Plodprasob Defends Flood Spending; New Panel To Assist Bangkok Administration

[webfact]

Plodprasob defends flood spending; new panel to assist BMA

Khanittha Theppajon

The Nation

Residents in Sa Kaew province

BANGKOK: -- Science and Technology Minister Plodprasob Surassawadi yesterday tried to assure the House that the government's flood-control budget was being spent transparently, and unveiled plans for a new panel that would work with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to solve the capital's flood problems.

The new body would be a sub-panel under the Water and Flood Management Committee (WFMC), which Plodprasob chairs.

Responding to a question from Trang Democrat MP Satit Wongnongtoey about spending, Plodprasob said the Bt350-billion flood-prevention scheme had hired seven qualified contractors, who would sign contracts by next April.

Countering reports that 20 provinces were flooded, Plodprasob said that only Ayutthaya's Bang Ban district and Phitsanulok's Bang Rakham district, which are under 30cm of water, were close to that state, defining "flooded" as being under 50cm or more of water.

He insisted that the money spent had been put to good use, especially on repair work, which had absorbed 60 per cent of the budget.

The repair work covered transport infrastructure (Bt26 billion), equipment (Bt49 billion), water-management infrastructure (Bt25 billion), work on state offices (Bt7.9 billion), rebuilding of education and public health premises (Bt6.2 billion) and restoration of ancient sites and tourist attractions (Bt27 billion), he said. He added that he was fully confident that no money had been lost to corruption.

Satit pressed Plodprasob on several matters. Among them were Interior Ministry deputy permanent secretary Pracha Terat's inquiry into alleged corruption at related agencies in some provinces; the failure of the Bang Rakham model, as the government's flood-management scheme is known; when the government would end what he called the politicisation of the flood problem; and when it would stop attacking the BMA.

Plodprasob insisted that far from being a failure, the Bang Rakham model was a positive move that had helped to test the Nan and Yom river basins' water-diversion systems. He said he would check Pracha's memo on allegations of corruption. The minister also insisted his criticisms of the BMA's work wasn't politically motivated and that the Pheu Thai Party had no policy to make fighting floods a political issue.

Responding to Samut Prakan MP Worachai Hema's questions about how to tackle flooding in Bangkok, Plodprasob said the BMA should think more broadly about flood prevention, instead of solely tackling rainwater, and suggested the city lay surface pipes to help the underground pipe system drain water more quickly.

-- The Nation 2012-09-21

[MikeOboe57]

Plodprasob said the BMA should think more broadly about flood prevention, instead of solely tackling rainwater, and suggested the city lay surface pipes to help the underground pipe system drain water more quickly.

And I thought the water-pushing machines were as silly as it could get.

[Thai at Heart]

Plodprasob said the BMA should think more broadly about flood prevention, instead of solely tackling rainwater, and suggested the city lay surface pipes to help the underground pipe system drain water more quickly.

And I thought the water-pushing machines were as silly as it could get.

As i said, the 1million rai tarpaulin to stop the rain reaching lanf will be next.

[asiawatcher]

Ducking and weaving. I love the way the billions just roll of the tongue of these politicians. To spend 1 billion (any currency) takes 30M a day for the whole year (in this case about USD1M per day) so multiply it out - it comes to USD141M per day (and see how much money has just disappeared). No accounting, no transparency, and the call to investigate the 'agencies' ignored. You cannot spend that sort of money daily as they cannot build, supply materials or even complete anything that requires payments in that amount for what we have (not) seen to be applied to the problem. And people keep voting for these 'ministers' who are more than obviously lining someone's pockets!

[DeepInTheForest]

Countering reports that 20 provinces were flooded, Plodprasob said that only Ayutthaya's Bang Ban district and Phitsanulok's Bang Rakham district, which are under 30cm of water, were close to that state, defining "flooded" as being under 50cm or more of water.

Cannot stop laughing.

Thankfully, I am not in a district under, say, 20 or 40 cm of water, or I would indeed be furious at the comment.

Edited September 21, 2012 by DeepInTheForest

[Soutpeel]

Plodprasob said the BMA should think more broadly about flood prevention, instead of solely tackling rainwater, and suggested the city lay surface pipes to help the underground pipe system drain water more quickly.

