Ministry Rejects Flood Compensation Demand: Thailand

[webfact]

AFTERMATH

Ministry rejects flood compensation demand

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Pracha Terat, deputy permanent secretary at the Interior Ministry, yesterday insisted that the ministry would not meet the flood compensation demands of road-blocking demonstrators because payments must be equal for everybody and Bt20,000-per-home for all households was not possible.

If the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration had promised to pay them, then the BMA should use its own budget, he said. The government had to maintain the same standard for all flood-hit provinces, or else it would lead to non-stop complaining, he said.

Pracha said another about 200,000 flood-affected people had applied for flood money despite the date for collecting compensation having been set, and now there were attempts to pressure the government to pay Bt20,000 to each household.

Pracha said officials had checked the facts and insisted the government had already paid flood compensation to 91 per cent of the flood-affected people.

He said the BMA had claimed the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (DPMD) had sent a five-item remedial list to the city but other provinces were sent an eight-item remedial list.

Pracha denied this, however, saying the 58 provinces that had already received flood compensation were given it under the five-item remedial list.

Deputy BMA governor Theerachon Manomaipibul yesterday reported that the Interior Ministry had turned down the city's request for an additional Bt400 million budget to pay flood compensation of Bt20,000 to Bangkokians. He said if people were not happy about this compensation they could appeal and those who did not register for the flood compensation could still do so at their district offices.

Don Muang district director Phumipat Damrongkiattisak said the district would explain to the demonstrators, who gathered outside the office yesterday afternoon, that the district was not authorised to pay compensation but only to survey the flood victims' names and pass them on to the central administration.

He said the district had 30,000 people eligible to collect compensation and Krung Thai Bank had wired the money to 8,000 and sent the cheques to the district office for some 2,000 other people. Payment to the remaining 20,000 eligible persons should be made by July 20.

Democrat Bangkok MP Attawit Suwanpakdee said yesterday the BMA had tried to solve the compensation problem but the DPMD's standards were not clear about flood payments. It treated Bangkokians as inferior by offering them the five-item remedial list, not the eight-item remedial list sent to upcountry people.

He said Bangkokians missed out on compensation of Bt3,500 for kitchenware, Bt1,000 for clothing and Bt500 for bedding sets. He urged the government to clarify the situation within two days, or else he would regard it as playing political games ahead of the city governor's election.

Attawit also urged the government to speedily dredge Khlong Bang Sue and Khlong Lat Phrao.

PM's Office inspector for Region 18, Wisut Nirattiwongsakorn, will visit Nakhon Sawan on July 20 to follow through on spending of the flood rehabilitation budget as well as checking the progress of flood prevention projects in Muang district, before visiting Uthai Thani in the afternoon.

-- The Nation 2012-07-19

[Moruya]

AFTERMATH

Ministry rejects flood compensation demand

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Pracha Terat, deputy permanent secretary at the Interior Ministry, yesterday insisted that the ministry would not meet the flood compensation demands of road-blocking demonstrators because payments must be equal for everybody and Bt20,000-per-home for all households was not possible.

If the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration had promised to pay them, then the BMA should use its own budget, he said. The government had to maintain the same standard for all flood-hit provinces, or else it would lead to non-stop complaining, he said.

Pracha said another about 200,000 flood-affected people had applied for flood money despite the date for collecting compensation having been set, and now there were attempts to pressure the government to pay Bt20,000 to each household.

Pracha said officials had checked the facts and insisted the government had already paid flood compensation to 91 per cent of the flood-affected people.

He said the BMA had claimed the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (DPMD) had sent a five-item remedial list to the city but other provinces were sent an eight-item remedial list.

Pracha denied this, however, saying the 58 provinces that had already received flood compensation were given it under the five-item remedial list.

Deputy BMA governor Theerachon Manomaipibul yesterday reported that the Interior Ministry had turned down the city's request for an additional Bt400 million budget to pay flood compensation of Bt20,000 to Bangkokians. He said if people were not happy about this compensation they could appeal and those who did not register for the flood compensation could still do so at their district offices.

Don Muang district director Phumipat Damrongkiattisak said the district would explain to the demonstrators, who gathered outside the office yesterday afternoon, that the district was not authorised to pay compensation but only to survey the flood victims' names and pass them on to the central administration.

