Even Worse Flood Crisis This Year Unless Thai Govt Is Decisive: Water Experts

[Buchholz]

There will be floods again this year no matter what they do. They have discovered a new feeding trough its called flood relief

and it's a very deep trough currently standing at 800,000,000,000.00 baht with the New Thailand project.

which is not to be confused with the relatively paltry 30,000,000,000.00 baht of the Smart Thailand project.

.

[Gweiloman]

It is a good laugh reading all the negativity shown on this forum. What's sad though is how it shows how sad some posters' life in Thailand has become. Bitterness, negativity, cynicism..... yes, all the traits hard earned through living YEARS in Thailand, as some would undoubtedly say. I sure hope I don't fall into the same hole.

If Bangkok were to flood again this year, which is likely to happen regardless of which government is in power, and whatever actions are being taken, I'll just make my own preparations. Don't see what the big deal is.

[philw]

It is a good laugh reading all the negativity shown on this forum. What's sad though is how it shows how sad some posters' life in Thailand has become. Bitterness, negativity, cynicism..... yes, all the traits hard earned through living YEARS in Thailand, as some would undoubtedly say. I sure hope I don't fall into the same hole.

If Bangkok were to flood again this year, which is likely to happen regardless of which government is in power, and whatever actions are being taken, I'll just make my own preparations. Don't see what the big deal is.

Love it !!

Completely agree with you, the constant negativity has become entirely predictable and laughable.

Your 2nd para is spot on and exactly how all the Thai people that I know deal with life.

Edited January 26, 2012 by philw

[SOTIRIOS]

...again...they could not distribute bottled water, 'equitably'......how do you think 'billions of Baht' will be handled........

[Moruya]

Now is all about mitigation. Dam levels, canals dredged, plans in place for supplies, emergency supplies at the ready etc.

And it's about planning for getting rid of excessive flood water from the plains 100-150km north of Bangkok which will take longer.

[z12]

expect more floods,

expect more govt aid trucks with signs saying with love from mr T & his clone

to buy more votes with govt money

some things never change

Edited January 26, 2012 by z12

[ratcatcher]

It is a good laugh reading all the negativity shown on this forum. What's sad though is how it shows how sad some posters' life in Thailand has become. Bitterness, negativity, cynicism..... yes, all the traits hard earned through living YEARS in Thailand, as some would undoubtedly say. I sure hope I don't fall into the same hole.

If Bangkok were to flood again this year, which is likely to happen regardless of which government is in power, and whatever actions are being taken, I'll just make my own preparations. Don't see what the big deal is.

Love it !!

Completely agree with you, the constant negativity has become entirely predictable and laughable.

Your 2nd para is spot on and exactly how all the Thai people that I know deal with life.

I am sure those forum members you both accuse of being bitter, negative and cynical, might accuse you of seeing Thailand through the famous 'rose-colored glasses'. Many have been here for a long time and sometimes see the various governments as bumbling and ineffectual with

various well known ministers making fools of themselves with wild statements and guesses. Others coming up with ridiculous ideas for problem solving.

The difficult part is that many of these characters, both male and female fail to understand that the rest of society both inside Thailand and in the larger world, are watching these antics, they are watching the corruption and the mishandling.

It is because many forum members are educated and informed that they can see these politicians and power brokers for what they really are, just the same as in the west.

The biggest problem in this country is the "mai bpen rai" attitude of so many Thais towards corruption and inefficiency.

One only has to look at the daily news diet to see shining examples of this.

Police arresting topless dealers at casino, but finding no trace of said casino.

Hi-sos getting away with murder where others would be arrested and thrown in jail. (Customs officer smacking secirity staff at airport.)

Government not dealing with priorities, like reparation for past damage by flooding and preparation for future inevitable flooding.

No need to go on as most readers would understand the main problems.

[puipuitom]

At the coasts along the North sea and riveres, now called Netherlands and northern Germany, we have over a 1000 ( thousand) years of experience with a struggle agait the water. Special water nobles were appointed to lead this fight, called: dike count and water schout. When they did not perform well, they were granted a "sky vieuw" over their territory, alsk called: "heaven view".

Result: already centuries dry ( except 1953) , and big parts of the sea floor is now land.