And I thought the water-pushing machines were as silly as it could get.

As i said, the 1million rai tarpaulin to stop the rain reaching lanf will be next.

How about a big umbrella for the whole country

[fareastguy]

_{Quite correct post #4 you cannot spend that amount of money every day, but some officials don't intend to spend it, just bank it !!}

It's not another sub-committee we need right now.. the talking & guess work has to stop!!

It's time Yingluk called a halt to this fiasco & sub-contracted in trusted foreign companies who have the expertise to do the job within a set budget!!

The result being NO MORE FLOODS & NO MORE GRAFTS

Edited September 21, 2012 by metisdead
: Oversize font re-sized to normal.

[Tatsujin]

Simply 'saying' how money has (allegedly) been spent is NOT 'transparency'.

Is anyone outside the Govt actually going to be able to really see where all that money has gone? Or does everyone as usual have to take things on faith, because after all, it's beyond the realms of possibility that (just perhaps) someone is not actually telling the truth here.

[Thaddeus]

Countering reports that 20 provinces were flooded, Plodprasob said that only Ayutthaya's Bang Ban district and Phitsanulok's Bang Rakham district, which are under 30cm of water, were close to that state, defining "flooded" as being under 50cm or more of water.

When this man looks in the mirror he sees Einstein, to make matters worse he believes that everyone else sees Einstein, but anyone with a grain of common sense sees an imbecile, which is what he is.

[robblok]

Countering reports that 20 provinces were flooded, Plodprasob said that only Ayutthaya's Bang Ban district and Phitsanulok's Bang Rakham district, which are under 30cm of water, were close to that state, defining "flooded" as being under 50cm or more of water.

Cannot stop laughing.

Thankfully, I am not in a district under, say, 20 or 40 cm of water, or I would indeed be furious at the comment.

Typical red politicians, 30 cm of water is not flooded. If you promise there wont be any floodings and you cant keep the promise then just change the definition of flooding so it looks like you kept your word.

This is real sickening, in general im not that bothered with all those red and yellow idiots but because i was flooded last year this subject makes me angry.

I can tell you 30 cm in your house is much too much if its only 30 cm in the streets is is still flooded but a bit more manageable.

[OzMick]

" He added that he was fully confident that no money had been lost to corruption."

Oh,my!

[madmitch]

Countering reports that 20 provinces were flooded, Plodprasob said that only Ayutthaya's Bang Ban district and Phitsanulok's Bang Rakham district, which are under 30cm of water, were close to that state, defining "flooded" as being under 50cm or more of water.

Cannot stop laughing.

Thankfully, I am not in a district under, say, 20 or 40 cm of water, or I would indeed be furious at the comment.

Typical red politicians, 30 cm of water is not flooded. If you promise there wont be any floodings and you cant keep the promise then just change the definition of flooding so it looks like you kept your word.

This is real sickening, in general im not that bothered with all those red and yellow idiots but because i was flooded last year this subject makes me angry.

I can tell you 30 cm in your house is much too much if its only 30 cm in the streets is is still flooded but a bit more manageable.

Try telling your insurance company that under 50cm of water is not a flood but merely water damage.

"Responding to a question from Trang Democrat MP Satit Wongnongtoey about spending, Plodprasob said the Bt350-billion flood-prevention scheme had hired seven qualified contractors, who would sign contracts by next April."

So, they haven't actually hired any qualified contractors yet? So where has the money gone? And do they need yet more money ?

I know things get lost in translation but this guy should just go home and count his millions billions and leave politics alone.

[dcutman]

Not sure when the last time the guy looked at his own website. But it paints a much different picture.

http://www.waterforthai.com/

[Payboy]

Plodprasob said the BMA should think more broadly about flood prevention, instead of solely tackling rainwater, and suggested the city lay surface pipes to help the underground pipe system drain water more quickly.

In a show of support to Plod, I did my part by laying a big pipe this morning. It stayed on the surface, unfortunately not for long.

[fareastguy]

The Bt350 billion has gone down the drain.. unlike the water !!

Be sure more funding will be asked for soon to cover the grafts for this year.

