PM Yingluck Asks FROC And BMA To Resolve Rift On Flood Management

PM Asks FROC and BMA to Resolve Rift on Flood Management

The prime minister asked the Flood Relief Operations Center and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to appease disgruntled flood victims in Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi provinces.

Meanwhile, the water level in the capital has been receding constantly.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra commented on the rift between the Flood Relief Operations Center and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration regarding the flood management in western Bangkok, especially the area between Mahasawat and Taweewattana canals.

Yinglulck pointed out that the FROC is responsible for managing the country's flood situation, while the BMA is tasked with protecting the capital.

In any case, the prime minister asked the two to resolve their differences as soon as possible.

Yingluck also indicated that the floodwater in many areas of Bangkok started to recede and a new flood management plan has to be devised to alleviate the situation in Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi provinces.

At the same time, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry were ordered to install water pumps in these areas to support the drainage effort.

The prime minister also said that she understands the grievance of people in the flooded areas.

However, she also asked them not to see themselves as being unfairly treated by the people in Bangkok.

Meanwhile, Democrat Party Leader and Opposition Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva met with representatives from the Thai Chamber of Commerce to discuss the government's flood assistance measures and the plan to prevent a repeat of the disaster to rebuild investor confidence.

Abhisit told the TCC representatives that the Democrat Party already proposed a progressive flood rehabilitation plan to the government, which could be implemented immediately with the budget earmarked for planned populist programs.

Both sides also talked about the insurance for the industrial sector.

In addition, the Opposition leader said the government should pass two legislatures put forth by the Democrat Party, suspending the social security fund collection for people in the flooded areas and providing financial support for undocumented workers affected by the disaster.

Moreover, Abhisit believes the government should put off personal tax cuts to fund the 300 baht daily minimum wage policy.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-24