He said the district had 30,000 people eligible to collect compensation and Krung Thai Bank had wired the money to 8,000 and sent the cheques to the district office for some 2,000 other people. Payment to the remaining 20,000 eligible persons should be made by July 20.

Democrat Bangkok MP Attawit Suwanpakdee said yesterday the BMA had tried to solve the compensation problem but the DPMD's standards were not clear about flood payments. It treated Bangkokians as inferior by offering them the five-item remedial list, not the eight-item remedial list sent to upcountry people.

He said Bangkokians missed out on compensation of Bt3,500 for kitchenware, Bt1,000 for clothing and Bt500 for bedding sets. He urged the government to clarify the situation within two days, or else he would regard it as playing political games ahead of the city governor's election.

Attawit also urged the government to speedily dredge Khlong Bang Sue and Khlong Lat Phrao.

PM's Office inspector for Region 18, Wisut Nirattiwongsakorn, will visit Nakhon Sawan on July 20 to follow through on spending of the flood rehabilitation budget as well as checking the progress of flood prevention projects in Muang district, before visiting Uthai Thani in the afternoon.

-- The Nation 2012-07-19

More PTP games with Democrat wards.

[Reasonableman]

The BMA should use their own funds, just cut by 2/3?? Sweet

[geriatrickid]

The BMA should use their own funds, just cut by 2/3?? Sweet

Had the BMA managed its budget, the money would have been allocated under the previous budget. The programs that the central governemnt refused to fund are for the next fiscal year and did not include flood compensation. The central government has already paid most of the flood compensation claims as there was a deadline for filing.

[GentlemanJim]

The BMA should use their own funds, just cut by 2/3?? Sweet

Had the BMA managed its budget, the money would have been allocated under the previous budget. The programs that the central governemnt refused to fund are for the next fiscal year and did not include flood compensation. The central government has already paid most of the flood compensation claims as there was a deadline for filing.

GK

Don't you ever get tired, just even a little bit with trying to defend every piece of nonsense this Government comes out with? Thaksin has always been known for financially punishing those provinces who did not vote for him, and here we see it yet again.

[Skywalker69]

PTP good luck trying to get this people´s wotes next election.

[thaicbr]

The BMA should use their own funds, just cut by 2/3?? Sweet

Had the BMA managed its budget, the money would have been allocated under the previous budget. The programs that the central governemnt refused to fund are for the next fiscal year and did not include flood compensation. The central government has already paid most of the flood compensation claims as there was a deadline for filing.

Where is your proof? It strikes me that there are a lot of disgruntled people STILL waiting for compensation.

also reference the BMA budget cut again where is your proof of alleged over spending?

sent from my Wellcom A90+

[Moruya]

The BMA should use their own funds, just cut by 2/3?? Sweet

Had the BMA managed its budget, the money would have been allocated under the previous budget. The programs that the central governemnt refused to fund are for the next fiscal year and did not include flood compensation. The central government has already paid most of the flood compensation claims as there was a deadline for filing.

What nonsense.

The BMA was awarded 82b per person per year. Now slashed by 70%

[MikeOboe57]

PTP good luck trying to get this people´s wotes next election.

Or in any referendum on the Amnesty Constitution.

[whybother]

The BMA should use their own funds, just cut by 2/3?? Sweet

Had the BMA managed its budget, the money would have been allocated under the previous budget. The programs that the central governemnt refused to fund are for the next fiscal year and did not include flood compensation. The central government has already paid most of the flood compensation claims as there was a deadline for filing.

Would that be the budget that they had prior to the floods? Of course, every budget should have flood compensation budgeted, even if there are no floods, right?

[Sydebolle]

THB 82 slashed by 70% = THB 24.6 or generously THB 25. After PTP's election roaming on the THB 300/minimum wage a day inflation resulted in hardly being able to buy a Somtam for THB 25 - mainly because the MSG, Ajinomoto or Pongchuerod, a forbidden substance in Europe has increased as well. Vendors manage the THB 25/Somtam only if MSG is bought at Makro in 25kgs bags.

In all fairness, the wrong people got hit; compensation will not teach them a lesson though. But as mentioned earlieron, PTP will have an uphill battle getting these voters back to the polls.

What a disgrace for such a beautiful country; how nice would Thailand be without this slimy, sleazy hogs a the troughs of the general public!

