The Great Flood of 2011: Accountability and Governance Issues – Part 2

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Angthong Province Source: http://blogs.voanews.com/photos/2011/09/16/september-16-2011/

Bangkok Source: The Nation, Rangsit and Nonthaburi residents rally for help,

November 16, 2011

Minburi Market Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/nationphoto/show-new.php?id=1&pid=12012

Ramon C. Sevilla, PhD.

APTU Thammasat University

March 18, 2012

The Big Bag solution? What was that all about?

• The flood barrier around the inner core of Bangkok had two major leaks: Lak

Hok barrier leak (North) and Khlong Samwa (north east) leak.

• Lak Hok barrier leak will soon spread flood waters to Lat Phrao.

• Solution: Big Bags along Local Road for the length of 6 km, helping the leak

to slow and BMA canals can drain off the existing flood. Source: Bangkok Post, “Situation 'will be better soon'”, November 2, 2011

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/new/2011/11/10/national/images/30169604-01.jpg

Source: Bangkok Post, Residents angry over “big bag” barrier, November

13, 2011

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Source: Bangkok Post, BMA gives Froc crisis ultimatum, Threatens to

ditch flood plan efforts if cooperation not forthcoming, November 6, 2011

Source: Bangkok Post, Bangkok fights on, October 19, 2011

Leak

Leak at Lak Hok

Flood Barrier

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Location Map of Lak Hok and

Sai Mai Barrier

Source: Bangkok Post, Latest plan to save Bangkok, October 20, 2011

Purpose of Big Bags: to slow the pace of

runoff from the north of the country entering

the northern boundary of BMA to provide the

BMA with enough time to drain excess water

from Bangkok’s already-swollen canals and

khlongs. Source: Jared Sheldon, Bangkok Floods: Community backlash over big

bag flood barriers, November 13, 2011

http://www.thaitravelnews.net/thailand-floods/bangkok-floods-community-

backlash-big-bag-flood-barriers/

• the 18km line of big bags was expected to

reduce inflows by over 60% and the BMA

could pump water out of the capital. Source: Source: Bangkok Post, City Hall wins battle for pumps, Two weeks

needed to drain main routes, November 7, 2011

Cause of slow drainage of BMA? Insufficient

amount of pumps. BMA explains that its

internal canal system is for draining rain water

not a massive runoff.

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Source: http://www.dickvanderlugt.nl/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/bangkok-at-

risk-zones-2-november.jpg

Opening Khlong Sam Wa sluice

gate wider:

On Thursday Nov. 3rd, Democrat

MP for Bang Kapi district, Nat

Bantadtan, said that his

constituency (which lies below

Khlong Sam Wa district) was

affected after the sluice gate was

opened wider, causing the water

level in Khlong Saen Saep to rise.

If inner Bangkok is to be saved, MP

Nat Bantadtan said the sluice gate

should be closed, and that is what

the government should have done in

the first place.

Source: Bangkok Post, He said, She said, November 5,

2011

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Location Map of Khlong Sam Wa Conflict

Source: Bangkok Post, More areas at risk due to lack of organization, November 6, 2011

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Where did the BIG BAG idea come from?

• FROC borrowed the idea from Wat Phra Dhammakaya in Pathum Thani that used these

bags around the temple to protect it from the overflowing Rapheepat canal. The idea was

conveyed to Transport Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat, in charge of erecting the big bags,

by his adviser Chadchart Sittiphan who has a close relationship with the temple.

• other sources claim Pairoj Thungthong, the former Uthai Thani MP, had first proposed

that oversized bags designed for transporting tapioca flour be filled with gravel and sand

and laid as an anti-flood embankment.

• Thaweejit Chandrasakha, president of the Association of Siamese Architects, expressed

doubts about whether the big bags really helped. He said that when flooding became too

bad, water must be allowed to take its course, he said. Water that surges fast will subside

fast and this is better than prolonging its flow. (i.e. people upstream suffer)

"If not, it is like keeping a patient ill," he said. "The big bag issue was also political. If the

government is seen as sitting on its hands, it will be criticised. It will want to do

something, and the bags helped achieve that impression," Mr Thaweejit said. Source: Bangkok Post, Opinion split on success of 'big bags' barrier, November 14, 2011

Comment: why did the government not rush the orders for more pumps?

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It appears the main reason for diverting the flood to

eastern and western suburbs and then, the final Big

Bag “solution” was to reduce the runoff to inner

Bangkok because BMA did NOT have enough pumps!

WHY?

• BMA claims that its water drainage system was developed mainly for handling

local flooding caused by heavy rainfall, not massive run-offs from the North. Source: Bangkok Post, Canals Built To Take Localised Floods, October 30, 2011.

In other words, BMA drainage system is only

for BMA, not for BMR or other provinces. By

this reasoning, it is saying that BMA is NOT

part of the Chao Phraya River Basin!

