Sukhumbhand: Dry City By New Year

[Lite Beer]

Sukhumbhand: Dry city by New Year

THANATPONG KHONGSAI

THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said yesterday that he would see to it that all roads and sois in the capital are dry as a New Year gift for Bangkokians.

However, he yesterday warned residents in Prawet, Saphan Sung and Bangkok Yai districts to move their belongings to higher ground and prepare for possible evacuation.

Yesterday afternoon, Sukhumbhand boarded a 10-wheel truck to hand out relief bags and inspect conditions along Bang Khae district's Buddha Monthon 2 Road, which has been flooded for two weeks. The water has receded by 10cm but is now very polluted, so the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)'s Environment Office brought three water tanks containing EM (effective micro-organisms) water to treat the flood water.

Sukhumbhand said he had announced 22 additional communities in Prawet and Saphan Sung districts as flood-watch areas. He said the additional areas in Bangkok Yai were: Tha Phra sub-district's Soi Phetchkasem 15,16,17,17/1, 18 and 18/1; Wat Arun sub-district's Soi Issaraparp 33 and 42, Ananthabhum, Wat Nakklang, Wat Mai Wichien, the Trok Ta-an communities on Issaraparp Road as well as the Wat Kreuwal, Pok Arun, Wat Moleelokayaram communities on Arun Amarin Road; and Wat Tha Phra sub-district's Soi Ratchadapisek 25 and Soi Charansanidwong 3, 7/1, 9, 9/1, 11, 12, 14.

Saying the flood situation should improve within two weeks if there was no more runoff, he said the "Big Bag" floodwall had helped staunch the flow of water. He urged people not to destroy floodwalls or take any action before talking with authorities. "This New Year, I want to give a gift to people: My goal is to have Bangkok dry in all areas, not just main roads but also the sois," he said.

In order to tackle the flooding in western Bangkok, Sukhumbhand said the city's flood-mitigation meeting yesterday proposed diverting the flood water into Rajamontri and Sanam Chai canals and to the Mahachai-Sanam Chai "monkey cheek" water-retention area. Water from Bang Bon canal would be pushed through the Ekkachai sluice gate to prevent severe flooding on Rama II Road of the kind that swamped Vibhavadi and Phetchakasem roads, he added. The BMA also asked the Metropolitan Electricity Authority to install more water pumps to assist flood-affected people in western Bangkok, he said.

The BMA also had 34 water-tank trucks spray EM liquid to treat polluted flood water resulting from mounting garbage piles. Garbage collection is being done by boat, and is proceeding slowly. He said the BMA had managed to collect 900 tons of garbage - or 47 per cent of all garbage in the city. The authority yesterday started to provide 170 trucks to transport people around flooded areas on 21 routes through Bangkok from 6am to 10pm everyday, Sukhumbhand said, adding that it was also preparing a project to bring flood evacuees home.

The BMA reported that 494,893 people in 12 Bangkok districts have been affected by the floods caused by northern runoff. Sai Mai district had the most flood victims at 87,229, followed by Don Mueang (86,561), Phasee Charoen (51,920), Lak Si (51,226), Bang Phlad (51,055), Bang Khae (36,250) and Nong Khaem (35,852).

As of yesterday, Vibhavadi, Phaholyothin and Kasetsart University roads had seen flood water lowered by 5cm-20cm, while Borommaratchachonnani Road (from Central Pinklao mall to Sirindhorn Elevated Way) and Somdet Phrapinklao Road were under 30cm of water. Arun Amarin Road from Arun Amarin Intersection to Siriraj Hospital and to the Rama VIII Bridge were under some 50cm of water. However, Prawet district reported a high water level in Prawet Burirom canal and 30cm-deep water in some communities on On Nut and Pattanakan roads, such as Muangthong Garden Ville in Soi Pattanakarn 65.