Edited September 21, 2012 by fareastguy

[lizardtongue]

and restoration of ancient sites and tourist attractions (Bt27 billion), he said. He added that he was fully confident that no money had been lost to corruption

Please enlighten me as to what and where are the ancient sites and tourist attractions that warrant Bt 27 billion being spent on them?

Science and Technology Minister Plodprasob Surassawadi yesterday tried to assure the House that the government's flood-control budget was being spent transparently.

If the monies were spent transparently then surely rather than trying to assure the house that this was/is the case all he would have to do is produce copies of contracts etc?

But hey if this is only a little white lie then it is ok?

This and any subsequent Gov are a joke!

[Buchholz]

Heavy rain in Prachin Buri floods Si Maha Phot market

PRACHIN BURI, Sept 21 -- Heavy rain at Prachin Buri in the early hours of Friday flooded Si Maha Phot market, and local authorities are closely monitoring the rising water level of the Prachin Buri River, already above critical level.

Continuous heavy rain and floodwater flowing from Kabin Buri district has added more water to flood Tha Prachoom, the Si Maha Phot municipality's market, where the water level was more than 40 centimetres.

Traders in the market rushed to pack their goods for fear that they could be damaged in the flood.

Si Maha Phot municipality officials are closely monitoring the water situation, particularly the earth embankment along the Prachin Buri River at Wat Mai Krong Thong, for fear that if the dyke failed, the market would be totally flooded.

More than 20 pumps ran all night to drain water from the municipality, where some 100 homes were affected.

-- TNA 2012-09-21

[Buchholz]

Heavy rain in Prachin Buri floods Si Maha Phot market

PRACHIN BURI, Sept 21 -- Heavy rain at Prachin Buri in the early hours of Friday flooded Si Maha Phot market, and local authorities are closely monitoring the rising water level of the Prachin Buri River, already above critical level.

Continuous heavy rain and floodwater flowing from Kabin Buri district has added more water to flood Tha Prachoom, the Si Maha Phot municipality's market, where the water level was more than 40 centimetres.

Traders in the market rushed to pack their goods for fear that they could be damaged in the flood.

Si Maha Phot municipality officials are closely monitoring the water situation, particularly the earth embankment along the Prachin Buri River at Wat Mai Krong Thong, for fear that if the dyke failed, the market would be totally flooded.

Countering reports that 20 provinces were flooded, Plodprasob said that only Ayutthaya's Bang Ban district and Phitsanulok's Bang Rakham district, which are under 30cm of water, were close to that state, defining "flooded" as being under 50cm or more of water.

In light of Science Minister Plodprasop's scientific definition... the following modifications to the preceding article seem obligatory.

Heavy rain in Prachin Buri floods makes Si Maha Phot market really wet

PRACHIN BURI, Sept 21 -- Heavy rain at Prachin Buri in the early hours of Friday flooded made Si Maha Phot market really wet, and local authorities are closely monitoring the rising water level of the Prachin Buri River, already above critical level, but certainly not to be considered flood level.

Continuous heavy rain and floodwater really wet water flowing from Kabin Buri district has added more water to flood make quite wet Tha Prachoom, the Si Maha Phot municipality's market, where the water level was more than 40 centimetres, which is not to be considered to be flooding.

Traders in the market rushed to pack their goods for fear that they could be damaged in the flood really wet water.

Si Maha Phot municipality officials are closely monitoring the water situation, particularly the earth embankment along the Prachin Buri River at Wat Mai Krong Thong, for fear that if the dyke failed, the market would be totally flooded really, really wet.

.

Edited September 21, 2012 by Buchholz

[GentlemanJim]

Plodprasob defends flood spending

He insisted that the money spent had been put to good use,

Meanwhile !!

Just wanted to add that when i started this post it was set out in a moment of jest. As I scrolled through hundreds of photos I realised it is accurate, and I seem to have a lot of dust in my eyes now!!

Edited September 21, 2012 by GentlemanJim

[americaninbangkok]

Countering reports that 20 provinces were flooded, Plodprasob said that only Ayutthaya's Bang Ban district and Phitsanulok's Bang Rakham district, which are under 30cm of water, were close to that state, defining "flooded" as being under 50cm or more of water.