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Incidents of Conflict

1. October 20, 2011, chaos erupted in Bangkok's Don Muang area when a group

of angry residents seized a backhoe from Nonthaburi's Pak Kret municipal

workers to destroy an earth dyke at Srisamarn intersection. The dyke was being

built to prevent overflow from Khlong Prapa canal. Source: Bangkok Post, “Govt moves to protect inner city, Govt slammed for lack of boats, relief, Furious residents claim response was too slow”,

October 21, 2011

2. October 22, 2011, a group of Tambon Khukot villagers in Pathum Thani's Lam

Luk Ka district tried to disrupt the construction of a dyke by officials working to

prevent floodwater flowing into Khlong Prem Prachakorn. The villagers feared

the dyke would prevent water from being drained out of their district. Gunshots

were heard at the scene but there were no injuries. The officials were forced to

retreat. Source: Bangkok Post, “Gov’t makes barriers off limits, Public prohibited from interfering in relief work”, October 24, 2011

3. October 30, 2011, residents of a community behind Nawong Temple in

Bangkok’s Don Mueang district demolished a part of the waterworks canal

embankment causing contamination of raw water for tap water and flood parts of

Chaeng Wattana Road Source:The Nation, “Angry residents demolish part of Waterworks Canal embankment”, October 30, 2011

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4. October 30, 2011, 1,000 residents living along Khlong 3 and Khlong 4 in

Khlong Sam Wa district blockaded a road near the Hathaimit-Wat Sukjai

intersection to demand BMAl open Khlong Sam Wa sluice gate wider. They

claimed the narrow opening of the gate was why their community had been so

badly flooded. Source: Bangkok Post, “Residents threaten BMA staff, Shots fired in attempts to stop barrier building”, October 31, 2011.

Residents also destroyed part of the canal floodwall in Khlong Sam Wa

district. Some used sledge hammers to try to demolish the gates. They were

demanding the sluice gate be raised from 80cm to 150cm.

The BMA agreed to raise the floodgate at Khlong Sam Wa from 80cm to

150cm.

Source: Bangkok Post, Sam Wa floodgate to be raised, October 31, 2011.

Source: Bangkok Post, “Fed-up residents force open water sluice gates”, November 1, 2011

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5. November 2, 2011, around 100 residents of Nakhon Chaisri's Moo 3

destroyed an earthen embankment built to protect the neighbouring Tambon

Khun Kaew where a Dutch Mill factory, a cooking oil factory and a bank are

located. The protesters claimed the embankment caused 1.5m-deep floods at

Phermwittaya School, where Moo 3 evacuees have been staying. The protesters

managed to destroy the embankment and drove workers and backhoe

excavators out of the area. Source: The Nation, “Nakhon Pathom factories threatened as residents destroy floodwalls”, November 2, 2011

6. November 2, 2011, in Sam Phran district, floodwalls built to protect some

2,000 food-processing factories in the economic area comprising Tambon Om

Yai, Om Noi, Rai Khing and Krathum Lom were at the centre of clashes

between guards and some 200 residents of Don Wai Floating Market and

Tambon Bang Rateuk. The protesters destroyed the floodwalls, which they

claimed had caused 1.5-metre-deep floodwaters at the floating market and

Tambon Bang Rateuk. Source: The Nation, “Nakhon Pathom factories threatened as residents destroy floodwalls”, November 2, 2011

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Source: The Nation, “Nakhon Pathom factories threatened as residents destroy floodwalls”, November 2, 2011

A large volume of water

from the Tha Chin River

inundated Nakhon

Chaisi and Sam Phran in

Nakhon Pathom

province yesterday after

residents of both

districts destroyed

floodwalls.

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7. November 2, 2011 evening, vandals destroyed 17 points in the dykes

protecting the Khlong Prapha canal, the source of tapped water that almost 10

million Bangkokians rely on for drinking and other consumption (act of

sabotage) Source: Thanong Khanthong, “Day by day, waiting on Judgement Day”, The Nation, November 4, 2011

8. Audi gangs remove sandbags from embangkments to make it look as if it’s

the work of the people living in the area. Pheu Thai Spokesman Prompong

Nopparit stated that there are politician and officials who have hired Audi

gangs, as their vehicle, to incite people by distributing leaflets in order to

interrupt the government’s work. This group seeks to discredit the government

without any regard for the people. Source: ThaiRath, “Team to Catch Audi Gangs for Destroying Barriers”, November 4, 2011

9. November 5, 2011, flood-affected residents of Pathum Thani's Lam Luk Ka

district yesterday tore down an earthen levee near the sluice gate across Canal

10. A stand-off developed between authorities and locals, who want the sluice

gate across Canal 9 to remain open and those in canals 8 and 10 to be re-

opened, according to provincial Deputy Governor Lerkiat Kaeosrichan. Source: The Nation, “As sluice gate is fixed, a canal levee is torn down”, November 6, 2011

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10. November 8, 2011, Bueng Kum district residents damaged the Khlong

Tanhang sluice gate threatening the Mall Bangkapi. Source: The Nation, “Evacuations ordered in Bueng Kum as floods approach BKK's inner areas”, November 8, 2011

11. November 12, 2011, angry residents of Don Mueang district tore open a 6

meter gap in the big bag barriers with their bare hands. A spokesperson for

Yucharoen Housing Estate in Don Mueang, said that he and about 20 other community

representatives would meet to discuss what action to take.

The group will be considering three options:

• Blocking the Don Mueang Tollway

• Holding a prolonged protest situated on the crest of the flood barrier

• Rally outside Parliament.

