Total Flood Damage Estimated At 10 Billion Baht

[Jai Dee]

Total flood damage estimated at Bt10 bn

Ministry sees farm prices rising up to 5% as result: source

The damage caused to the agriculture sector as a whole by the recent flooding has been estimated at Bt10 billion, a source at the Commerce Ministry said on Friday.

Because of this, farm prices are expected to increase between 2 and 5 per cent due to a supply shortage next year, the source said.

The Agriculture and Coopera-tives Ministry reported that flooding in 58 provinces had caused Bt1.23 billion in damage to paddy fields and crops, as of Friday.

The ministry said the situation had affected 301,737 farmers and damaged 3.68 million rai out of a total of 4.52 million (in 58 provinces) of plantation area.

The flooding hit the Central region, where the country's biggest white-rice plantations are found, the hardest.

Farmers in the region lost their third crop of rice out of a maximum of four crops per year.

However, farmers and crop traders shared the view that that the floods would only have a short-term effect.

High demand and a shortage of agricultural goods will push up prices by 2 to 5 per cent, they said.

The price of paddy rice dropped to between Bt6,100 to Bt6,200 per tonne this month due mainly to high moisture content. The price was Bt6,813 at the same time last year.

The floods have also damaged other crops and marine farms along the Chao Phya River.

Suwan Kathawut, president of the Thai Rice Growers Association, said farmers in flooded areas, particularly the Central region, were suffering under the impact of the disaster.

He called for the government to find a solution to help farmers since they did not know any other way to earn a living.

Most agricultural traders also commented that the prices of farm goods would increase slightly as crops grown after the flooding will create higher yields.

They said that increasing prices would derive from stable demand both in domestic and overseas markets.

Preecha Temprom, president of the Tapioca Starch Association, said the flooding had had less impact on the tapioca industry.

Demand for tapioca starch and chips is expected to increase. As a result, the price of cassava is expected to rise by 10 to 20 per cent next year, Preecha said.

He said the association aimed to produce more than 28 million tonnes of tapioca products next year, compared with 25 million tonnes this year.

The price of tapioca starch should increase to US$240 (Bt8,990) per tonne from the current $200, he said.

Thai Rubber Association president Luckchai Kittipol said rubber prices next year should increase by 2 per cent from the current Bt58 to Bt60 per kilogram.

He said this year's price hike was due to high demand in the world market. Rubber quantities will also increase because of a long rainy season, which benefits the plantations, Luckchai said.

Meanwhile, Khunying Jada Wattanasiritham, chairwoman of the Thai Bankers' Association, said the association had proposed that the Bank of Thailand set up permanent soft-loan reserves to be granted to victims of natural disasters.

The central bank provided banks with a soft-loan programme to support their customers that were affected by the tsunami disaster in 2004.

If there were such a scheme specifically for victims of natural adversity, it would give banks the flexibility to assist their clients in the event of a flooding disaster, she said.

As president and chief executive of Siam Commercial Bank, Jada said the bank was ready to help its customers who had been affected by the floods, in the event that their debt-servicing ability had been reduced.

However, the bank could not yet put a figure on the overall damage suffered by its customers.

Prasarn Trairatvorakul, president of Kasikornbank, said his bank would take about one month to evaluate the damage suffered by its customers, and would also wait for the government's further decisions on how to react to the situation.

The floods are expected to mainly affect the agricultural sector, but the bank's loan provisions to the industry are limited to 5 per cent of its total credit portfolio, equal to other sectors, he said. As a result, Kasikornbank is not overly concerned, he added.

However, if the bank's borrowers were affected by the floods, the bank is ready to help them on debt restructuring, such as prolonging their repayment period, he said.

Tisco Bank chief executive Pliu Mangkornkanok said his bank would also take about one month for a damage assessment.

He said he believed the flooding would not hurt the bank's customers that much because the problem had not been as serious as the tsunami disaster.

"In the tsunami, many of the bank's customers had their cars washed away in the rush of water. That didn't happen this time," said Pliu, alluding to the bank's core auto-loan business.

Bank of Thailand deputy governor Tarisa Watanagase forecast that overall flood damage would not be that great because the problem would not exceed two weeks.

The central bank's regional offices are currently estimating the damage and it is too early to talk about soft loans, Tarisa said.

Twatchai Yongkittikul, secretary-general of the Thai Bankers' Association, said he could not say at the moment whether the association would ask for soft loans from the central bank to help flood victims because no one yet knew about the real extent of the damage.