Perhaps if someone put Plod's head under 20 or 30 cm of water, he might feel differently about the significance of these water levels.

*** edited for conciseness

Edited September 21, 2012 by americaninbangkok

[americaninbangkok]

" He added that he was fully confident that no money had been lost to corruption."

Oh,my!

These words -- said in any context anywhere in Thaland - should be regarded either as blasphemy or just a mere attempt at humor.

[Buchholz]

the latest flooded provinces that aren't really flooded, just really wet

15 provinces now declared as flood-disaster zones

BANGKOK, 21 September 2012 (NNT) – The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has announced that more provinces have fallen victim to the monsoon flooding, which has rampaged several parts of the country in the past weeks.

DDPM Director-General Wiboon Sanguanpong said on Thursday that a total of 15 provinces have been declared flood-disaster zones. They include Tak, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Pichit, Chainat, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Prachinburi, Sakaeo, Nakhon Pathom, Chonburi, Rayong, Chachoengsao and Chaiyaphum.

According to Mr. Wiboon, 235,545 people from 88,438 families have been hit hard by severe flooding induced by recent heavy downpours.

He added that, Sakaeo locals have been hit by flash flood and forest run-off, while flash flood and run-off were also reported at the Rong Klua Market.

In Prachinburi, low-lying areas of the province have been inundated after the Prachinburi River burst the banks.

Mr. Wiboon stated that heavy rain has recently hit Tak Province and led to a significant rise in the water level of the Wang River while similar situation also led the Yom River in Sukhothai Province to overflow and water already flooded more areas.

-- NNT 2012-09-21

[Thai at Heart]

the latest flooded provinces that aren't really flooded, just really wet

15 provinces now declared as flood-disaster zones

BANGKOK, 21 September 2012 (NNT) – The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has announced that more provinces have fallen victim to the monsoon flooding, which has rampaged several parts of the country in the past weeks.

DDPM Director-General Wiboon Sanguanpong said on Thursday that a total of 15 provinces have been declared flood-disaster zones. They include Tak, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Pichit, Chainat, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Prachinburi, Sakaeo, Nakhon Pathom, Chonburi, Rayong, Chachoengsao and Chaiyaphum.

According to Mr. Wiboon, 235,545 people from 88,438 families have been hit hard by severe flooding induced by recent heavy downpours.

He added that, Sakaeo locals have been hit by flash flood and forest run-off, while flash flood and run-off were also reported at the Rong Klua Market.

In Prachinburi, low-lying areas of the province have been inundated after the Prachinburi River burst the banks.

Mr. Wiboon stated that heavy rain has recently hit Tak Province and led to a significant rise in the water level of the Wang River while similar situation also led the Yom River in Sukhothai Province to overflow and water already flooded more areas.

-- NNT 2012-09-21

I bet they can't wait for the water level to get to 29cm. That will make it all hunky dorey.

Meanwhile Plodprasob has announced an new measurement for depth of water, called the "Plod", never reaching a measurement higher than 29, it's unit values will be announced every day at 10am, along with his pronouncements of where in the country is technically really wet, as opposed to flooding.

Plod sticks are available in standard lengths of 1ft, 2ft, 3ft, 4ft, 5ft, and 6ft, all ending with an even spacing of 29 Plods. Minister Plodprasob announced this latest innovation known as the Plod stick, and will start distributing them to all slightly wet, really wet and neck depth regions tomorrow. Each provincial governor has been instructed to distribute only those sticks that protrude above the water line to locals, and collect any that are not long enough on a day by day basis.

"My job is to inspire confidence that we the government have this under control, what would be the point in giving a measuring stick, if you couldn't see the measurement because it is underwater", Minister Plodprasob stated, "People might think we have been too cheap in buying the sticks if they aren't long enough to measure anything", he added.

Edited September 21, 2012 by Thai at Heart

[MEL1]

"Science and Technology Minister Plodprasob Surassabankloaded yesterday tried to assure the House that the government's flood-control budget was being spent transparently, and unveiled plans for a new panel......... "

Panel?