Source: Jared Sheldon, Bangkok Floods: Community backlash over big bag flood barriers, November 13, 2011

http://www.thaitravelnews.net/thailand-floods/bangkok-floods-community-backlash-big-bag-flood-barriers/

Don Muang residents tear apart and

remove big sand bags forming a barrier

across Vibhavadi Rangsit Road near Don

Mueang airport yesterday. The residents

said making a gap in the sandbag wall will

help drain away floodwater which is

above 1 metre in some areas inside the

barrier. PATTANAPONG HIRUNARD Source: Bangkok Post, Don Muang bags protest grows, Locals tackle

floodwall; PM insists it will stay, November 14, 2011

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12. November 15, 2011, a group of residents in the Rangsit area of

northern Bangkok on Tuesday confronted authorities and demanded an

immediate solution to drain water away from their homes. They agreed to

leave after a similar promise was given.

• Many Nonthaburi residents are soliciting support and calling for more

protesters through a Facebook page. They planned a rally for November

18 outside the city hall (Denso Road) to deliver a similar demand. Source: The Nation, Angry Residents Breach Barriers, November 17, 2011

Pakornphat Thepuatra-kool, leader of the Rangsit residents' protest group. Source: The Nation, Rangsit and Nonthaburi residents rally for help, November 16, 2011

"We believe that if we are flooded, inner

Bangkok should also be flooded,"

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13. Another group of residents from Pathum Thani gathered at another big-bag

barrier section to demand it be demolished. They later dispersed after the BMA

and RID officials promised to drain water more quickly and build a temporary

water gate at nearby areas instead of sealing this section permanently

Source: The Nation, Angry Residents Breach Barriers, November 17, 2011

14. November 17, 2011, Residents of Lam Luk Ka district in Pathum Thani

yesterday destroyed a 10-metre section of a big-bag barrier near an Air

Force unit, causing flood water to pour into the Air Force's Don Mueang

compound. The residents came from

Annex and Garden Home

housing estates, which have

been flooded after the big-bag

barrier was laid. Repair of the

breached section was

undertaken. Police were

deployed to guard the site

against possible breaching in

the future. Source: The Nation, Angry Residents Breach Barriers,

November 17, 2011

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“Our houses and businesses have been ruined," said one

angry resident from Lam Lu Ka echoing widespread resentment of the

communities that have been kept under water to allow central Bangkok to stay

dry. "If the government wants to keep

our areas under water, then it should

meet with us to discuss how we are

going to be compensated, and when

this situation will end.” Source: Bangkok Post, Right way to resolve crisis, November 18, 2011

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The blast followed a dispute over the sandbag flood barrier

at the lower line of Khlong Hok Wa in the district.

Police found debris of what appeared to be a brick attached

to gunpowder. The 70m-wide gap was created in the

morning when about 300 residents from Tambon Lat Sawai

of Pathum Thani's Lam Luk Ka district removed sandbags

from the flood barrier. The breach caused more floodwater to

surge into Sai Mai district.

Crowd-control police from the Metropolitan Police Division

2 were deployed to beef up security. Source: Bangkok Post, Khlong Hok Wa barrier row erupts into violence, November 18, 2011

15. November 17, 2011, Six people have been injured by an explosive device

thrown into a large crowd who were trying to fix a breach in a sandbag flood

barrier in Bangkok’s Sai Mai district last night.

Source: Bangkok Post, Confrontation

at Khlong Hok Wa, November 18,

2011

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Sanya Cheenimitr, director of BMA’s Drainage

and Sewerage department, arrived at the scene

and negotiated with the angry residents.

After hours of talks, Mr Sanya bowed to their

demands and ordered the Khlong Phraya Suren

sluice gate to be lifted to 1m, prompting fierce

protests by downstream Sai Mai district residents. Source: Bangkok Post, Khlong Hok Wa barrier row erupts into violence, November 18, 2011

DEMANDS of Pathum Thani residents: The residents demanded that the entire length of the Khlong Hok Wa flood wall

be made to serve as a weir, that the sluice gate at Khlong Phraya Suren be raised

higher to 1m, and that they be paid more flood compensation.

Source: Bangkok Post, Sandbags of inequality, November 25,

2011 Source:

http://pattayatoday.net/news/thailand-

news/khlong-hok-wa-barrier-torn-down/

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16. November 21, 2011, over 200 people from Sai Noi, Bang Kruai and Bang Bua

Thong districts of Nonthaburi partially blocked the inbound section of

Rattanathibet Road in front of the provincial hall demanding the government

speed up the drainage of floodwater from their communities.

Demands:

- The BMA open all sluice gates of Khlong Maha Sawat, Khlong Thawi Watthana,

Khlong Phasicharoen, Khlong Bang-or and Khlong Bang Bamru to allow floodwater

from the districts to flow downstream. The canals connect Nonthaburi with

Bangkok's western districts, such as Thawi Watthana, Taling Chan, and Bang Kae.

- The residents threatened to destroy the dykes that are blocking floodwater from

flowing out of their areas if their demands were not met.

-They also demanded the repair of dykes in Bang Bua Thong district to block the

inflow of floodwater and the installation of pumps to discharge floodwater from the

districts of Nonthaburi.

