Disaster Expert Seree Wins Public Trust With Daily Reports: Thailand Flood

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Disaster expert Seree wins public trust with daily reports

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation

People wait eagerly every day to hear what Dr Seree Supharatid, director of the Rangsit University's Centre on Climate Change and Disaster, has to say about the flood situation.

The 51-year-old disaster expert, who earned his PhD from Japan's Tohoku University, became widely known for his studies on the natural phenomenon of tsunami.

This year, Seree is making his presence felt by explaining the ongoing flooding situation on television every day, and telling people where the water is likely to go with easy-to-understand maps and graphics.

"His explanations are easy to comprehend and useful. I want to know if and when my house will be affected and how severe the situation will be. He provides clear information, not useless facts that I don't understand," viewer Nareerat Wassanarungroj said, referring to the information disseminated by the Flood Relief Operations Centre and other academics. They often speak about the millions of cubic metres of water spreading in Thailand - something not many people can relate to.

The disaster expert, who is director of Sirindhorn International Environmental Park's Energy for Environment Centre, also provides information to government agencies and warns them of mistakes they might be making. Seree says his agency uses at least five models - far more than those used by the Meteorological Department - to predict natural disasters and is thus far more confident.

Amarit Opassetthakul, another viewer, said he had more trust in Seree than other academics because he does not just do calculations on paper.

"Dr Seree is perhaps the only expert who is seen surveying actual sites. I'm not saying other academics don't visit places, but they are not filmed doing so," Amarit said. "So far, Dr Seree has been quite accurate in his predictions, and people in many areas have had the time to prepare properly. However, it is difficult to say what will happen in the long run. It's not that I don't trust him, but the flood problem in Bangkok is also about politics and personal damage. Take the clashes at Klong Sam Wa for example."

Seree, who is known for his outgoing personality, is seen tirelessly visiting affected areas, making time for the public even after his home in Muang Ake was submerged.

Many of his fans also say that Seree does not have an axe to grind with the government, nor does he have any commercial interests.

Bioplastic specialist Jetnapa Techawipharat said she likes his straightforward manner. "He does not lie just to ease people's worries. Instead he tells them where the water will arrive and shows us how to prepare," she said.

Sasin Chalermlarp, secretary-general of the Seub Nakasathien Foundation, whose video clips explaining the flood situations have become popular, also says that he trusts Seree and has called on the government to have the disaster expert oversee operations.

On Tuesday, the Cabinet approved the appointment of Seree as a member and assistant to the secretary of the Strategic Committee for Water Resources Management, which will either be led by the PM or one of her deputies.

Seree earned his master's degree in water-resources engineering from the Asian Institute of Technology after graduating in civil engineering from Chulalongkorn University. He has worked as an engineer with some firms, including PTT Exploration and Production. He is also a board member of the education institution related to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department.

Apart from Seree's many academic accomplishments, he has also conducted research on forecasting tidal-levels using the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm in 2002 and on the 2000 Hat Yai flood, which is considered one of the worst floods in Thai history, as well as advances in Hydro-Science and Engineering in 2004.

On the national level, Seree has presented a study on the concept of protecting riverbanks from erosion.

After several provinces got flooded last year, Seree blamed poor city planning and called on related agencies to remove flaws so the scale of disaster can be reduced.

Maybe, as Seree gains public trust, the authorities might start paying him more attention and heed the warning he issued last December saying that Bangkok could end up being submerged in less than a decade.

-- The Nation 2011-11-10

[mdechgan]

He is the people's favorite. He has the credentials, the experience and knows how to communicate about the flood. He has warned time and time again what FROC and the BMA is doing is wrong and will backfire. He had also predicted what had occured time and time again.

[huanga]

so get this guy on the panel of Flood relief already....

Or does he need to be a relative or crony of the Shinawat clan to be qualified? Just don't cry..... people have had it with this government already!

Edited November 10, 2011 by huanga

[whybother]

The 51-year-old disaster expert, who earned his PhD from Japan's Tohoku University, became widely known for his studies on the natural phenomenon of tsunami.

Good qualifications for this flood. It's been like a slow moving tsunami.

[MikeyIdea]

Yepp, he's a Must View every evening

He predicted that rather large parts of Bangkok would flood already a month ago by the way

And he predicted that a tsunami would hit the west coast of the South before it happened

Very trust worthy in my eyes

Edited November 10, 2011 by MikeyIdea

[MaxYakov]

Yepp, he's a Must View every evening

He predicted that rather large parts of Bangkok would flood already a month ago by the way

And he predicted that a tsunami would hit the west coast of the South before it happened

Very trust worthy in my eyes

He focused on the flooding at Ladkrabang Industrial Estate in ThaI PBS Nov 9 Thailands Worst Flood segment (patience, it's at the end)

WARNING: This segment contains explicit video and verbal references to boats being used to propel water in khlongs. Viewer discretion is advised.