In related news, Airports of Thailand chairman ACM Sumet Phomanee yesterday said officials were speedily repairing key parts of Don Mueang Airport targeted for early re-opening. It was expected that, after the "Big Bag" floodwall was completed to protect the airport's eastern runways on Tuesday, and the floodwater had subsided, it would take 60 days to repair the airport in full. He expressed 100-per-cent confidence that Suvarnabhumi Airport would be safe from flooding.

Meanwhile, Siriraj Hospital yesterday urged its medical staff to report to their supervisors by Wednesday on whether they would be able to continue working, in order to plan services to support incoming patients.

-- The Nation 2011-11-13

[SICHONSTEVE]

At least there is one person that seems to know what he is doing - surprise, surprise, he's a Democrat and not from the "incompetent party".

I hope that those who voted PT remember this salient lesson when the time comes to elect the next government!!!! They have been a disaster to match the flood disaster - wouldn't it be marvelous if Yingluck and Silvio Berllusconi were to resign in the same year - two plonkers of the highest order. Thaksin's first clone has already fallen on his sword and so come on Yingluck (second clone) do the honourable thing and "get the hell outta there" where you don't belong and should never have been!!!!:jap:.

[chooka]

I would assume that he is talking about the Thai new year as he is a thai in Thailand. He didn't mention anything about all the rubbish rats and cockroaches tho. No point in him personally mopping up all the water when there will still be the stench of rotting garbage and a rat infestation. He didn't say the city would be fully clean....

Edited November 14, 2011 by craigt3365
deleted post removed

[thaimate]

But i thought we were told it would all be over by the beginning of november,not long ago ?

[macgver]

Oh no, not again MR. Sukhumbhand talk again rubbish. Everything he said, become opposite. How can you believe his statement again?

[lounger]

But i thought we were told it would all be over by the beginning of november,not long ago ?

The BMA reported that 494,893 people in 12 Bangkok districts have been affected by the floods caused by northern runoff.

Why does he say northern runoff. The alternative is rising sea levels so his language is subtly trying to attribute blame to the northern provinces thereby deflecting management incompetence.

On another thaivisa blog today Bhumipol Dam is releasing another 12 million tons of water to keep river levels up for the imminent boat racing festivals!!!! I guess that is northern runoff.

We are also told the water levels in Bangkok will recede if northern runoff stops. Has he said this in full knowledge of the Bhumipol dam boat race scenario?

Only in Thailand

Edited November 13, 2011 by lounger

[thaiguide]

But i thought we were told it would all be over by the beginning of november,not long ago ?

Yes we were told so and if I remember correct it was PM Yingluck that said it, so it must be true.

[zydeco]

Well, zip a dee doo dah. Just a month and a half more under water and then I can be dry! What a gift! What a fool.

[Payboy]

SP's been hitting the bottle again!

[h90]

Well, zip a dee doo dah. Just a month and a half more under water and then I can be dry! What a gift! What a fool.

better to hear the true that "one more week" and than nothing

[MaxYakov]

But i thought we were told it would all be over by the beginning of november,not long ago ?

I just did a search for the string '2012' on this entire page (article and posts) - NONE WERE FOUND.

[lujanit]

More pissing in the wind this time by the BMA Governor. Yingkuck said end of November. Whatever!

I hope these people piss upwind so they are drenched by their own piss.

[plumeria]

Is there any evidence at all that all this distribution of this highly controversial "EM" is having any beneficial effect other than lining somebody's pockets?

Last research I did showed scientists were clearly divided down the middle whether EM worked or NOT.

My own research could not clearly prove any benefit for agricultural use nor water detoxification.

So when did this move into the "miraculous cure" category???

Plenty of smart people consider this the equivalent of "snake oil" for whatever ails you.

Anybody know any better??

[csolgosz]

"...he said the "Big Bag" floodwall had helped staunch the flow of water"

I saw it today on Rama 2. It has up to 60 cm gaps in it and appears that there may not have been enough bags...

Great job! Back to the bottle, SP..!

ed. sorry, I meant drawing board, not bottle...