VERY concerned about water, under a special, completely independant from the normal elected government authority

[Mosha]

At about the time the floos will be starting, our man in Dubai will be busy talking to the (by then) unbanned TRT MPs. Don't expect much help from him.

[Mosha]

Sorry double post

Edited January 26, 2012 by Mosha

[mrtoad]

so what has been done since the flooding ? promises promises, nothing but words... will they be able to stop the water, i doubt...

i hope this year, the managers of the dams are not as stupid as last year to build up the dams till they are 100% full and then release all together billions of liters of water at the same time

Similar to how I flush the toilet.

Do you have a Happy Toilet?

[philw]

It is a good laugh reading all the negativity shown on this forum. What's sad though is how it shows how sad some posters' life in Thailand has become. Bitterness, negativity, cynicism..... yes, all the traits hard earned through living YEARS in Thailand, as some would undoubtedly say. I sure hope I don't fall into the same hole.

If Bangkok were to flood again this year, which is likely to happen regardless of which government is in power, and whatever actions are being taken, I'll just make my own preparations. Don't see what the big deal is.

Love it !!

Completely agree with you, the constant negativity has become entirely predictable and laughable.

Your 2nd para is spot on and exactly how all the Thai people that I know deal with life.

I am sure those forum members you both accuse of being bitter, negative and cynical, might accuse you of seeing Thailand through the famous 'rose-colored glasses'. Many have been here for a long time and sometimes see the various governments as bumbling and ineffectual with

various well known ministers making fools of themselves with wild statements and guesses. Others coming up with ridiculous ideas for problem solving.

The difficult part is that many of these characters, both male and female fail to understand that the rest of society both inside Thailand and in the larger world, are watching these antics, they are watching the corruption and the mishandling.

It is because many forum members are educated and informed that they can see these politicians and power brokers for what they really are, just the same as in the west.

The biggest problem in this country is the "mai bpen rai" attitude of so many Thais towards corruption and inefficiency.

One only has to look at the daily news diet to see shining examples of this.

Police arresting topless dealers at casino, but finding no trace of said casino.

Hi-sos getting away with murder where others would be arrested and thrown in jail. (Customs officer smacking secirity staff at airport.)

Government not dealing with priorities, like reparation for past damage by flooding and preparation for future inevitable flooding.

No need to go on as most readers would understand the main problems.

Been living here permanently since March 1st 1989.

Own a company and employ about 45 staff.

Am divorced and have seen and experienced many horror stories.

Current wife similar age to me and not from a bar.

You ????

[hellodolly]

Even worse flood crisis this year

Not to worry. The government has earmarked Hundreds of Billions of Baht to solve the flooding situation, which I'm sure will prevent a replay of the 817 being killed by the government's ineptitude and abysmal performance last year.

I'm confident they've learned their lesson and when coupled with the expertise of the Science Minister, the government will act decisively to avoid any future calamity.

.

Perhaps they may try and release more water in the early months of the year, an inexpensive trick missed by the previous government it would appear

What gets me is that all these so called actually self proclaimed experts gave no warning last year now they have it all figured out.

Weren't they the ones who proposed a 100 mile long tunnel ten miles down?

Yes it will happen again if precautions are not taken but there is no way to say what year.

[transam]

I really can't see the government making many decisions or changes that actually matter in alleviating future flood waters. Same same headlines in 9 months time.

There is also the strong possibility that this government (without proper research and planning) will push ahead very fast with all sorts of massive flood barrier projects, clearing of massive waterways, massive tunnels etc., so that enormously big opportunities for the feeding trough get opened up quickly.

And don't forget the NEW big houses for some eh.

[Tanaka]

Even worse flood crisis this year

Not to worry. The government has earmarked Hundreds of Billions of Baht to solve the flooding situation, which I'm sure will prevent a replay of the 817 being killed by the government's ineptitude and abysmal performance last year.

I'm confident they've learned their lesson and when coupled with the expertise of the Science Minister, the government will act decisively to avoid any future calamity.

.

Perhaps they may try and release more water in the early months of the year, an inexpensive trick missed by the previous government it would appear

Or perhaps the Science Minister will get the 75,000 boats he wanted to push the water out of the river as clearly the 1,000 boats were just an inadequate number.

.

And if they could actually fit those 75000 in the Chao Phraya and run them 24 hours a day, fuel alone costing over 450 Million Baht. Every day.