- Special compensation given to three districts on top of 5,000 baht

Source: Bangkok Post, Hundreds demand sluice gates to be opened, November 21, 2011

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About 200 Nonthaburi residents block the road in front of the provincial hall demanding the

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration widen Khlong Maha Sawat's sluice gate to speed up water

drainage from Nonthaburi. KITJA APICHONROJAREK Source: Bangkok Post, Hundreds demand sluice gates to be opened, November 21, 2011

NOTE: Seri Suparathit of the Rangsit University Centre on Climate Change and

Disaster, said on Thai PBS that opening gates at Khlong Mahasawat and Thawee

Watthana at 1 metre could worsen floods in Thon Buri unless more pumps are

deployed. Source: Bangkok Post, Opening sluice gates higher 'problematic', November 21, 2011

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17. November 21, 2011, about 200 people from Don Muang and Laksi

districts of Bangkok and Muang Ake housing estate of Pathum Thani

gathered yesterday to demand the opening of Khlong Bang Khen sluice

gate at Wat Thewa Sunthorn in Bang Khen district to drain floodwater

from the areas.

Demands:

- the government install at least 30 pumps to drain the water and look into the

negative impact of the opening of the big bag barrier in Rangsit area which

could add more water to Don Muang.

Protest leader Pongthep Sirisap said they would submit their demands to the

FROC, while some residents threatened to close the Din Daeng-Don Muang

tollway if their demands were not met.

Source: Bangkok Post, Hundreds demand sluice gates to be opened, November 21, 2011

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Result:

The Flood Relief Operations Command (FROC) says it will comply with all

six demands by flooded residents in Bangkok's Don Mueang and has

assured them that their area will be dry in one week's time.

Source: Bangkok Post, Nonthaburi people give ultimatum, November 22, 2011

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18. November 22, 2011, 500 residents from Bang Bua Thong, Bang Yai, Bang

Kruai and Pak Kret districts of Nonthaburi gathered at the Nonthaburi

provincial hall on Tuesday morning waiting for a response to their earlier

demand for the opening of canal sluice gates in Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and

Bangkok to reduce the level of the deep floodwaters that have swamped their

neighborhoods since Oct 9.

The people threatened to open the sluice gates themselves if authorities failed to

heed their demand. They also called on the Nonthaburi governor to resign if he is

unable to solve their problem.

Temporary dykes have been built to block floodwater from flowing from

Nonthaburi into western Bangkok where the drainage capacity is limited.

Source: Bangkok Post, Nonthaburi people give ultimatum, November 22, 2011

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Two residents of flood-affected Nonthaburi

province lose their temper during a meeting

with the local administration yesterday over

their demands for more effective flood

drainage methods. SURAPOL PROMSAKA NA

SAKOLNAKORN

Core protester representatives met for two

hours with Nonthaburi governor Wichian

Phutthiwinyu who angered the residents even

more when he came down to read a letter from

BMA Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra

responding to their demand that BMA would

open the sluice gates step by step - from the

present 50cm high to 70cm. They would be

lifted higher after a two-day evaluation of the

impact before being opened further to 1m. Source: Bangkok Post, Nonthaburi people give

ultimatum, November 22, 2011

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The governor fled and disappeared from the scene for hours after the

protesters vented their anger at his response, leaving Pheu Thai MP from

Nonthaburi Chalong Riewraeng and FROC spokesman Pol Gen Pongsapat

Pongcharoen to deal with the protest.

The Nonthaburi provincial authority, the BMA and the FROC agreed to the

residents' demand.

The governor and FROC spokesman later agreed to bring some 30

representatives of the protesters to witness the opening of all sluice gates as

previously demanded by the residents.

Source: Bangkok Post, “Locals win fight over sluice gate, Nonthaburi folk vent, Sukhumbhand scurries, November 23, 2011

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19. November 23, 2011, peaceful protest, peaceful means: flood-hit

Nonthaburi residents petitioned the Administrative Court yesterday to revoke

the BMA’s power in managing flood in areas connected to other provinces.

The residents also asked the court to order the government to stop trying to

rescue the submerged Highway 340 and Kanchanapisek Road for fear the

work will prolong the flood misery of people living in Bang Bua Thong.

Their leader complained that the embankments set up by the government

along Highway 340 and the BMA's refusal to open the sluice gates along

Maha Sawat canal had badly affected flooded residents.

Source: Bangkok Post, Nonthaburi locals want BMA out of way, Authority to fight floods 'needs to be removed', November 24, 2011

20. November 23, 2011, residents of Muang Ake housing estate in Pathum

Thani threatened to block Vibhavadi Rangsit Road and access to the

elevated Don Muang Tollway, the only route through the area into the city.

Arthit Ourairat, rector of Rangsit University, on Wednesday November 23rd

threatened to lead flood-hit residents of Muang Ake housing estate, in a protest

and to close Vibhavdi Rangsit Road and Don Muang Tollway if no flood relief

action is taken in three days.

28 Source:Bangkok Post, Tempers flare as flooded residents up demands, November 23, 2011

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Frustrated motorists who needed to use the Din Daeng-Don Muang tollway to

enter Bangkok approached the protesters who blocked the entrance to the

elevated road in front of Zeer Rangsit and asked them to open the ramp to traffic

on Wednesday, Nov 23, 2011.