[malcyx]

Is this guy stupid.. or some kind of god...

the weather will decide if bkk is dry or not.

idiot..

pisses me off when politicians make statements like this when they have no control

of what it is they say they will take care of...

[HardenedSoul]

At least there is one person that seems to know what he is doing - surprise, surprise, he's a Democrat and not from the "incompetent party".

I hope that those who voted PT remember this salient lesson when the time comes to elect the next government!!!! They have been a disaster to match the flood disaster - wouldn't it be marvelous if Yingluck and Silvio Berllusconi were to resign in the same year - two plonkers of the highest order. Thaksin's first clone has already fallen on his sword and so come on Yingluck (second clone) do the honourable thing and "get the hell outta there" where you don't belong and should never have been!!!!:jap:.

[SICHONSTEVE]

I think that I could teach you a thing or two about science as I was a chemist (and no I didn't work in Boots) for 32 years, before retiring. As to my apparent lack of knowledge in physical geography and Thai history I'm not sure why you have brought this up!!!

I'm not making capital out of it as just how does what I think affect the poitical workings of Thailand???? Abhisit would be foolish if HE tried to do this as it would appear to the people (let down by Yingluck and the government) that he was "rubbing their noses in it", wouldn't it. and he's not stupid, is he!!:jap:.

Thanks to the Governors efforts Bangkok will be dry by the end of 2011 NB: if Yingluck had been in sole charge (and she wasn't) - it isn't possible to determine who was!!! then you could have posed this same question to her as to WHICH new year we are talking about.

On your introductory sentence - I am good and virtuous (in my own personal judgement of myself (might be biased))), reasonably old I suppose at 54, but why do you say I'm sick??? I have just had a medical and am in perfectly good health according to my doctor, thank you very much!!.

Edited November 14, 2011 by craigt3365
deleted post removed

[whatsupdoc]

Is this guy stupid.. or some kind of god...

the weather will decide if bkk is dry or not.

idiot..

pisses me off when politicians make statements like this when they have no control

of what it is they say they will take care of...

Do you have any clue about the weather patterns in Thailand? Up north the dry season has definitely started (the river in Chiang Mai is at a very low level now). It will stay quite dry for at least 3 to 4 months.

[craigt3365]

One post with inappropriate names for Thai politicians has been removed from view. Please use the appropriate names.

:jap:

[DocN]

At least there is one person that seems to know what he is doing - surprise, surprise, he's a Democrat and not from the "incompetent party".

I hope that those who voted PT remember this salient lesson when the time comes to elect the next government!!!! They have been a disaster to match the flood disaster - wouldn't it be marvelous if Yingluck and Silvio Berllusconi were to resign in the same year - two plonkers of the highest order. Thaksin's first clone has already fallen on his sword and so come on Yingluck (second clone) do the honourable thing and "get the hell outta there" where you don't belong and should never have been!!!!:jap:.

This guy is as clueless as anybody else, changes his opinion, his dates and his argumentation on a daily base.

[SICHONSTEVE]

At least there is one person that seems to know what he is doing - surprise, surprise, he's a Democrat and not from the "incompetent party".

I hope that those who voted PT remember this salient lesson when the time comes to elect the next government!!!! They have been a disaster to match the flood disaster - wouldn't it be marvelous if Yingluck and Silvio Berllusconi were to resign in the same year - two plonkers of the highest order. Thaksin's first clone has already fallen on his sword and so come on Yingluck (second clone) do the honourable thing and "get the hell outta there" where you don't belong and should never have been!!!!:jap:.

This guy is as clueless as anybody else, changes his opinion, his dates and his argumentation on a daily base.

Not how I see it!!! People stopped listening to Yingluck, FROC and her clowns a long time ago now and when the Governor say's evacuate "they listen" and get out rather than wait for Yingluck team's advice and "swim out" with their belongings drowning behind them!!!!:jap:.

Just look at the facts on this!!!