[SouthernMan3]

The BMA should use their own funds, just cut by 2/3?? Sweet

Had the BMA managed its budget, the money would have been allocated under the previous budget. The programs that the central governemnt refused to fund are for the next fiscal year and did not include flood compensation. The central government has already paid most of the flood compensation claims as there was a deadline for filing.

GK

Don't you ever get tired, just even a little bit with trying to defend every piece of nonsense this Government comes out with? Thaksin has always been known for financially punishing those provinces who did not vote for him, and here we see it yet again.

So true,

So true !

[SouthernMan3]

PTP good luck trying to get this people´s wotes next election.

Or in any referendum on the Amnesty Constitution.

Too bad the election's not tomorrow.

As Barak said "Time for a change".

[rubl]

The government had to maintain the same standard for all flood-hit provinces, or else it would lead to non-stop complaining, he said.

2011-11-02

"The Cabinet agreed to provide maximum compensation of 30,000 baht (US$971) for any house damaged or destroyed in the flooding. Thailand's Interior Ministry was assigned to conduct a survey in provinces where flood waters have receded in order to determine the number of affected properties and the compensation required."

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/thai-cabinet-agrees-financial-aids-flood-victims-084003481.html

2011-11-23

"Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit yesterday revealed that the compensation amount would be Bt30,000 per house destroyed in flooding.

For a partially damaged house, the owning family can claim Bt10,000 compensation. For a flooded house that has sustained substantial damage, its owning family will be able to get Bt20,000 compensation.

"But as a first step, the owner of each flooded house will get Bt5,000," Yongyuth said."

[Tanaka]

Next we will hear the government deny that there was any flooding last year.

[h90]

Why repair now, when the flood is here again in 3 month.

[geriatrickid]

The BMA should use their own funds, just cut by 2/3?? Sweet

Had the BMA managed its budget, the money would have been allocated under the previous budget. The programs that the central governemnt refused to fund are for the next fiscal year and did not include flood compensation. The central government has already paid most of the flood compensation claims as there was a deadline for filing.

GK

Don't you ever get tired, just even a little bit with trying to defend every piece of nonsense this Government comes out with? Thaksin has always been known for financially punishing those provinces who did not vote for him, and here we see it yet again.

Not defending the PTP. Rather I am recognizing a political stunt the BMA is trying to pull. It has not properly managed its budget and was caught padding its budget for the next fiscal year.. You cannot deny that the promises made were made by the BMA, not the central government. Nor can you deny that the BKK flood damage claims were paid first. They were paid first because they were the easiest to process due to proximity and the ease of assessment. Many of the worst hit areas in BKK had consttuencies that had a voter turnout for the PTP. Undamaged areas were more likely to be Democrat strongholds. As such your atempt to blame the PTP doesn't hold. The BMA is one of the most corrupt administrative regions in Thailand and the central government is attempting to reign in the uncontrolled spending.

On the contrary, I believe it is you that is attempting to turn an attempt at good fiscal management into an attack on the PTP. The Bangkok region has received more money per capita than any other region as the government spent on facilities and compensation that directly benefited Bangkok. Examples are the rehabilitation of DM. That came under the central budget, not the BMA's. The repair to the State rail lines and the deployment of the military for special works projects was also the central government's expense, not the BMA.Wasn't there an attempt to claim these costs in the BMA budget? Are you now saying that the BMA offered a fair budget that was reflective of responsible fiscal management? Seriously??????

Edited July 19, 2012 by geriatrickid

[Reasonableman]

The BMA should use their own funds, just cut by 2/3?? Sweet

Had the BMA managed its budget, the money would have been allocated under the previous budget. The programs that the central governemnt refused to fund are for the next fiscal year and did not include flood compensation. The central government has already paid most of the flood compensation claims as there was a deadline for filing.

GK

Don't you ever get tired, just even a little bit with trying to defend every piece of nonsense this Government comes out with? Thaksin has always been known for financially punishing those provinces who did not vote for him, and here we see it yet again.

Not defending the PTP. Rather I am recognizing a political stunt the BMA is trying to pull. It has not properly managed its budget and was caught padding its budget for the next fiscal year.. You cannot deny that the promises made were made by the BMA, not the central government. Nor can you deny that the BKK flood damage claims were paid first. They were paid first because they were the easiest to process due to proximity and the ease of assessment. Many of the worst hit areas in BKK had consttuencies that had a voter turnout for the PTP. Undamaged areas were more likely to be Democrat strongholds. As such your atempt to blame the PTP doesn't hold. The BMA is one of the most corrupt administrative regions in Thailand and the central government is attempting to reign in the uncontrolled spending.

