Thailand’s Flood Defenses to Fail Again?

by Joshua Kurlantzick

BANGKOK: -- Last year, flooding in Thailand breached defenses across the country, ruining many of the industrial estates on the outskirts of Bangkok, bringing the capital to a halt, and resulting in billions of dollars in damage and decisions by several major electronics components manufacturers to either abandon Thailand operations or open new operations to build disc drives and other parts in countries safer from flooding.

Last year’s flooding was also horrible for the public image of the government of Yingluck Shinawatra, which appeared to be slow to respond, as compared to the army, which utilized the flooding, and its rapid response, to somewhat rehabilitate its image in the minds of many Thais after the army’s killing of at least ninety protestors in the streets of Bangkok in spring 2010.

Given the damage done by last year’s floods to the Thai economy, to the government’s legitimacy, to people’s health, and to the country’s long-term attractiveness to investors, one might think that this year Bangkok would be better prepared for flooding. [more...]

Full story: http://blogs.cfr.org...-to-fail-again/

-- CFR.org 2012-09-14

Breached defences. Interesting view for ’no one opened the Dams early enough and it came out of the river.

"Thailand’s Flood Defenses to Fail Again?" Yes, that is possible because much more forest cover has been removed since last year.

This is the result of the demagogy of the present government. Only empty promises and politics that reel to save the face, get more money, power and voters.

But nobody really work for the good of this abused country.

Sadly IMHO a situation without hope.

Thailand’s Flood Defenses to Fail Again?

They already did in Sukothai and Ayutthaya....

This is the result of the demagogy of the present government. Only empty promises and politics that reel to save the face, get more money, power and voters.

But nobody really work for the good of this abused country.

Sadly IMHO a situation without hope.

I 2nd that, white lies, black lies, treachery and blood money corruption white washing is the game at the top of Thailand's politics ELITE, where real stupidity is covered up by "SAVING FACE"

"Given the damage done by last year’s floods to the Thai economy, to the government’s legitimacy, to people’s health, and to the country’s long-term attractiveness to investors, one might think that this year Bangkok would be better prepared for flooding."

They only mention about protecting B-B-B-B-B-Bangkok so in other words they think the rest of the other provinces can go to hell...

...it does not appear that the Thai government has adequately prepared for this year’s looming floods either. Flooding has already affected up to one quarter of the country’s provinces, according to a recent Reuters report, and thousands of people have fled their homes in parts of the north. In the areas just outside Bangkok, where flooding was heavy last year, this year construction of new barriers, water diversion devices, and other protection has proceeded far too slowly, leaving many suburbs nearly as exposed as last year.

So what have Yingluck and co. done all year? Fighting over a useless charter, bringing in tablets that don't work shit and run out of battery. Complaining about Lady Gaga, bailing out high status people out who committed serious crimes and murders.... but what about the floods, ladies and gentlemen...

...the army’s killing of at least ninety protestors in the streets of Bangkok in spring 2010.

Not much need to read this rant any further than that. Another activist masquerading as an journalist -- an illiterate one, as well.

They don't call it the land of smiles for nothing some of the things they do or try to do is freaking funny as

What have they done all year? Simple, devised more hollow political diatribe to justify huge budgets where the majority goes back to the politicians and their 'business' associates, and the Thai people suffer more, and get more taxes added to line the pockets of these criminals. But that's okay - the Reds will keep voting for Miss Yingluck and the puppet master because ignorance is bliss.

What have they done all year? Simple, devised more hollow political diatribe to justify huge budgets where the majority goes back to the politicians and their 'business' associates, and the Thai people suffer more, and get more taxes added to line the pockets of these criminals. But that's okay - the Reds will keep voting for Miss Yingluck and the puppet master because ignorance is bliss.

Well they received 500 Baht per vote....

This governement is not only possibly the most corrupt bunch of mafia crooks and criminlas out but also possibly the most inept ever. Thailand is getting what it deserves for its acceptance of corruption, right from the B500 gift.

And access to cheap medicine shame the previous administrations didn't care for the health of the poor and still don't

What have they done all year? Simple, devised more hollow political diatribe to justify huge budgets where the majority goes back to the politicians and their 'business' associates, and the Thai people suffer more, and get more taxes added to line the pockets of these criminals. But that's okay - the Reds will keep voting for Miss Yingluck and the puppet master because ignorance is bliss.

"the Reds will keep voting for Miss Yingluck and the puppet master because ignorance is bliss".

Unfortunately this is the crux of the matter!!! Their stupidity and ignorance defies belief as they blindly follow and aimlessly support this abject bunch of criminals towards an ever more deteriorating life style and bleak existence as they swallow the lies and deceit!!

When will they ever learn? probably never seems the most likely answer to that one.

Making references to last year’s floods and the industrial estates that devastated large corporations.