Soft loans should not be available if the damage is not significant because bank customers should not expect financial assistance when their losses are minimal, he said.

Kasikorn Research Centre, meanwhile, forecast that the flooding would lead to about Bt1.6 billion in damage to paddy fields and crops.

This figure is above the Bt1.4 billion estimated by the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry for the floods in 2004.

The higher estimate is based on the assumption that damage to agricultural produce in the Central region from this year's floods is greater than in 2004.

The ministry has roughly estimated that the flooding between August 1 and October 10 this year led to Bt927.49 million in damage to produce.

Source: The Nation - 16 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Some photographs of the floods from The Nation:

Ayutthaya central long house flooded

Pa Sak River beautiful tree and house awash

Ayutthaya temple boat dock repair, Roll up the shirt and grab that rope

Ayutthaya pontoon house

Lop Buri River flooded but OK with a boat

Ayutthaya Wat Khae collasped boat dock bridge under repair by Monks and colleagues

Ayutthaya headed to Lop Buri River branch

Lop Buri River new construction gets a flood test

[Jai Dee]

Irrigation Dept insists that water diversion to 7 provinces is under the consent of the land owners

Royal Irrigation Department Chief Samart Chokkhanaphitak (สามารถ โชคคณาพิทักษ์) said that the diversion of water to seven provinces is under the consent of the land owners.

Following the permission of land owners of 18 fields in seven provinces to divert water flowing from the North into their areas, Mr. Samart said that the diversion has helped Bangkok from being affected from further flood circumstances. The 18 fields cover about 1.3 million rai. Mr. Samart insisted that his order of water diversion was made under the voluntary decision of the land owners. He said that the water will be beneficial for farmers as they can use them for cultivating rice.

He expressed his concern over the ongoing flood situation from the provinces of Nonthaburi to Phichit, but he is confident that inner Bangkok will be free from flood because of the officials’ satisfactory cooperation.

Mr. Samart had discussed with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration officials on the possibility of diverting water to the inner areas of the capital during the high tide between October 23rd and 25th. He said the water will be allowed to change its course to inner Bangkok if no precipitation occurs.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister urges Ayutthaya Governor to inform facts on why officials have to remove water walls

Interior Minister Aree Wong-araya (อารีย์ วงศ์อารยะ) has reinstructed the Ayutthaya Governor to develope a clear understanding with the flood-affected people on why the officials have to remove the water barriers.

Mr. Aree said that some local residents in Ayutthaya do not understand the reason of such action. Therefore, he has assigned the local officials to rapidly inform the reason to them.

The Interior Minister has also ordered the officials to assist the flood-affected people, and insisted that the budget used for helping the flood victims is still adequate.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Royal Irrigation head hopes that rain will not take place during high tide

Royal Irrigation Department Chief Samart Chokkhanaphitak (สามารถ โชคคณาพิทักษ์) hopes that rain will not take place during the high tide as low pressure is now above the lower central region. He fears that Thailand will be simultaneously hit by heavy rainfall and high tide.

Mr. Samart said officials can only drain about 4,000 cubic meters of water per second from Chao Phraya River to the sea, or just around 300 million cubic meters of water per day. Meanwhile, about 5,000 million cubic meters of water still remains in the provinces of Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit and Uthai Thani. He said that the situation should return to normal by the end of November.

During the high tide, officials will release water from Bang Sai (บางไทร) District of Ayutthaya Province to Bangkok at 4,000 cubic meters per second, adding that the water is currently released at 4,700 cubic meters per second.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Chai Nat launches 3-stage plan to help flood victims

An Agriculture official in Chai Nat reveals that the province has been inundated since September 9th. Five districts, namely Muang, Manoram, Wat Singha, Sapphaya, and Sankaburi as well as Nong Marong sub-district have been flooded. It is estimated that 99,059 rai of agricultural areas, or 8% of the total agricultural areas in the province, have been damaged and 8,681 farmers have been affected.

The most damaged agricultural areas are Sapphaya, Manarom, and Wat Sing districts respectively.

The rehabilitation plan launched has three stages. The first stage provides an immediate aid in a form of cash to the affected farmers.

The second stage which will take effect after the flood water has subsided is aimed to help the farmers live by themselves by encouraging them to grow vegetables and short-life plants for household consumption.

The final stage taking effect after the situation has been back to a normal state has an objective to strengthen the farmers by introducing them to make a living in line with His Majesty the King’s Sufficiency Economy philosophy.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Flood situation in Ang Thong aggravates

The floodwater level in Ang Thong Province has not decreased.