On the contrary, I believe it is you that is attempting to turn an attempt at good fiscal management into an attack on the PTP. The Bangkok region has received more money per capita than any other region as the government spent on facilities and compensation that directly benefited Bangkok. Examples are the rehabilitation of DM. That came under the central budget, not the BMA's. The repair to the State rail lines and the deployment of the military for special works projects was also the central government's expense, not the BMA.Wasn't there an attempt to claim these costs in the BMA budget? Are you now saying that the BMA offered a fair budget that was reflective of responsible fiscal management? Seriously??????

So you have a copy of the bma budget? And you have analyzed it? May we have a link, please? Thanks.

[whybother]

The BMA should use their own funds, just cut by 2/3?? Sweet

Had the BMA managed its budget, the money would have been allocated under the previous budget. The programs that the central governemnt refused to fund are for the next fiscal year and did not include flood compensation. The central government has already paid most of the flood compensation claims as there was a deadline for filing.

GK

Don't you ever get tired, just even a little bit with trying to defend every piece of nonsense this Government comes out with? Thaksin has always been known for financially punishing those provinces who did not vote for him, and here we see it yet again.

Not defending the PTP. Rather I am recognizing a political stunt the BMA is trying to pull. It has not properly managed its budget and was caught padding its budget for the next fiscal year.. You cannot deny that the promises made were made by the BMA, not the central government. Nor can you deny that the BKK flood damage claims were paid first. They were paid first because they were the easiest to process due to proximity and the ease of assessment. Many of the worst hit areas in BKK had consttuencies that had a voter turnout for the PTP. Undamaged areas were more likely to be Democrat strongholds. As such your atempt to blame the PTP doesn't hold. The BMA is one of the most corrupt administrative regions in Thailand and the central government is attempting to reign in the uncontrolled spending.

On the contrary, I believe it is you that is attempting to turn an attempt at good fiscal management into an attack on the PTP. The Bangkok region has received more money per capita than any other region as the government spent on facilities and compensation that directly benefited Bangkok. Examples are the rehabilitation of DM. That came under the central budget, not the BMA's. The repair to the State rail lines and the deployment of the military for special works projects was also the central government's expense, not the BMA.Wasn't there an attempt to claim these costs in the BMA budget? Are you now saying that the BMA offered a fair budget that was reflective of responsible fiscal management? Seriously??????

As pointed out in another thread today by rubl, it was the PTP that promised 20-30K compensation.

Edited July 30, 2012 by Maestro
Deleted nonsensical part of post.

[Reasonableman]

rehabilitation of DM. That came under the  central budget, not the BMA's. The repair to the State rail lines and the  deployment of the military for special works projects  was also the central government's expense, not the BMA.Wasn't there an attempt to claim these costs in the BMA budget?

DM is a bma responsibility? I am surprised to learn that.

Railways are a bma responsibility, surprising.

Was there an attempt? Why ask us? Its your assertion, so prove it.

[geriatrickid]

rehabilitation of DM. That came under the central budget, not the BMA's. The repair to the State rail lines and the deployment of the military for special works projects was also the central government's expense, not the BMA.Wasn't there an attempt to claim these costs in the BMA budget?

DM is a bma responsibility? I am surprised to learn that.

Railways are a bma responsibility, surprising.

Was there an attempt? Why ask us? Its your assertion, so prove it.

My point was that the presentation made by the BMA attempted to claim for costs for which it was not responsible for. The central government was taking responsibility. More specifically, my point about the payments made for state facilities was that this directly benefited Bangkok's residents. These people do use the railways and the airport.

People are carryong on as if there has been monies paid. Does anyone know how much was paid? It would appear that no one on this thread knows, because of their hysterical accusations. Further wild allegations are made that whole districts are being penalized. That is an absolute lie. You want a link? Ok, how about this;

------------

BANGKOK, 12 July 2012 (NNT) -

Deputy Bangkok Governor, Theerachon Manomaipiboon, said residents in Sai Mai, Klong Sam Wa and Don Muang districts have lodged complaints with the BMA regarding the delay in the distribution of compensation payout. The BMA is now seeking an additional fund of 400 million baht from the cabinet.