From my limited knowledge the smarter and more ca$h flexible corporations moved their operations already in preparation for this year’s onslaught of flooding.

I do believe if bitten twice they will certainly learn a lesson.

What have they done all year? Simple, devised more hollow political diatribe to justify huge budgets where the majority goes back to the politicians and their 'business' associates, and the Thai people suffer more, and get more taxes added to line the pockets of these criminals. But that's okay - the Reds will keep voting for Miss Yingluck and the puppet master because ignorance is bliss.

"the Reds will keep voting for Miss Yingluck and the puppet master because ignorance is bliss".

Unfortunately this is the crux of the matter!!! Their stupidity and ignorance defies belief as they blindly follow and aimlessly support this abject bunch of criminals towards an ever more deteriorating life style and bleak existence as they swallow the lies and deceit!!

When will they ever learn? probably never seems the most likely answer to that one.

And your solution to Thailand's problems would be?

What have they done all year? Simple, devised more hollow political diatribe to justify huge budgets where the majority goes back to the politicians and their 'business' associates, and the Thai people suffer more, and get more taxes added to line the pockets of these criminals. But that's okay - the Reds will keep voting for Miss Yingluck and the puppet master because ignorance is bliss.

"the Reds will keep voting for Miss Yingluck and the puppet master because ignorance is bliss".

Unfortunately this is the crux of the matter!!! Their stupidity and ignorance defies belief as they blindly follow and aimlessly support this abject bunch of criminals towards an ever more deteriorating life style and bleak existence as they swallow the lies and deceit!!

When will they ever learn? probably never seems the most likely answer to that one.

And your solution to Thailand's problems would be?

Get a caring, intelligent person with political experience that knows what he is doing back running the country!!

Secondly. turf out this bunch of greedy peasants and put them back in the paddy fields where they belong. After all, they can make a decent living now from the rice pledging scheme......what?, they can't, well, their lifestyles should be much improved by now after the implementation of Pheua Thai's wonderful policies (designed to please).......you mean to say they haven't worked out as promised?

OK, let them reap what they have sown then and see if they are stupid enough to vote for these dopes next time around!!! Until they learn, they should get used to surviving in this bleak world commonly known as 'red shirt village' life!!

Next question!!

Given that last year was the worst weather pattern seen for 50+ years, IMHO if the floods hit the industrial areas again this year, assuming there is average rainfall, then I would look very closely at the changes that have been made since then.

Again, if it does flood they better let the engineers do their job and send the political parties away to do what they do best somewhere far away.

What have they done all year? Simple, devised more hollow political diatribe to justify huge budgets where the majority goes back to the politicians and their 'business' associates, and the Thai people suffer more, and get more taxes added to line the pockets of these criminals. But that's okay - the Reds will keep voting for Miss Yingluck and the puppet master because ignorance is bliss.

Yingluck sumed it up for me yesterday when she taken a helicopter at something like 12 noon if she really cared about her people she would have flown frist thing in the morning not 12 noon and anybody one with a brain can work that out for themslaves ..

Second all there stupid trips she made have not been for the good of the people she just used all the excuses for a shopping trips and also to try and get her brother to beallowed to travel freely without any problems hint why he was given his thai passport back ,, i would think

What have they done all year? Simple, devised more hollow political diatribe to justify huge budgets where the majority goes back to the politicians and their 'business' associates, and the Thai people suffer more, and get more taxes added to line the pockets of these criminals. But that's okay - the Reds will keep voting for Miss Yingluck and the puppet master because ignorance is bliss.

"the Reds will keep voting for Miss Yingluck and the puppet master because ignorance is bliss".

Unfortunately this is the crux of the matter!!! Their stupidity and ignorance defies belief as they blindly follow and aimlessly support this abject bunch of criminals towards an ever more deteriorating life style and bleak existence as they swallow the lies and deceit!!

When will they ever learn? probably never seems the most likely answer to that one.

And your solution to Thailand's problems would be?

Get a caring, intelligent person with political experience that knows what he is doing back running the country!!

Secondly. turf out this bunch of greedy peasants and put them back in the paddy fields where they belong. After all, they can make a decent living now from the rice pledging scheme......what?, they can't, well, their lifestyles should be much improved by now after the implementation of Pheua Thai's wonderful policies (designed to please).......you mean to say they haven't worked out as promised?

OK, let them reap what they have sown then and see if they are stupid enough to vote for these dopes next time around!!! Until they learn, they should get used to surviving in this bleak world commonly known as 'red shirt village' life!!

Next question!!

The problem is - no matter if PTP or Democrats- when that man arrives, the end of days is coming!

What have they done all year? Simple, devised more hollow political diatribe to justify huge budgets where the majority goes back to the politicians and their 'business' associates, and the Thai people suffer more, and get more taxes added to line the pockets of these criminals. But that's okay - the Reds will keep voting for Miss Yingluck and the puppet master because ignorance is bliss.