Edited November 10, 2011 by MaxYakov

[hammered]

Good to see him get appointed to that committee.

[BlueTerrace]

Like this guy a lot.

Time for government to start listening to experts, not political hacks.

If they did this with the dams 3 months ago, we might not be in this predicament.

[ResX]

Like this guy a lot.

Time for government to start listening to experts, not political hacks.

If they did this with the dams 3 months ago, we might not be in this predicament.

The two dams that I know, Bhumibol & Sirkit are not big enough to deal with the flood that you are currently facing. It is pretty too big for these two dams. Unless you have other big dams beside these two...

Edited November 10, 2011 by ResX

[OzMick]

Good to see him get appointed to that committee.

You mean "It would be....................." I assume, as he has not.

Perhaps he doesn't suffer fools gladly.

[MaxYakov]

Like this guy a lot.

Time for government to start listening to experts, not political hacks.

If they did this with the dams 3 months ago, we might not be in this predicament.

The two dams that I know, Bhumibol & Sirkit are not big enough to deal with the flood that you are currently facing. It is pretty too big for these two dams. Unless you have other big dams beside these two...

I guess the Big Bag Barrier wouldn't count in this regard? ... Ok, didn't think so.

Edited November 10, 2011 by MaxYakov

[skippybangkok]

Like this guy a lot.

Time for government to start listening to experts, not political hacks.

If they did this with the dams 3 months ago, we might not be in this predicament.

The two dams that I know, Bhumibol & Sirkit are not big enough to deal with the flood that you are currently facing. It is pretty too big for these two dams. Unless you have other big dams beside these two...

I guess the Big Bag Barrier wouldn't count in this regard? ... Ok, didn't think so.

Not completely true, there has been alot more rain fall this year, but its clear from the below graph that some coconut know it all has played a significant factor in making it worse than it should have been

[spidermike007]

I believe it is truly refreshing for the Thai people to listen to someone who actually knows what he is talking about.

[ResX]

Like this guy a lot.

Time for government to start listening to experts, not political hacks.

If they did this with the dams 3 months ago, we might not be in this predicament.

The two dams that I know, Bhumibol & Sirkit are not big enough to deal with the flood that you are currently facing. It is pretty too big for these two dams. Unless you have other big dams beside these two...

I guess the Big Bag Barrier wouldn't count in this regard? ... Ok, didn't think so.

Oh yes. How could I never realize that.....

[givenall]

He is the people's favorite. He has the credentials, the experience and knows how to communicate about the flood. He has warned time and time again what FROC and the BMA is doing is wrong and will backfire. He had also predicted what had occured time and time again.

I guess that is why the government did not like him sincehe tell the truth. This government platform is to tell lies

[ResX]

Like this guy a lot.

Time for government to start listening to experts, not political hacks.

If they did this with the dams 3 months ago, we might not be in this predicament.

The two dams that I know, Bhumibol & Sirkit are not big enough to deal with the flood that you are currently facing. It is pretty too big for these two dams. Unless you have other big dams beside these two...

I guess the Big Bag Barrier wouldn't count in this regard? ... Ok, didn't think so.

Not completely true, there has been alot more rain fall this year, but its clear from the below graph that some coconut know it all has played a significant factor in making it worse than it should have been

We are not in argument after all. I agree with you that the two dams under performed due to a reason that I don't really know. But we have to be realistic here so that we don't blame others for the things that fall beyond their control.

At best the dams can hold flood waters as long as they want to to hold up to 7billion cubic meter (Bhumibol and Sirkit). I don't know how much the dams managed to hold the intended flood waters (the one that associated with less than 7 days intense rainfalls). Whatever the figure is it won't be significantly high. Far less than 7 billion cubic meter for sure. But the flood size is amounting to just below 16 billion cubic meter. So, at best the dams can cut down the size of flood to 60% level. At worst, it is about what happens now.

[skippybangkok]

We are not in argument after all. I agree with you that the two dams under performed due to a reason that I don't really know. But we have to be realistic here so that we don't blame others for the things that fall beyond their control.

At best the dams can hold flood waters as long as they want to to hold up to 7billion cubic meter (Bhumibol and Sirkit). I don't know how much the dams managed to hold the intended flood waters (the one that associated with less than 7 days intense rainfalls). Whatever the figure is it won't be significantly high. Far less than 7 billion cubic meter for sure. But the flood size is amounting to just below 16 billion cubic meter. So, at best the dams can cut down the size of flood to 60% level. At worst, it is about what happens now.

Agreed...... but its clear "somchai" turned off the tap at the dam around mid this year, in deviation from all the other years.