Source:Bangkok Post, Tempers flare as flooded residents up demands, November 23, 2011

The protesters refused to make way because they were using the road block as

leverage to demand the FROC to drain off the flood that had plagued Pathum

Thani for over a month.

As the negotiations failed, people on both sides began throwing punches about

2pm. Police from Vibhavadi in Bangkok and from Pathum Thani intervened to

break up the brawl.

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Source: Bangkok Post, Tempers flare as flooded residents up demands, November 23, 2011

At the elevated tollway Don Mueang: furious residents block motorists.

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21. November 24, 2011, people in Ram Intra area to complain that the

removal of big sandbags in Lam Luk Ka district of Pathum Thani was raising

flood levels in Ram Intra. They demanded the government contain the rising

floodwater; otherwise they would block Ram Intra Road.

Former finance minister Surapong Suebwonglee, who represented people in

his Sivalee Housing Estate in Lam Luk Ka, said he and other local dwellers

would ask the government to remove big sandbags in Don Muang district to

relieve the flooding that has been their housing estate for over a month.

Confrontation increased along the

lines of sandbag dikes and sluice

gates that separate Bangkok from

its upper provinces of Nonthaburi

and Pathum Thani.

Source: Bangkok Post, More drainage disputes, and

floods in the far South, November 24, 2011

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22. November 24, 2011, about 100 flooded residents of Thawi Watthana and

Bang Khae blocked the outbound lanes of Kanchanapisek Road at Khlong

Bang Chuak Nang in Taling Chan in protest against the opening of sluice

gates in their area.

• They demanded the FROC to send its spokesman, Pol Gen Pongsapat

Pongcharoen, to explain why the three sluice gates along the banks of Khlong

Maha Sawat were being opened.

• They were worried that this would result in more floodwater entering their

communities.

Source: Bangkok Post, Angry residents close Kanchanaphisek Rd, November 24, 2011

And Why?

Levels in the waterways in western Bangkok have risen because the capital is

receiving floodwater from Nonthaburi province. The BMA agreed to open its

sluice gates along Khlong Maha Sawat to receive water from Nonthaburi

province, which has been flooded for over a month. Thus, water levels of

Khlong Maha Sawat and Khlong Thawi Watthana are rising.

Source: Bangkok Post, Water in western Bangkok edges up, November 24, 2011

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Residents in Bang Kae, Thawi Watthana and Taling Chan districts block

part of the outbound Kanchanaphisek Road, demanding information

about flood management plans after flood gates in three small canals on

the Thon Buri side were opened to 1m before the agreed time and the

water level in their communities rose by another 10-15cm. PATTANAPONG HIRUNARD Source: Bangkok Post, Anger hits boiling point, November 25, 2011

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23. November 27, 2011, residents on Chaeng Watthana Road gave the

government three days to drain water from their communities or face

"swift protest measures". Somdech Jaengprasit, representing seven

housing estates in Chaeng Watthana Soi 14, complained that residents

have lived with the floods for over a month. Water remained high at

60cm to 70cm on average. He said no relief help was offered them.

24. November 27, 2011, in Pathum Thani about 100 people destroyed 10

meters of "big bag" barriers which were causing water to surge into a

field next to the Bang Kadi Industrial Park in tambon Bang Kadi in

Muang district.

25. November 27, 2011, people used knives to destroy bags on Tiwanont

Road after the authorities moved the big bags on to the road blocking

water flow near Soi Sanam Keela. Floodwater in the in-bound lanes of

Tiwanont Road almost completely disappeared while the out-bound lanes

were under 50cm of water.

Source: Bangkok Post, Residents poised to revolt, November 28, 2011

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26. November 29, 2011, demonstrators led by Pol Maj General Sangiam

Samranrat, insisted the Khlong Phraya Suren sluice gate be open at 1.5

meter wide, Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said no

negotiation until the gate was narrowed to 1 meter wide and said he

would sue Sangiam.

The PM's order number 17/2554 had instructed BMA Governor to open

sluice gates as necessary so people weren't affected, and verbally

instructed Sukhumbhand to open the gate at 1 meter wide, but he didn't

do so.

Sangiam filed a complaint at the Nimitmai police station, before 4,000

residents of Pathum Thani's Lam Lukka district submitted a letter to

Pracha of FROC who then called Sukhumbhand directly.

Source: The Nation, Conflicts of flood, Governor and protesters lock horns, November 30, 2011

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Source: The Nation, Conflicts of flood, Governor and protesters lock horns, November 30, 2011

The BMA governor said he would not bow to any pressure and would file a lawsuit

against Pol Maj Sa-ngiam. Source: Bangkok Post, Floods: Duel of the sluicegates, November 30, 2011

Residents want sluice gate open 1.5 m, BMA wants it 1.0 m

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27. About 100 angry residents in Nonthaburi's Bang Yai district who lived in

the National Housing Authority's Ua Arthon complex blocked a section of

Kanchanaphisek Road on January 8, 2012, demanding the government speed

up flood repair relief since they haven’t received their cheques of 5,000 baht

compensation.