[DocN]

At least there is one person that seems to know what he is doing - surprise, surprise, he's a Democrat and not from the "incompetent party".

I hope that those who voted PT remember this salient lesson when the time comes to elect the next government!!!! They have been a disaster to match the flood disaster - wouldn't it be marvelous if Yingluck and Silvio Berllusconi were to resign in the same year - two plonkers of the highest order. Thaksin's first clone has already fallen on his sword and so come on Yingluck (second clone) do the honourable thing and "get the hell outta there" where you don't belong and should never have been!!!!:jap:.

This guy is as clueless as anybody else, changes his opinion, his dates and his argumentation on a daily base.

Not how I see it!!! People stopped listening to Yingluck, FROC and her clowns a long time ago now and when the Governor say's evacuate "they listen" and get out rather than wait for Yingluck team's advice and "swim out" with their belongings drowning behind them!!!!:jap:.

Just look at the facts on this!!!

Yep...you see a lot of things different from the way I see them.

The govenor was swaying from "we are all safe" to "we are all doomed", from "Bangkok will be dry" to "Inner Bangkok will be dry", from "this is over soon" to "this is over by New Year"...and I REALLY don't wanna hear anymore of this non- sensical blubbering. Mind you: from ALL sides! I am just totally fed up with it.

[sausageandmash]

I doubt it. PT voters are mainly from the North and North-East. They will NEVER vote Democrat.

At least there is one person that seems to know what he is doing - surprise, surprise, he's a Democrat and not from the "incompetent party".

I hope that those who voted PT remember this salient lesson when the time comes to elect the next government!!!! They have been a disaster to match the flood disaster - wouldn't it be marvelous if Yingluck and Silvio Berllusconi were to resign in the same year - two plonkers of the highest order. Thaksin's first clone has already fallen on his sword and so come on Yingluck (second clone) do the honourable thing and "get the hell outta there" where you don't belong and should never have been!!!!:jap:.

[SICHONSTEVE]

At least there is one person that seems to know what he is doing - surprise, surprise, he's a Democrat and not from the "incompetent party".

I hope that those who voted PT remember this salient lesson when the time comes to elect the next government!!!! They have been a disaster to match the flood disaster - wouldn't it be marvelous if Yingluck and Silvio Berllusconi were to resign in the same year - two plonkers of the highest order. Thaksin's first clone has already fallen on his sword and so come on Yingluck (second clone) do the honourable thing and "get the hell outta there" where you don't belong and should never have been!!!!:jap:.

This guy is as clueless as anybody else, changes his opinion, his dates and his argumentation on a daily base.

Not how I see it!!! People stopped listening to Yingluck, FROC and her clowns a long time ago now and when the Governor say's evacuate "they listen" and get out rather than wait for Yingluck team's advice and "swim out" with their belongings drowning behind them!!!!:jap:.

Just look at the facts on this!!!

Yep...you see a lot of things different from the way I see them.

The govenor was swaying from "we are all safe" to "we are all doomed", from "Bangkok will be dry" to "Inner Bangkok will be dry", from "this is over soon" to "this is over by New Year"...and I REALLY don't wanna hear anymore of this non- sensical blubbering. Mind you: from ALL sides! I am just totally fed up with it.

All I can say is "I just don't know how you confuse Yingluck with the Bangkok governor as she has breasts (well we all have actually) and she is useless, vacant and devoid of thoughts on action and he is intelligent and has acted promptly for the good of the Bangkokians in informing them of when is the appropriate time to evacuate!!!

[SICHONSTEVE]

I doubt it. PT voters are mainly from the North and North-East. They will NEVER vote Democrat.

At least there is one person that seems to know what he is doing - surprise, surprise, he's a Democrat and not from the "incompetent party".