[ratcatcher]

It is a good laugh reading all the negativity shown on this forum. What's sad though is how it shows how sad some posters' life in Thailand has become. Bitterness, negativity, cynicism..... yes, all the traits hard earned through living YEARS in Thailand, as some would undoubtedly say. I sure hope I don't fall into the same hole.

If Bangkok were to flood again this year, which is likely to happen regardless of which government is in power, and whatever actions are being taken, I'll just make my own preparations. Don't see what the big deal is.

Love it !!

Completely agree with you, the constant negativity has become entirely predictable and laughable.

Your 2nd para is spot on and exactly how all the Thai people that I know deal with life.

I am sure those forum members you both accuse of being bitter, negative and cynical, might accuse you of seeing Thailand through the famous 'rose-colored glasses'. Many have been here for a long time and sometimes see the various governments as bumbling and ineffectual with

various well known ministers making fools of themselves with wild statements and guesses. Others coming up with ridiculous ideas for problem solving.

The difficult part is that many of these characters, both male and female fail to understand that the rest of society both inside Thailand and in the larger world, are watching these antics, they are watching the corruption and the mishandling.

It is because many forum members are educated and informed that they can see these politicians and power brokers for what they really are, just the same as in the west.

The biggest problem in this country is the "mai bpen rai" attitude of so many Thais towards corruption and inefficiency.

One only has to look at the daily news diet to see shining examples of this.

Police arresting topless dealers at casino, but finding no trace of said casino.

Hi-sos getting away with murder where others would be arrested and thrown in jail. (Customs officer smacking secirity staff at airport.)

Government not dealing with priorities, like reparation for past damage by flooding and preparation for future inevitable flooding.

No need to go on as most readers would understand the main problems.

Been living here permanently since March 1st 1989.

Own a company and employ about 45 staff.

Am divorced and have seen and experienced many horror stories.

Current wife similar age to me and not from a bar.

You ????

So, what's your point?

[whybother]

At the coasts along the North sea and riveres, now called Netherlands and northern Germany, we have over a 1000 ( thousand) years of experience with a struggle agait the water. Special water nobles were appointed to lead this fight, called: dike count and water schout. When they did not perform well, they were granted a "sky vieuw" over their territory, alsk called: "heaven view".

Result: already centuries dry ( except 1953) , and big parts of the sea floor is now land.

VERY concerned about water, under a special, completely independant from the normal elected government authority

If Holland had as much water flowing through it as Thailand did, it would all be underwater.

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

[hellodolly]

It is a good laugh reading all the negativity shown on this forum. What's sad though is how it shows how sad some posters' life in Thailand has become. Bitterness, negativity, cynicism..... yes, all the traits hard earned through living YEARS in Thailand, as some would undoubtedly say. I sure hope I don't fall into the same hole.

If Bangkok were to flood again this year, which is likely to happen regardless of which government is in power, and whatever actions are being taken, I'll just make my own preparations. Don't see what the big deal is.

Love it !!

Completely agree with you, the constant negativity has become entirely predictable and laughable.

Your 2nd para is spot on and exactly how all the Thai people that I know deal with life.

Every thing that dosen't sing the praises of Thaksin and his gang is negative to you.

The Thai people are lousy at planing but good at coping with disaster.

Witness the flood this year what are they doing other than talking. They have all ready turned down help from the Dutch who are arguably the best in the world at water management.

Where were these experts last year eight months before the floods. All of a sudden they crop up eight months before the worst of the season happens saying the same thing will happen this year that did last year.

Pretty remarkable weather forecasting abilities to the best of my knowledge the best in the world.

With that kind of expertise Thailand could become the hub for accurate weather forecasting.

Truth be known any one could have made the forecast they did.

[Gweiloman]

I am sure those forum members you both accuse of being bitter, negative and cynical, might accuse you of seeing Thailand through the famous 'rose-colored glasses'. Many have been here for a long time and sometimes see the various governments as bumbling and ineffectual with

various well known ministers making fools of themselves with wild statements and guesses. Others coming up with ridiculous ideas for problem solving.

The difficult part is that many of these characters, both male and female fail to understand that the rest of society both inside Thailand and in the larger world, are watching these antics, they are watching the corruption and the mishandling.