The protest caused heavy traffic congestion on the main road and the adjacent

Chimplee-Bang Yai expressway.

Source: Bangkok Post, Furious flood victims revolt, January 9, 2012

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Summary:

Much of the anger and resentment from flooded

communities was the result of:

• the inefficient top-down flood relief system,

• the lack of communications*, and

• lack of compensation for the areas "sacrificed“.

Source: Bangkok Post, Right way to resolve crisis, November 18, 2011

* Protests against the “Big Bags" in Don Mueang area and

barriers along Rama II road reflect a systemic failure of both the

FROC and the BMA to properly communicate with the public as to

why inner Bangkok must be saved, said independent urban planner

Kwansuang Atibhodhi. (duration of flood?) Source: The Nation, Walls for inner city should have been explained, November 15, 2011

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Post Flood: Damage to the economy

• Bt1.3 Trillion in lost revenues and damage to property to

Thai private sector (accdg to Prime Minister) Source: The Nation (2011), Businesses lost Bt1.3 trillion to floods: PM, December 9.

• Bt1.4 Trillion in damage and likely to slash Thailand's

economic growth to 2.4% this year (the World Bank) Source: Bangkok Post (2011), Economy faces flood hit, November 26.

• More than Bt800 Billion damage for small and medium

enterprises (SMEs) in eight provinces according to

Sompong Tancharoenpol, vice chairman of the Federation

of Thai Industries (FTI). More than 10,000 small and

medium level manufacturers in eight provinces were

inundated, affecting over 660,000 workers. Source: Bangkok Post (2011), “Flood damage to SMEs over B800bn”, December 8.

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The claim of the limitations of BMA’s drainage system should be the basis for a

post-flood evaluation and investigation of the conduct of BMA and FROC flood

management. This can be done by independent water resources experts.

Accountability QUESTIONS • did the flood management of BMA use the best and most effective means to

lessen flood levels upstream? (that is, what could have been achieved by the

present drainage system if it had been fully utilized?)

• how much more/less damaged would have been expected in the northern,

western and eastern suburbs if water was allowed to flow through Bangkok’s

canal system?

• or was the BMA’s reluctance to follow the FROC based on its own

incompetence in fully utilizing the BMA system to help reduce the flood water

massing north of its border? And therefore took the easy way out by not

cooperating with the FROC and RID in systematic coordination of sluice

gates?

Learning from the catastrophe

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What exactly is the drainage capacity of BMA system? Excluding Chao Phraya River – we read different accounts from different government officials*!

• About 4,000 million cubic metres of flood water from Ayutthaya is expected to reach

Bangkok tomorrow, Deputy Bangkok Governor Pornthep Techapaiboon said yesterday.

"The problem is City Hall can drain no more than 400 million cu m of water a day," Mr

Pornthep said. Comment: that’s a lot!!!! Source: Bangkok Post, Fearful city folk brace for soaking, October 25, 2011

• Somkiat Prajamwong, an official at the Irrigation Department, has recommended that

the government cave in to the water pressure by letting the water pass through Bangkok

and into the sea. That would be the quickest way to release it from the north. The

situation will be manageable, Somkiat added, if some 23 million c m of water a day is

allowed to make its way through Bangkok. Don Muang would have to be sacrificed as

another line of defence Source: The Nation, Complacent Bangkokians will have to suffer in turn, October 21, 2011

• Sukhumbhand said the BMA had a good drainage system, which could release flood

waters at the rate of 130 million cu m per day or 1,600 cu m per second. If there is no

major problem such as the collapse of flood barriers, the BMA should be able to expel

the water into the Gulf of Thailand, with little impact to inner Bangkok. Source: The Nation, Conflicting flood info frustrates private sector, October 28, 2011.

* Do these officials know what they are talking about? Do they even have reliable information on hand?

10

• GIS expert working for Froc Dr Anond Snidvongs in a live NBT daily flood analysis:

BMA's daily drainage capacity is 30 million c m. This pales in comparison with the

natural draining of Chao Phraya at 300 million cubic metres a day. Source: Bangkok Post, BMA's drainage system 'key‘, November 6, 2011.

An investigation by independent experts on water

resources management and flood control will be

able to determine whether BMA’s canal system

could have lessened the intensity and duration of

flooding in Pathum Thani, northern, western and

eastern districts.

Above are examples of reports by independent bodies

after Hurricane Katrina

43

There is concrete basis for my comments: Government

dissatisfaction with BMA’s performance.

• On January 27, 2012, Bangkok Post reported that Interior

Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit threatened to remove Bangkok

Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra if he fails to cooperate with

the government in dealing with the potential flood threat this year

(2012).

But who will investigate the

performance of FROC?

Source: Bangkok Post, Governor on notice about floods threat, Yongyuth warns BMA to cooperate in prevention, January 27, 2012.

44

In a poll conducted by Bangkok University in

January 2012: BMA governor

Over all performance: 6.15 out of 10

(in June 2011 it was 8.25)

Diligence: scored 6.6 points out of 10.

Creativity: scored 5.78 out of 10

Would you vote for Sukhumbhand again if he run for a 2nd term?