Yingluck sumed it up for me yesterday when she taken a helicopter at something like 12 noon if she really cared about her people she would have flown frist thing in the morning not 12 noon and anybody one with a brain can work that out for themslaves ..

Second all there stupid trips she made have not been for the good of the people she just used all the excuses for a shopping trips and also to try and get her brother to beallowed to travel freely without any problems hint why he was given his thai passport back ,, i would think

Are you sure that you have chosen an appropriate moniker?

Given that last year was the worst weather pattern seen for 50+ years, IMHO if the floods hit the industrial areas again this year, assuming there is average rainfall, then I would look very closely at the changes that have been made since then.

Again, if it does flood they better let the engineers do their job and send the political parties away to do what they do best somewhere far away.

That could be a hard ask. What do politicians do best anywhere?

So now some of you have decided that Thailands government is responsible for the bad weather ?

Tell me in what way your own countries have managed in coping with any recent disasters caused by the weather.

And access to cheap medicine shame the previous administrations didn't care for the health of the poor and still don't

Basic health care was free under the previous administration. Something the present lot clearly despise.

So now some of you have decided that Thailands government is responsible for the bad weather ?

Tell me in what way your own countries have managed in coping with any recent disasters caused by the weather.

May I respectfully suggest you re-read all posts on this topic? No one is suggesting the government is to blame for the weather.

BTW already heavy rain for an hour now, up here in Bangkok

not just heavy rain A monumental downpour flooding even some main roads along rachadamri

National PRIDE is one thing, in matters that concern a humanity, safety and commercial stability... especially in a capital. Those in power, should know its best to consult the experts. I do not mean the ones who know only how to irrigate water from a stream into a rice field. I mean those who can work out the equations and the volumes and velocity of ferocious floods that can harm. The Goverment got a taste of it last year.... unexpectedly. It is time to share need and knowledge with those who are the experts in flooding and channeling of water - the dutch, the Germans others who have the know how as well as the equipment. A willingness to learn will save time and the attempt of trial and error. 120 Billion Baht... anti floods... gone distributed! and yet a foreseeable repeat of last year.....What does that tell the world`? Smiling or avoiding in silence is not the options left... Discussion and prompt action with the help of these nations who have the capacity to advise out of gained expertise and mathematics, keeping in mind the laws of nature. The Govts assurance based on hope it might not rain or be worse than last year is not a authentic response at this time. TAKE ACTION.... NOW!!!!

What have they done all year? Simple, devised more hollow political diatribe to justify huge budgets where the majority goes back to the politicians and their 'business' associates, and the Thai people suffer more, and get more taxes added to line the pockets of these criminals. But that's okay - the Reds will keep voting for Miss Yingluck and the puppet master because ignorance is bliss.

"the Reds will keep voting for Miss Yingluck and the puppet master because ignorance is bliss".

Unfortunately this is the crux of the matter!!! Their stupidity and ignorance defies belief as they blindly follow and aimlessly support this abject bunch of criminals towards an ever more deteriorating life style and bleak existence as they swallow the lies and deceit!!

When will they ever learn? probably never seems the most likely answer to that one.

And your solution to Thailand's problems would be?

A solution to the flood problems was offered to the Thai government.

However, same government decided that the Chinese solution was more acceptable for Thailand.

Hence the repeating water problems........................

(Psttt, it is said the Chinese solutions offers more opportunities for...........)

What have they done all year? Simple, devised more hollow political diatribe to justify huge budgets where the majority goes back to the politicians and their 'business' associates, and the Thai people suffer more, and get more taxes added to line the pockets of these criminals. But that's okay - the Reds will keep voting for Miss Yingluck and the puppet master because ignorance is bliss.

"the Reds will keep voting for Miss Yingluck and the puppet master because ignorance is bliss".

Unfortunately this is the crux of the matter!!! Their stupidity and ignorance defies belief as they blindly follow and aimlessly support this abject bunch of criminals towards an ever more deteriorating life style and bleak existence as they swallow the lies and deceit!!

When will they ever learn? probably never seems the most likely answer to that one.

And your solution to Thailand's problems would be?

A solution to the flood problems was offered to the Thai government.

However, same government decided that the Chinese solution was more acceptable for Thailand.

Hence the repeating water problems........................

(Psttt, it is said the Chinese solutions offers more opportunities for...........)

Can you give details on this solution and who offered it ?

Hellooooooo...they already failed due to corruption!!!

I see only negative storys here all the time, I live in Chiang Mai and I see a lot of work has be done on the Ping river,

and I guess in other places also hard work was done, do you ppl ever go out to see what s been done and what not

and if you dont like what happen here, go back if its better in your own country

I love it here and I love the lay back mentality, thats why I am here

You Forget about saving FACE,it's all about IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!