It is because many forum members are educated and informed that they can see these politicians and power brokers for what they really are, just the same as in the west.

The biggest problem in this country is the "mai bpen rai" attitude of so many Thais towards corruption and inefficiency.

One only has to look at the daily news diet to see shining examples of this.

Police arresting topless dealers at casino, but finding no trace of said casino.

Hi-sos getting away with murder where others would be arrested and thrown in jail. (Customs officer smacking secirity staff at airport.)

Government not dealing with priorities, like reparation for past damage by flooding and preparation for future inevitable flooding.

No need to go on as most readers would understand the main problems.

Every thing that dosen't sing the praises of Thaksin and his gang is negative to you.

The Thai people are lousy at planing but good at coping with disaster.

Witness the flood this year what are they doing other than talking. They have all ready turned down help from the Dutch who are arguably the best in the world at water management.

Where were these experts last year eight months before the floods. All of a sudden they crop up eight months before the worst of the season happens saying the same thing will happen this year that did last year.

Pretty remarkable weather forecasting abilities to the best of my knowledge the best in the world.

With that kind of expertise Thailand could become the hub for accurate weather forecasting.

Truth be known any one could have made the forecast they did.

You are both missing the point. Contrary to what you think, not all of us are party partisans. I merely take an objective and adult view. Petty and blinkered views are pathetic, to say the least.

Yes, various governments are bumbling and ineffectual.

Yes, many a minister have made a fool of him/herself with wild guesses.

Yes, the police are incompetent.

Yes, the Thai people are lousy at planning - I know that my staff can't organise a p*ss up in a brewery.

This is not looking at Thailand through rose-tinted glasses is it?

@ratcatcher: It is because many forum members are educated and informed that they can see these politicians and power brokers for what they really are, just the same as in the west

Just the same as in the west - so why the venomous and malicious posts? I don't get it. Unless, as I have alluded to, these posters are just so bitter with life (and I know some such people, who has nothing but criticism for everything around them).

@ratcatcher: It is because many forum members are educated and informed that they can see these politicians and power brokers for what they really are, just the same as in the west

I am educated and informed. That's why I don't not post dribble or try to score cheap points. Once again therefore, the only conclusion that I can draw is that, like you said, many have been here for a long time, some, maybe too long......

[jimbeam1]

Even worse flood crisis this year

Not to worry. The government has earmarked Hundreds of Billions of Baht to solve the flooding situation, which I'm sure will prevent a replay of the 817 being killed by the government's ineptitude and abysmal performance last year.

I'm confident they've learned their lesson and when coupled with the expertise of the Science Minister, the government will act decisively to avoid any future calamity.

.

Perhaps they may try and release more water in the early months of the year, an inexpensive trick missed by the previous government it would appear

I agree. If they were also to couple this with clearing the Klongs and drains. It might not be enough to stop the floods again this year, but it would sure help. Plus it would at least look like the government were trying to do something to prevent a disaster happening again?

jb1

[z12]

Even worse flood crisis this year

Not to worry. The government has earmarked Hundreds of Billions of Baht to solve the flooding situation, which I'm sure will prevent a replay of the 817 being killed by the government's ineptitude and abysmal performance last year.

I'm confident they've learned their lesson and when coupled with the expertise of the Science Minister, the government will act decisively to avoid any future calamity.

.

Perhaps they may try and release more water in the early months of the year, an inexpensive trick missed by the previous government it would appear

I agree. If they were also to couple this with clearing the Klongs and drains. It might not be enough to stop the floods again this year, but it would sure help. Plus it would at least look like the government were trying to do something to prevent a disaster happening again?

jb1

They need to build a sea wall like Venice did, with lots of pumps, the high tides during the flood proved that.

http://en.wikipedia....ki/MOSE_Project

Edited January 27, 2012 by z12

[djlest]

Dont worry about it - mai pen lie

We are giving out 900,000 Tablets this year - The country is in debt but the votes keep coming in...

dont you know nothing - Thais have the attention and memory span that make even a goldfish feel adequate...

The worst case scenareo we can always blame it on the dems, or better yet the farangs...

[Skywalker69]

Even worse flood crisis this year

Not to worry. The government has earmarked Hundreds of Billions of Baht to solve the flooding situation, which I'm sure will prevent a replay of the 817 being killed by the government's ineptitude and abysmal performance last year.