I hope that those who voted PT remember this salient lesson when the time comes to elect the next government!!!! They have been a disaster to match the flood disaster - wouldn't it be marvelous if Yingluck and Silvio Berllusconi were to resign in the same year - two plonkers of the highest order. Thaksin's first clone has already fallen on his sword and so come on Yingluck (second clone) do the honourable thing and "get the hell outta there" where you don't belong and should never have been!!!!:jap:.

I don't doubt that this is accurate - all I can say is that "they deserve all they get then in their miserable lives if they cannot see sense when it is staring them in the face".

[MrJohnson]

All I can say is "I just don't know how you confuse Yingluck with the Bangkok governor as she has breasts (well we all have actually) and she is useless, vacant and devoid of thoughts on action and he is intelligent and has acted promptly for the good of the Bangkokians in informing them of when is the appropriate time to evacuate!!!

Well just settle down there a bit young fella. Yingluck may be many things but I think you debase your own arguments by referring to her as ' useless, vacant and devoid of thoughts...''. A little bit of civility here please. I believe that it is way too early to fully determine all of the details on cause of the flood and who did what during the management of it. Indeed as Zhoe Enlai is reported to have said when asked about the impact of The French Revolution.." It is too soon to tell". So before we all rush off to judgement just take a deep breath, yes that's it, inhale slowly through the nose and then exhale slowly through the mouth. See, you feel better already.

[SICHONSTEVE]

All I can say is "I just don't know how you confuse Yingluck with the Bangkok governor as she has breasts (well we all have actually) and she is useless, vacant and devoid of thoughts on action and he is intelligent and has acted promptly for the good of the Bangkokians in informing them of when is the appropriate time to evacuate!!!

Well just settle down there a bit young fella. Yingluck may be many things but I think you debase your own arguments by referring to her as ' useless, vacant and devoid of thoughts...''. A little bit of civility here please. I believe that it is way too early to fully determine all of the details on cause of the flood and who did what during the management of it. Indeed as Zhoe Enlai is reported to have said when asked about the impact of The French Revolution.." It is too soon to tell". So before we all rush off to judgement just take a deep breath, yes that's it, inhale slowly through the nose and then exhale slowly through the mouth. See, you feel better already.

"but I think you debase your own arguments by referring to her as ' useless, vacant and devoid of thoughts...''.

I was readying myself for the mentioning of breasts (thinking that someone was going to pick me up for being sexist) and it made me laugh when you brought up all the other things but didn't comment on the breasts bit!!!

Why should I be civil when I believe so strongly that she has failed in her duty of protecting the citizens who entrusted her to look after their wellbeing.

You are not going to tell me that she has handled this crisis well, are you??? She has been (it was always on the cards) a monumental disaster since taking the helm and the ramifications will be felt for a long time to come.

I think that she has finally listened and is considering postponing those stupid tablets and the 300 baht minimum wage ( i suppose she has no choice really) and it gets her off the hook.

I hope that there is going to be an public enquiry into the mishandling of this crisis as there are a lot of questions that need answering.

Time will tell whether this will happen though as these things kinda have a habit of being brushed under the carpet. This might be different though as it is so major and it should cost her her job - but "this is Thailand" so anything could happen "on this score".

Edited November 14, 2011 by SICHONSTEVE

[Payboy]

Phayathai evacuation alert was a false alarm issued by the Guvnor, the other rag reports.

Ooops I did it again!

Edited November 15, 2011 by Payboy

[sparebox2]

Phayathai evacuation alert was a false alarm issued by the Guvnor, the other rag reports.

Ooops I did it again!

"Listen to me and only me. I will tell you when to evacuate," Sukhumbhand told the city in mid-October 2011.

[ratcatcher]

I would assume that he is talking about the Thai new year as he is a thai in Thailand. He didn't mention anything about all the rubbish rats and cockroaches tho. No point in him personally mopping up all the water when there will still be the stench of rotting garbage and a rat infestation. He didn't say the city would be fully clean....

Those of a more cynical nature might claim that there is no need to worry about the "rats and cockroaches" as they will, given time, find a new home in parliament.