43.8 % “not sure”

18.3 % “definitely not”

37.9 % “yes”

100.0 % Source: The Nation, Sukhumbhand fails to impress Bangkokians, January 20, 2012

Source: The Nation, Walls for inner city should have been explained, November

15, 2011

12

Cases filed against government and BMA:

1. The environmental division of the Central Administrative Court accepted the

petition by Tossiri Srinuan, a resident of Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi, who accused

the FROC and BMA of mismanaging the flood crisis. Source: Bangkok Post, Admin Court will hear flood case, November 25, 2011.

2. The Stop Global Warming Association (SGWA) has represented 352 flood victims in

a case brought to the Central Administrative Court to take legal action against 11

authorities and officials on grounds of negligence, delayed delivery of services and

committing actions (including the use of big bags) that caused damages and

prolonged flooding. Source: The Nation, Hundreds of victims sue premier, govt officials over flood ordeal, December 21, 2011.

• each of the plaintiffs is demanding more than Bt100,000 in compensation.

• Accused are: PM Yingluck; Justice Minister Pracha Promnok, FROC; Agriculture

Minister Theera Wongsamut; Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit; Royal Irrigation

Department DG Chalit Damrongsak; BMA Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra; DG

of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department; DG of the Water Resources

Department; DG of the Pollution Control Department; Director of the National

Disaster Warning Centre; and DG of the Department of Public Works and Town &

Country Planning. Source: The Nation, Man who brought Map Ta Phut down targets Yingluck, December 22, 2011

13

3. The Stop Global Warming Association (SGWA) in a petition filed

with the Central Administrative Court on January 25, 2012, demanded

that the government award the same amount in compensation to those

affected by floods as it will be giving to victims of political unrest.

According to the Cabinet's resolution on January 10, 2012 the family of

every person killed during political unrest in recent years shall be entitled

to about Bt7.75 million in compensation. Source: The Nation, Even worse flood crisis this year unless govt is decisive, January 26, 2012.

Source: The Nation, Man who brought

Map Ta Phut down targets Yingluck,

December 22, 2011

47

• Many of these foreign investors are located in the BMR. By November 13, 2011, eight (8)

industrial estates around Bangkok were submerged. Of the 725 companies in those estates,

447 (62%) are Japanese. Source: Mitsuro Obe, Thai Government: Flooding Won't Happen Again, November 14, 2011, Wall Street Journal,

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204190504577035583010077366.html

• However, having already sunk so much investment into Thailand, Japanese companies

don't appear—at this point—to be planning to shift production elsewhere. According to

Isamu Wakamatsu, director of the Asia Oceania Division of the Japan External Trade

Organization. "Japan and Thailand either swim together or sink together. The economic

relationship between the two countries is intertwined.” But, "If a similar disaster happens

again next year, many of the manufacturers would have to think about relocating to other

places," Mr. Wakamatsu said. Source: Mitsuro Obe, Thai Government: Flooding Won't Happen Again, November 14, 2011, Wall Street Journal,

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204190504577035583010077366.html

• there might be a tendency for industrial relocation to provinces east of Bangkok where it is

safe from floods, especially those industries part of the supply chain of ESB industries. Source: The Nation, Manufacturing shift to east of Bangkok boosts Thai Factory Development, November 22, 2011

Thailand: the manufacturing hub of Southeast Asia - Will

foreign investors, a key driver of Thailand's growth over

the past several decades, leave? Source: Bangkok Post, Hoping for investors' blind commitment?, November 24, 2011.

48

What will foreign investors think of Thailand’s capabilities in flood management?

Highly competent, or highly incompetent? Will they lose confidence in Thailand?

Source: Bangkok Post, Run-off sweeps through floodwalls in suburbs,

October 12, 2011

Source: The Nation, Businesses lost Bt1.3 trillion to floods: PM,

December 9, 2011

Source:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/nationphoto/show.php?pageid=7&id=3

0&pid=11817

Source: Bangkok Post, What to fix, what to leave, November 28, 2011

49

• Sanyo Semiconductor was the first foreign manufacturer to announce the

permanent closure of its main production facilities in Thailand (Rojana Industrial

Park) because of the recent flooding, which damaged its machinery and operations.

• 1600 workers are laid off Source: The Nation, Sanyo shutters Thai shop, December 10, 2011

• Industry Minister Pongsvas Svasti reported in February 8, 2011 that there have been

business closures in some industrial estates but the number is not great. Ten businesses at the

Saha Rattana Nakorn Industrial Estate in Ayutthaya have permanently shut down their

operations. Source: http://www.mcot.net/cfcustom/cache_page/328463.html

Goodbye

Source: http://blogs-images.forbes.com/ericsavitz/files/2011/10/Sanyo-plant.jpg Source: http://www.sanooksnook.com/wp-

content/uploads/2011/12/1-41.jpg

50

They’re staying!!!!

• After meeting with the chairman of Japan External Trade Organisation

(JETRO) to discuss details of the planned trip to Japan by Prime Minister

Yingluck Shinawatra in early March 2012 to boost confidence in Thailand,

Industry Minister Pongsavas Svasti said only 2 to 5 per cent of them said

they were considering moving their production bases to other countries.

• The only risk factor that concerned them was the problem of political

uncertainty, he said.