I'm confident they've learned their lesson and when coupled with the expertise of the Science Minister, the government will act decisively to avoid any future calamity.

.

Yes just buy more boats and propell the water down to the sea

[Skywalker69]

Even worse flood crisis this year

Not to worry. The government has earmarked Hundreds of Billions of Baht to solve the flooding situation, which I'm sure will prevent a replay of the 817 being killed by the government's ineptitude and abysmal performance last year.

I'm confident they've learned their lesson and when coupled with the expertise of the Science Minister, the government will act decisively to avoid any future calamity.

.

Perhaps they may try and release more water in the early months of the year, an inexpensive trick missed by the previous government it would appear

What gets me is that all these so called actually self proclaimed experts gave no warning last year now they have it all figured out.

Weren't they the ones who proposed a 100 mile long tunnel ten miles down?

Yes it will happen again if precautions are not taken but there is no way to say what year.

Don´t forget PTPs election pledge. "No more floods"

[maidu]

They need to build a sea wall like Venice did, with lots of pumps, the high tides during the flood proved that.

http://en.wikipedia....ki/MOSE_Project

Won't work. It would be great for certain 'inside' construction firms and sellers of pumps, but walling in Bkk and its rivers is a losing proposition.

The next big floods may not be next year. On average, bad floods occur about every 5 years for Bkk region. No amount of baht can stem the mudflat floodplain known as Bangkok from subsiding, nor can trillions of baht keep tides and seas from rising.

It's not negative to mention such things. It's realistic. If you noticed dangerously bald tires on your grandmother's car, would it be negative to mention it?

[473geo]

They need to build a sea wall like Venice did, with lots of pumps, the high tides during the flood proved that.

http://en.wikipedia....ki/MOSE_Project

Won't work. It would be great for certain 'inside' construction firms and sellers of pumps, but walling in Bkk and its rivers is a losing proposition.

The next big floods may not be next year. On average, bad floods occur about every 5 years for Bkk region. No amount of baht can stem the mudflat floodplain known as Bangkok from subsiding, nor can trillions of baht keep tides and seas from rising.

It's not negative to mention such things. It's realistic. If you noticed dangerously bald tires on your grandmother's car, would it be negative to mention it?

More useful to buy her some spectacles that she could see for herself, there is a reason for old style open ground floor houses Edited January 28, 2012 by 473geo

[maidu]

They need to build a sea wall like Venice did, with lots of pumps, the high tides during the flood proved that.

http://en.wikipedia....ki/MOSE_Project

Won't work. It would be great for certain 'inside' construction firms and sellers of pumps, but walling in Bkk and its rivers is a losing proposition.

The next big floods may not be next year. On average, bad floods occur about every 5 years for Bkk region. No amount of baht can stem the mudflat floodplain known as Bangkok from subsiding, nor can trillions of baht keep tides and seas from rising.

It's not negative to mention such things. It's realistic. If you noticed dangerously bald tires on your grandmother's car, would it be negative to mention it?

More useful to buy her some spectacles that she could see for herself, there is a reason for old style open ground floor houses

You could get your grandma some spectacles so she could see the bald tires for herself, though she may not realize that bald tires can lead to dangerous conditions while driving. Similarly, you can show Bangkok authorities the folly of investing trillions of baht, year after year, towards trying to keep a sinking city on a mudflat from flooding. However, if those authorities can't fathom the concept, then it's like trying to herd cats.

[ResX]

Even worse flood crisis this year

Not to worry. The government has earmarked Hundreds of Billions of Baht to solve the flooding situation, which I'm sure will prevent a replay of the 817 being killed by the government's ineptitude and abysmal performance last year.

I'm confident they've learned their lesson and when coupled with the expertise of the Science Minister, the government will act decisively to avoid any future calamity.

.

Sheesh, hope your tongue was in your cheek when u typed out that one...

It was poking through his cheek,

and tickling the person in the next seat for this one.

Now if there was just one good irony smily...

Off topic. You play chess Max?

[z12]

Not to worry, PM mr T clone has outlawed floods, all is well.

Dam on Early Alert against Floods

http://www.thaivisa....__fromsearch__1

Edited January 28, 2012 by z12