Oh dear! Too many committees YingUnlucky set up, so they went thru the 'HUB' of words in the English Thesaurus, and found 'panel.

Thailand will be the next "hub of panels".

Panelled doors, panelled glass-houses, panelled porcelain and panelled Bangkok.

Interesting as I came home on a van today, from a place to Lak-si. Don Meuang airport is being surrounded by new flood walls being built; solid flood walls, being built very quickly, indeed!

But, there's no flood coming, and certainly not to Don Meuang airport, so why the sudden build of flood walls, and canals being created all around the airport?

Surely P.C. Plod wouldn't be masquerading as a TV thief, taking a LOT of money from MCOT, and NACC........ simply to ensure us that water will not come?

The new panel of hubs will benefit greatly from the new definition of committee....... the panels of Thailand.

(Personally, I did like solid panels, but this has just gone too far now!)........ Thailand the amazing hub of panels..... watch this space.

-mel.

[annabel]

Countering reports that 20 provinces were flooded, Plodprasob said that only Ayutthaya's Bang Ban district and Phitsanulok's Bang Rakham district, which are under 30cm of water, were close to that state, defining "flooded" as being under 50cm or more of water.

Cannot stop laughing.

Thankfully, I am not in a district under, say, 20 or 40 cm of water, or I would indeed be furious at the comment.

Typical red politicians, 30 cm of water is not flooded. If you promise there wont be any floodings and you cant keep the promise then just change the definition of flooding so it looks like you kept your word.

This is real sickening, in general im not that bothered with all those red and yellow idiots but because i was flooded last year this subject makes me angry.

I can tell you 30 cm in your house is much too much if its only 30 cm in the streets is is still flooded but a bit more manageable.

Try telling your insurance company that under 50cm of water is not a flood but merely water damage.

"Responding to a question from Trang Democrat MP Satit Wongnongtoey about spending, Plodprasob said the Bt350-billion flood-prevention scheme had hired seven qualified contractors, who would sign contracts by next April."

So, they haven't actually hired any qualified contractors yet? So where has the money gone? And do they need yet more money ?

I know things get lost in translation but this guy should just go home and count his millions billions and leave politics alone.

BUT 350 Billion !!! Where did it come from...? I see the government allocating billions for Ipads and billions there and there for whatever... where are all these Billions coming from ...? Is it not possible that they say :" We are giving out 350 billion but really only give out 1 Billion to 1 place or ok that is ridiculous too ,,, but, maybe 10 billion being 1 billion to 10 different areas and say ok ... here is your share .... or 2 billion to 50 different places.... What I mean is that THEY DON"T HAVE THE FUNDS and just say they do to look good and appease the people ......and then give a pittance here and there to make it kind of believable because after all, where again is the accounting department to prove that yes... 350 billion was taken out of the kitty and this much went here and that much went here and so on ... I am starting to think that it's all just BS cause I can't imagine the government having in hand all the billions they have been throwing around all over the place for the past ... How many years now...??

[GentlemanJim]

Countering reports that 20 provinces were flooded, Plodprasob said that only Ayutthaya's Bang Ban district and Phitsanulok's Bang Rakham district, which are under 30cm of water, were close to that state, defining "flooded" as being under 50cm or more of water.

Cannot stop laughing.

Thankfully, I am not in a district under, say, 20 or 40 cm of water, or I would indeed be furious at the comment.

Typical red politicians, 30 cm of water is not flooded. If you promise there wont be any floodings and you cant keep the promise then just change the definition of flooding so it looks like you kept your word.

This is real sickening, in general im not that bothered with all those red and yellow idiots but because i was flooded last year this subject makes me angry.

I can tell you 30 cm in your house is much too much if its only 30 cm in the streets is is still flooded but a bit more manageable.

Try telling your insurance company that under 50cm of water is not a flood but merely water damage.

"Responding to a question from Trang Democrat MP Satit Wongnongtoey about spending, Plodprasob said the Bt350-billion flood-prevention scheme had hired seven qualified contractors, who would sign contracts by next April."

So, they haven't actually hired any qualified contractors yet? So where has the money gone? And do they need yet more money ?

I know things get lost in translation but this guy should just go home and count his millions billions and leave politics alone.

