BMA Disagrees on Separating Western Site of Chao Phraya River as a New Province

BANGKOK: -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration disagrees with a proposal made by the science and technology minister to separate the western side of the Chao Phraya River as a new province, while he's confident in the water management system and feels the nation will face only minor flooding this year.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration or BMA spokesman Wason Meewong disclosed that the proposal of Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi to separate the western side of the Chao Phraya River, or Thonburi, as a new province has been opposed.

Wason said the matter should be thoroughly studied before presenting it to the public, since it will alter the city's power structure, which will directly affect residents.

He admitted that Bangkok covers a large area, but the Bangkok governor has divided the capital into six areas, and each area will fall under the responsibility of one Bangkok deputy, as the new policy allows six Bangkok deputies. Wason feels this will lead to more effective management.

Regarding flood-preventive measures, Plodprasop said that in case the BMA has not launched long-term measures, he has submitted flood-preventive plans to the government, including short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures. The government has approved and allotted a 1,900-billion baht budget.

He added that the BMA was involved in the work to prevent flooding in all 50 districts in Bangkok during the recent flooding, and if the government wants a better and more efficient water discharge system, the BMA is more suitable to control the floodgates and water pumps of the irrigation department, as it will help the management.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-10

I thought Yingluck was in charge of the new flood controll and already had a plan in place for 2012. Maybe these guys have just been too busy to consult her.