosting an 'Emergency Shopping Fair' to sell essential consumer goods at factory prices. Taking place at its headoffice on Silom Road on Nov 11 from 8am to 5pm, the fair features bottled drinking water, soy milk, eggs, salted eggs, chilli paste, canned sardines in tomato sauce, rice, instant noodles, processed and frozen foods, sausages, snacks, cooking oil, kitchenware, plastic buckets, waterproof pants, life vests, sleeping bags, sandals, medical supplies, garbage bags, calcium dioxide, alum, torches and lighters. House renovation advisors will also be on hand at the fair.

Similar events are planned at Bangkok Bank branches to provide convenience and relief to customers and people having difficulty buying essential consumer products during the floods.

Free car auctions

Union Auction Co Ltd will host second-hand car auctions during Nov 15-Dec 31 specially for flood victims. Upon registration for the participation, the car owners will get Bt7,000 from the company and the owners will be waived from operating cost. They will also get a full sum reaped from the auction.

Ekpithaya Iamkhong-ek, president of the company, said that the CSR campaign is open for all types of cars, including those with financial obligations.

"This is part of our CSR campaigns, to help the affected. Normally, we charge both buyers and sellers for the operating cost, but we’ll give the sellers all the operating cost of Bt7,000 collected from buyers," he said.

He added that all parties should lend a hand when the country suffers from a natural disaster which affects a large number of people. The interested can contact Union Auction at Tel 0-2934-7344 or get more information from www.union-auction.com.

Early bonus payment at Tesco Lotus

Tesco Lotus is paying bonus this month to staff members in level 1 and 2, who represent nearly 95 per cent of its work force. The payment is normally made in December.

HR Director Siriphan Thongtheppairot said that during the flooding crisis, the staff have shown real commitment and dedication to serving customers and getting essential products to them. "I’m delighted that we are able to make this early payment as a way of saying thank you to them for their continued hard work. We hope that this early payment will also go some way to ensuring that these staff members have a speedy improvement and recovery to their personal situation."

A number of Tesco Lotus have also been personally impacted by the flooding. The company has so far provided nearly Bt28 million wroth of financial aid, 7,000 relief bags, as well as food, temporary accommodation and transportation where needed, worth nearly Bt6.5 million.

Latest help from TMB

TMB Bank provided 15,000 food boxes and clothes to soldiers worth about Bt1.5 million, on top of Bt500,000 cash. To assisted affected soldiers, the bank will also waive principal and interest repayments for three months.

Fujitsu offers free server rental

Fujitsu System Business (Thailand) Ltd will waive rental server fees on flood-affected customers for two months from October, to help customers who are rebuilding business after the floods.

Masaki Kajiyama, president of the Thai unit, said that the program is a collaboration between Fujitsu Business System (Thailand) and Fujitsu Technology Solutions.

UMS in Ayutthaya

Unique Mining Services Plc’s volunteer staff recently visited the flood-damaged community in Tamboon Klong-sa-gae, Ayutthaya province, to donate relief bags to the flood victims. These bags included dried foods, rice, drinking water and other essential items.

UMS is committed to being helpful to community and encouraging all of their employees to participate in social and community activities.

Free SIM to soldiers

Total Access Communication (Dtac) recently handed 500 pre-paid SIM cards worth Bt250,000 to soldiers, who are assisting the rescue and relief efforts in the Greater Bangkok.

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-- The Nation 2011-11-09

Posted

Thai PM: 2012 GDP likely to grow 4.5-5.5%

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BANGKOK, Nov 9 - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Wednesday said the country's economic growth next year could expand within the range of 4.5- 5.5 per cent thanks to the government's post-flood rehabilitation plan which would play a key role in driving the economic recovery.

The premier addressed a meeting of the House of Representatives or the Lower House on her government's proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2012 of Bt2.38 trillion (US$77.2 billion) in spending, of which Bt130 billion is allocated for flood recovery and rehabilitation.

"Economic growth next year will still feel the pinch of the tremendous late 2011 flood-induced damage,” Ms Yingluck conceded, “but the government's rehabilitation plan as well as the public and private sector measures to help those affected would play a key role in driving the economic recovery, investment and employment as well as boosting domestic demand to expand steadily."

The inflation rate is projected to rise within a range of 3-4 per cent, she said.

However, Ms Yingluck's predecessor and main opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva argued that the government's proposed budget bill failed to reflect the country's real economic condition and urged it to scrap the populist policies pledged during its election campaign.

Mr Abhisit also voiced concern and questioned whether the Bt120 billion allocated for post-flood rehabilitation could be well-spent in a transparent manner.

"The government lacks a clear strategy and planning with no explanation on how the implementation of its key policies would contribute to the country's recovery, namely the rice mortgage scheme, tax rebate schemes for first-time homebuyers and first-time carbuyers," the Democrat party leader said.

He urged the government to review the priorities in its budget allocation in time of crisis.

"The government should focus on a strategy to ensure that people would get back to their normal life in parallel with rebuilding manufacturing industries," Mr Abhisit said.

Meanwhile, the Flood Relief Operations Centre (FROC) reported that as of Wednesday, 529 persons had died in flood-related deaths.

Two were still missing while 2,868,061 people were affected, as well as 24,110,000 livestock.

The flood response agency added 11,190,000 rai of farmlands were damaged by floodwater, 265 roads are impassable and 12 railway routes had to suspend services.

The remaining submerged 24 provinces are Bangkok, Prachin Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Suphan Buri, Saraburi, Lop Buri, Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, Chai Nat, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan and Phichit. (MCOT online news)

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-- TNA 2011-11-09

Posted

Small losses for TFUND

BBL Asset Management Co Ltd, the manager of Ticon Property Fund (TFUND) and TPark Logistics Property Fund (TLOGIS), is convinced that it should take two months to revive the funds' damaged properties.

Of total, 99 rental factories with combined space of 243,300 square metre or 50 per cent of TFUND’s properties are damaged. This affects 51 per cent of the fund’s monthly revenue.

In a statement, the fund manager said the repair will take only two months thanks to uncomplicated building structure, and the cost should be fully covered by insurance.

TLOGIS’s 5 warehouses are damaged, covering combined space of 34,106 square metre or 27 per cent of total. This affects 38 per cent of the fund’s revenue, but it is covered by the all risks insurance

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-- The Nation 2011-11-09

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