[Nekton]

Basically, Seree is a good science communicator. We need more people like him, science is interesting, however most scientist are boring. He is able to cut through the confusion without being condescending or using childish metaphors like how many blue whales are trying to swim into Bangkok. One of the last great science communicators was Carl Sagan, maybe not the best astronomer but very good at making it interesting and explaining it well and also at cultivating his reputation. We are currently facing several major issues (i.e. global climate change, biodiversity crisis, overpopulation, 7 billion now if you are counting) that science seeks to understand but has a very difficult time explaining. Dr. Seree seems very good at communicating it, unfortunately people only seem to listen when they are actually getting their feet wet.

[sbk]

This thread is about Dr. Seree, not about dams, thanks.

[tigermonkey]

This thread is about Dr. Seree, not about dams, thanks.

I agree that the thread is about Dr. Seree -- so please delete the posts about dams, so that there is no desire to respond to the false information therein.

[MaxYakov]

I agree that Dr. Seree is a good communicator, but this is about disaster and flood management more than it is about Science.

I was disappointed with him and Thai PBS by his very abridged English-language presentation last night (Nov 10 2011). During the Thai-language presentation that preceded it, he covered the situation in the East, North Central Bangkok (including the latest events with the Big Bag Barrier) and the Bang Chan Industrial Estates. Only the Bang Chan IE situation was presented in the English-language version, and it was abridged, at that.

The Thai PBS - Thailand's Worst Flood English-language segments archived back to 24 October. I have not been able to locate the Thai-language videos on the Thai PBS website, but believe they would be worth watching even if one does not know Thai.

[EvilDrSomkid]

Would love to watch him, but our hotel in Ban Pong does not have TPBS for some reason.

Wife's parents do, however, but we are not there when he is on.

edit: What time is he on, usually?

Edited November 11, 2011 by EvilDrSomkid

[MaxYakov]

Would love to watch him, but our hotel in Ban Pong does not have TPBS for some reason.

Wife's parents do, however, but we are not there when he is on.

edit: What time is he on, usually?

The Thai-language segment is at 20:00, English at 20:40 or so.

[EvilDrSomkid]

Would love to watch him, but our hotel in Ban Pong does not have TPBS for some reason.

Wife's parents do, however, but we are not there when he is on.

edit: What time is he on, usually?

The Thai-language segment is at 20:00, English at 20:40 or so.

Thanks.

[MaxYakov]

Would love to watch him, but our hotel in Ban Pong does not have TPBS for some reason.

Wife's parents do, however, but we are not there when he is on.

edit: What time is he on, usually?

The Thai-language segment is at 20:00, English at 20:40 or so.

Thanks.

Sorry, apparently I was off by 1/2 hour on the Thai-language start time this evening - 2030. I think there's some flex in their start time for the English-language segment. But you probably know this by now.

Edited November 11, 2011 by MaxYakov

[BKKdreaming]

The problem is that they cut his on air time too short,

Fridays report was less than 2 minutes, he needs 5 minutes or more since it is a "flood Report" and not a News report,

More maps and a longer report would be great

BK

[EvilDrSomkid]

Sorry, apparently I was off by 1/2 hour on the Thai-language start time this evening - 2030. I think there's some flex in their start time for the English-language segment. But you probably know this by now.

No need to apologize. I was able to watch it live online. The 30 min delay was caused by the much more "important" news.

Anyway, we watched it and it was very informative. Will watch again tonight.

It was quite clear from the English part he is not comfortable to do it in English.

That's OK. Most of the maps and such had writing in English. I can catch some things in Thai and my wife translates some things.

[ResX]

We are not in argument after all. I agree with you that the two dams under performed due to a reason that I don't really know. But we have to be realistic here so that we don't blame others for the things that fall beyond their control.

At best the dams can hold flood waters as long as they want to to hold up to 7billion cubic meter (Bhumibol and Sirkit). I don't know how much the dams managed to hold the intended flood waters (the one that associated with less than 7 days intense rainfalls). Whatever the figure is it won't be significantly high. Far less than 7 billion cubic meter for sure. But the flood size is amounting to just below 16 billion cubic meter. So, at best the dams can cut down the size of flood to 60% level. At worst, it is about what happens now.

Agreed...... but its clear "somchai" turned off the tap at the dam around mid this year, in deviation from all the other years.

That actually turned the floods from bad to worse. Otherwise the floods would have looked bad rather than worse.

[EvilDrSomkid]

No Dr. Seri today? Is he off the air on weekends?

[stan18]

No Dr. Seri today? Is he off the air on weekends?

Assuming you mean the Thai language version of 12/11/2011, go to main page link below and look at upper, right hand mini-pics. Image of latest Dr.Seri presentation is frequently (all the time?) clearly visible and linked to the actual clip.

http://www3.thaipbs.or.th/flood54/

Previous presentations accesible by visual selection from (among) various thumbnails accessed via the "more" link below mini-pics on main page or from (among) thumbnails shown below any of the linked video clips.

Rgds / Stan

Edited November 12, 2011 by stan18