The flood situation in Ang Thong is in a critical level, especially in Talad Kruad Tambon in Muang District. The area has been inundated for over two weeks, and the stagnant water is beginning to putrefy. Consequently, villagers are not able to use the water.

Recently, over 100 young villagers in Muang District of the province are suffering from diarrhea due to the inundation. They are now resting at the sermon hall of Tarn Jet Chor Temple in the district. The abbot of the temple said the number of restrooms is insufficient, and most importantly, the children are experiencing nourishment problem.

Nevertheless, provincial police officers have been dispatched to help the flood-stricken residents in Muang District of Ang Thong. Residents in other districts of the province are also still waiting for the officials to aid them.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn orders 2,000 boxes of rice to be given to Ang Thong ppl everyday

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has graciously instructed the Thai Red Cross Society to distribute 2,000 boxes of rice to the people who have been affected from the current flood crisis in the province of Ang Thong everyday.

The governor's official resident in Ang Thong is the center where food items are prepared. The foods will then be delivered to the local residents in flooded areas via life boats.

The foods will be given to them everyday until the flood situation has improved.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister said flood budget is unnecessary for now

The Interior Minister, Mr. Aree Wong-araya, indicated that the budget allocated for the flood-affected people is unnecessary at the moment because governors in each province already have a budget of 50 million baht to spend on this matter. However, if additional financial resources are required, the governors can ask for more from the Finance Ministry.

Mr. Aree yesterday visited the inundated areas in Minburi, Nong Jok, Lad Krabang, and Klong Sam Wa. Although the officials in Bangkok have drained a considerable amount of floodwater in some areas, Mr. Aree is not fully assured that the flood situation is fully solved. The deluge from the northern province of Nakhon Sawan is flowing at a speed of 6,700 cubic meters per second, and officials have been assigned to divert the overflowing water to the provinces of Uttaradit and Suphan Buri. Nevertheless, Mr. Aree however is not certain that this diversion can prevent the flood problems

Meanwhile, Her Majesty the Queen is worried for the flood-hit people in Ang Thong Province, and has ordered for a Mitigation Center to be set up in the provincial Muang District. Temporary accommodations will be provided to the victims, and once the water level has subsided, they will return to their residences.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister is considering to pay compensations to kind farmers

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is planning to offer special compensations to farmers who allow the Royal Irrigation Department to divert water to their plantations.

The Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Phinij Kosriporn (พินิจ กอศรีพร), attended the meeting to find ways to compensate those farmers. He said that the ministry will primarily pay off the farmers at the rate of 243 baht per rai of farmland or at 289 baht per harvest in each rai. He said that for fruit plantations, the owners will be compensated with 369 baht per rai.

As for the owners who give consent to the Royal Irrigation Department to use their lands to store the torrents in their water retention areas, Mr. Phinij said that they will also receive special reparations for their kindness.

The Deputy Spokesperson said that the benchmark of the compensation will mainly consider its costs and profits. In the meantime, he informed that 3,380,000 rai of land have already been damaged by flood.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Floodwater level in Pathum Thani is still high

Pathum Thani Governor Nares Chitsutjaritwong (นเรศ จิตสุจริตวงศ์) has disclosed that the water level in the province is still high, especially in the districts of Muang and Samkhok (สามโคก).

Mr. Nares said almost every district in the province is still inundated, particularly in Muang and Samkhok (สามโคก). The flood circumstances in both districts are deemed very critical. However, many units from both the central and local regions have provided assistance by building temporary dykes in flood-affected areas such as the city hall. Furthermore, necessities have been delivered to help relieve their difficulties.

Mr. Nares added that the current flood crisis has ruined more than 10,000 rai of farmlands. However, the province still needs necessities, particularly drinking water. Donations can be made at the province anytime.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Army works together with media to relief disaster victims

The Royal Thai Army has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with four media organizations to promptly warn people of natural disasters and effectively help the victims.

The Army Chief and Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS), Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน) has signed a MOU concerning collaborations on disaster relief with executives of TV channel 5, channel 7, and FM JS 100. The army will work with the media to pull all resources together in monitoring natural disaster situation as reported by relevant agencies. The main puposes of these collaborations are to warn residents in disaster-prone areas to be prepared for the situation in time and to help the victims effectively.

The army will work actively in coordinating all relevant agencies and provincial officials to help disaster victims.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Ubon Ratchathani Governor worried about the coming inundation.