BUT 350 Billion !!! Where did it come from...? I see the government allocating billions for Ipads and billions there and there for whatever... where are all these Billions coming from ...? Is it not possible that they say :" We are giving out 350 billion but really only give out 1 Billion to 1 place or ok that is ridiculous too ,,, but, maybe 10 billion being 1 billion to 10 different areas and say ok ... here is your share .... or 2 billion to 50 different places.... What I mean is that THEY DON"T HAVE THE FUNDS and just say they do to look good and appease the people ......and then give a pittance here and there to make it kind of believable because after all, where again is the accounting department to prove that yes... 350 billion was taken out of the kitty and this much went here and that much went here and so on ... I am starting to think that it's all just BS cause I can't imagine the government having in hand all the billions they have been throwing around all over the place for the past ... How many years now...??

Careful Annabel, you are starting to think! There will soon be no place for you in Thailand if you carry that on Yes, just on tablets, rice pledging and flood management, just in the last year it tops over 1 trillion. That is without all the normal expenditure on Government services, defence, healthcare etc etc Non of it makes any sense. They are either telling lies in which case it is simply shocking, OR they are telling the truth and in two years this country will be so far down the toilet financially there will be no recovery.

[Thai at Heart]

Countering reports that 20 provinces were flooded, Plodprasob said that only Ayutthaya's Bang Ban district and Phitsanulok's Bang Rakham district, which are under 30cm of water, were close to that state, defining "flooded" as being under 50cm or more of water.

Cannot stop laughing.

Thankfully, I am not in a district under, say, 20 or 40 cm of water, or I would indeed be furious at the comment.

Typical red politicians, 30 cm of water is not flooded. If you promise there wont be any floodings and you cant keep the promise then just change the definition of flooding so it looks like you kept your word.

This is real sickening, in general im not that bothered with all those red and yellow idiots but because i was flooded last year this subject makes me angry.

I can tell you 30 cm in your house is much too much if its only 30 cm in the streets is is still flooded but a bit more manageable.

Try telling your insurance company that under 50cm of water is not a flood but merely water damage.

"Responding to a question from Trang Democrat MP Satit Wongnongtoey about spending, Plodprasob said the Bt350-billion flood-prevention scheme had hired seven qualified contractors, who would sign contracts by next April."

So, they haven't actually hired any qualified contractors yet? So where has the money gone? And do they need yet more money ?

I know things get lost in translation but this guy should just go home and count his millions billions and leave politics alone.

BUT 350 Billion !!! Where did it come from...? I see the government allocating billions for Ipads and billions there and there for whatever... where are all these Billions coming from ...? Is it not possible that they say :" We are giving out 350 billion but really only give out 1 Billion to 1 place or ok that is ridiculous too ,,, but, maybe 10 billion being 1 billion to 10 different areas and say ok ... here is your share .... or 2 billion to 50 different places.... What I mean is that THEY DON"T HAVE THE FUNDS and just say they do to look good and appease the people ......and then give a pittance here and there to make it kind of believable because after all, where again is the accounting department to prove that yes... 350 billion was taken out of the kitty and this much went here and that much went here and so on ... I am starting to think that it's all just BS cause I can't imagine the government having in hand all the billions they have been throwing around all over the place for the past ... How many years now...??

Well 120 bn could build about 4 wembly stadiums at london costs. So other than 50 mn bahts worth of pushing machines, 100mn for dredging, you start to realise that it is an awful lot of money with little to show for it.

29 bn to repair national monuments? 1 bn usd????? Where did it go?

[Skywalker69]

" He added that he was fully confident that no money had been lost to corruption."

Oh,my!

Another white lie?

[Skywalker69]

"He insisted that the money spent had been put to good use, especially on repair work, which had absorbed 60 per cent of the budget"

And the 40% is were? Did it end up at the Mercedes dealer?

[bigbamboo]

" He added that he was fully confident that no money had been lost to corruption."

Oh,my!

These words -- said in any context anywhere in Thaland - should be regarded either as blasphemy or just a mere attempt at humor.

For Plod to say this proves he's either a liar or a fool.

I don't think Thailand wants either in charge of it's water management just now.