The Deputy governor said that with the first batch of compensation, worth 2 billion baht, residents in 32 Bangkok districts out of the total 36 have so far been reimbursed. Households in the remaining 4 districts which include Don Muang, Laksi, Saimai and Nong Kham are expected to be fully compensated by the end of this week.

-------

The issue is related to the residents of 4 districts wanting more compensation that that which was paid in 32 other districts.

Edited July 19, 2012 by geriatrickid

[geriatrickid]

It is unfortunate that those that are rushing to criticize me have not taken the time to understand the dispute. There are 2 issues involved; The first is that the central government has cut the BMA subsidy for fiscal 2013. Those cuts did not relate to the flood compensation program because the flood compensation funds are already allocated.

The second issue is additional funding for compesnation in 4 districts out of 36. These 4 districts want a greater compensation facor applied. If these 4 districts gain an increased limit per claim, then what heppens to the other 32 districts? It would mean that those districts could technically claim an additional 2billion baht because 4 districts received preferential treatment.

Where do you people propose that the government come up with 2 billion baht to pay those additional claims?

Is it clear now that the reduction of the SUBSIDY to be paid to the BMA for 2013 is not related to the compensation issue?

To those that still do not get it; the BMA has its own tax base. The BMA has one of the largest tax bases in all of Thailand and it is by far the most robust. The BMA obtains what it calls " Regular Revenue" from the following sources;

Local Development Taxes

Household and Land Taxes

Signboard Taxes

Slaughter Duties

License Fees

Other Fees

Fines

Service Charges

Rental of BMA Assets

Income from Public Utilities and Enterprises

Miscellaneous Income

Edited July 20, 2012 by geriatrickid

[Reasonableman]

Gk, the airport argument is rubbish, as well you know. It is a national airport not a bma airport. Same with railways. You might also care to think where the "central" funds come from. The government rightly or wrongly retreated on its original offering, which went through a few iterations, and people are upset. Is that so difficult to understand? And why should rural folk be compensated for more than urban? Is this true or not? I only have the OP to go by. Have Bangkok residents committed some crime for which they should be punished? More questions than answers from your selective response. What bma presentation? Link please, something... Once again, why ask us for the information? You are the one making the "hysterical accusations" and now you can't back them up. Free-form biased speculation dressed as fact just doesn't wash here. Surely you know that by now. If you have something new that adequately addresses the gaps in your response so far, it would be most welcome.

[Reasonableman]

BANGKOK: -- After repeated complaints, followed by frequent rallies and roadblocks, floodaffected residents of Bangkok's Don Muang district have threatened to lodge a joint petition with the Central Administrative Court against the Finance Ministry and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration over regulations that prevent them from receiving blanket compensation of Bt20,000 each.

[Yunla]

PTP good luck trying to get this people´s wotes next election.

They are not planning on holding any 'next elections'.

[geriatrickid]

Gk, the airport argument is rubbish, as well you know. It is a national airport not a bma airport. Same with railways. You might also care to think where the "central" funds come from. The government rightly or wrongly retreated on its original offering, which went through a few iterations, and people are upset. Is that so difficult to understand? And why should rural folk be compensated for more than urban? Is this true or not? I only have the OP to go by. Have Bangkok residents committed some crime for which they should be punished? More questions than answers from your selective response. What bma presentation? Link please, something... Once again, why ask us for the information? You are the one making the "hysterical accusations" and now you can't back them up. Free-form biased speculation dressed as fact just doesn't wash here. Surely you know that by now. If you have something new that adequately addresses the gaps in your response so far, it would be most welcome.

You can goggle the BMA budget. An abridged version is available. I obtained the revenue sources from one of the english budget presentations. I also provided a link to the actual sums paid for the flood compensation in the BMA and it identified the 4 districts at issue. This isn't about the 32 other districts.

Edited July 20, 2012 by geriatrickid

[Skywalker69]

PTP good luck trying to get this people´s wotes next election.

They are not planning on holding any 'next elections'.

Now thats a scary thought.

[theajarn]

"We will not pay you more than everyone else because that would be too expensive. Instead we will flood your homes and put you out of business for the usual THB5,000-20,000 because there will be more money left for us from selling your property to the big industries when you've moved out because of these natural disasters."