Mr. Suthi Makboon (สุธี มากบุญ), Ubon Ratchathani Governor, said impacts from the inundation in the province spread through 16 communities affecting 604 households in the municipal area of the central district, 9 communities involving 139 households in Warin Chamrarb (วารินชำราบ) municipality, as well as 11 districts, 3 sub-districts, 29 regions and 104 villages in the suburbs.

Moreover, 79,241 Rais of farmland, 17 fish ponds, 53 roads, 2 bridges, 8 dams, 2 drainage systems, 8 temples and many government organizations were affected too. Temporary tents have been set up for the victims as well as public utilities.

The governor also said that the most concern at this moment is the water from surrounding rivers. He said the Chi, Moon and Mekong Rivers will overflow and worsen the inundation situations during October 18-22, 2006. However, relief contingency plans are made to protect the province and its people.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Suphan Buri builds sandbags barriers around prison

Suphan Buri Prison Chief Charttaphon Arpasat (ชาตพล อาภาสัตย์) said sandbag barriers have been positioned around the prison to prevent floodwater from gushing in. If the water increases or rain stops falling, the prison would not be flooded as the barriers are higher than the flood water in the area by 25 centimeters. The prison also keeps strengthening the barriers.

Around 1,800 prisoners have been moved to sleep on an upper floor to avoid water flooding the prison at night.

Meanwhile, the prison also asks prisoners’ visitors to park their cars in the main road outside since the driveway has been used to transport materials for the barriers.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

BAAC alleviate financial problems for flood-hit farmers

The Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) will provide loans of no more than 30,000 baht each with an interest rate lower that three percent for less than three years to flood-affected farmers. The loans will help them recover from the flood situation.

Mr. Ennu Suesuvarn (เอ็นนู ซื่อสุวรรณ), the BAAC Assistant Manager, said more than 132,000 agriculturists have suffered from the flood crisis since the middle of this May, and 1.9 million rai of farmland have been devastated. Thus, the bank is proposing a measure to financially mitigate the debt-ridden farmers through the support of the Finance Ministry. The proposal will be considered at the Cabinet meeting tomorrow.

The measures will eliminate all debts of the farmers who have died from the flood crisis, while the ones who are suffering from the disaster greatly will have their repayment periods extended to three years. In addition, their interest rates will also be disregarded during this three-year time.

Mr. Ennu said the BAAC has also opened a bank account for people to donate money to help the flood-stricken farmers, and the account number is 000 - 2 - 29999 – 2.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Royal Irrigation Dept. makes sure the officials will be able to cope w/ floods in the South

The Royal Irrigation Department has delivered a policy for the officials to be prepared in tackling flood problems in Phetchaburi Province and Hat Yai District in Songkhla Province. Water pumps are being gathered from the North to drain the floodwater in the South.

Mr. Lertwiroj Gowattana (เลิศวิโรจน์ โกวัฒนะ), the Deputy Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department, talked about the preparation for the precipitation in the South. He said the officials are implementing His Majesty the King’s flood-mitigation plan and the flood-handling plan in the year 2003. He said the reservoirs in the region, such as Mae Prachan and Kaeng Krachan, are capable of holding additional rainwater. Water-draining machines are being prepared. Some of them are taken from the areas in the North where the flood situation has returned to normal.

Officials are also geared up to prevent floods from happening in different marketplaces and transport routes, such as Phetkasem Rd. Most of the stagnant waters will be drained into the canals to the sea. Mr. Lertwiroj said the officials will be able to manage the situation even if there may be strong precipitation in the near future.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Bang Khun Thian District are warned of heavy flooding

People residing in the district of Bang Khun Thian in Bangkok are warned of flood hazards. Farmers are advised to collect their crops before the flood occurs.

Mr. Pongsak Phantusawad (พงษ์ศักดิ์ พันธุ์สวาสดิ์), the administrator of Bang Khun Thian, said the flood situation is still volatile, especially in the lowlands of the district. The areas are situated near the sea, which will be receiving the torrents from the North and other flood-hit provinces.

Bangkok officials have coordinated with the district office in setting up a flood-rescue center, and they have warned the local residents already. They are prepared to receive the farmers’ complaints and provide them with initial assistance.

Residents in Bang Khun Thian are suggested to lay sandbags around their households to prevent flood problems. They are warned to relocate their belongings to higher grounds and cut off the electricity circuits to prevent possible dangers. People in the district are also warned to be alert of poisonous animals from entering their homes. They are advised to closely watch the flood updates.

For emergency situations, they can call 0-2415-1522 immediate for assistance or call Crisis Communication Center at 0-9005-6767 around the clock.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 October 2006