Source: Bangkok Post, Pongsavas: Japanese firms to stay, February 24, 2012.

http://www.voicetv.co.th/cache/images/9b4d67f54a

b5c63d3e5d65683815b762.jpg Source: http://brianholihan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/img091.jpg

Kwaam-suuk

a

So far, only 30% of companies

whose plants were ravaged by

floods at the industrial estates

have resumed production,

partly due to lack of

confidence in the situation this

year. Source: Bangkok Post, Feud pits eco-activists against industrial parks, March 6, 2012

52

Post Flood Recommendations:

Super Mega Projects • The Cabinet endorsed 4 executive decrees to enable it to borrow Baht 400

Billion to pay for water management projects and an insurance fund to restore

investors confidence. Source: Bangkok Post, Cabinet okays B2.27 trillion in spending, January 11, 2012

• "Mega-projects against Floods: Are they well thought, rightly thought,

and carefully thought?", Title of Panel Discussion at Chulalongkorn

University., January 25, 2012. Source: The Nation, Even worse flood crisis this year unless govt is decisive, January 26, 2012.

Impact of borrowing on public debt? Will Thailand become like Greece?

• The national debt was 4.27 Trillion baht as of Sept 30, 2011, the end of the last

fiscal year, accounting for 40.2 % of gross domestic product. Adding 400 billion baht

in debt is projected to increase the public debt to 43% of GDP. Source: Bangkok Post, Cabinet okays B2.27 trillion in spending, January 11, 2012

• For a cautionary view see: The Nation, Is Thailand going blindly down the same path as Greece?,

January 12, 2012

53

What was the

original amount

PM Yingluck

was asking in

late September

2011? Baht 40 Billion. How did it

increase to Baht 400 Billion?

Will Mae Nak come

and get you if you tell

the people the truth

about this amount?

54

Source: The Nation, Proposal for

200km floodway, November 15, 2011

Please note that part of

this proposal requires

constructing a levee

(dike) around major cities

and towns.

The floodway would have

one-kilometre-wide

buffers along each side

and a bi-directional

motorway six metres in

height to prevent water

from overflowing.

# 1

55 Source: http://web.rid.go.th/ffd/papers/Paper-Session%201/p1-04%20Flood%20Mitigation%20Master%20Plan.pdf

But the idea of a super express floodway is not new. There is already a proposed master

plan for Chao Phraya Delta!!! (developed from 2006 flood data and AIT river network

model.) Proposed mitigation measures by the Crown Property Bureau (short, medium,

long term) but not yet implemented………..

56

Pressure group opposes express floodway • The president of the Thai City Planner Society, Eggarin Anukulyudhathon believes

an "express floodway" is not an appropriate choice for the country's flood management

as it will be costly and have negative environmental impacts.

• the huge amount of freshwater dumped into the sea would affect the Gulf of

Thailand's ecosystem .

• should conserve the water for agriculture instead of draining them to the sea.

• Mr Eggarin believes a network of reservoirs and green space would be a more

efficient and cost-effective way to cope with floods.

Source: Bangkok Post, Pressure group opposes express floodway, December 22, 2011.

57

เผยแนวฟลดัเวย ์ กยน.10

จงัหวดั กระทบ “นครปฐม” จมน ้ำเกอืบทัง้จงัหวดั Source: 21 กุมภำพนัธ ์ 2555

http://manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9

550000023777

When asked recently about the areas

to be designated as floodways, the

PM said this could not yet be

revealed. “Secrecy of this sort is

unhelpful. People have the right to

know and to openly negotiate for

proper compensation. Secrecy also

raises the question of possible

behind-the-scenes business and

political intervention to save vested

interests, to the detriment of

ordinary citizens.”

Source: Bangkok Post Editorial, Plug the leaks in flood

control, February 10, 2012.

# 1A Not Express Floodways

58

How about compensation arrangements for those

whose lands will be flooded?

• Areas to be used for water retention will be mostly low lying. Details of the targeted areas

and compensation amounts will be announced after the government talks with local people,

according to PM Yingluck. Comment: what if people don’t agree to the terms? Source: Bangkok Post, PM leads new flood agency, February 8, 2012.

• During the PM’s visit to the flood prone provinces in February, a reporter asked when the

amount of compensation to be paid to those who own land in areas to be designated water

catchment areas would be announced. Yingluck said the government first needed to talk

with these people to create "understanding". Source: The Nation, Locals sidelined during PM's visit to flood-prone areas, February 18, 2012

Comment: what do you mean by “understanding”? Will there be some kind of threats included? What if the

communities are not organized? How long will this process take? Will the government take a flat rate approach for

compensation?

• Technical criteria for selection: Anond Sanitwong na Ayutthaya, a member of the

Commission of Water and Flood Management (CWFM), said the criteria for designating the

2-million-rai areas must be standardised and based on GIS technology. He quoted Yingluck

as saying subsequent communication with the public over the areas and conditions of

payment would need to be precise and unequivocal. Source: The Nation, Ministry told to limit flood area, March 13, 2012.

Comment: do you think a technical rather than a political process of selecting areas to be flooded is possible?

59

300 Km.

embankment from

Uthai Thani to

Ayutthaya

Source: The Nation, Floodwall planned for

Chao Phraya, February 7, 2012.

• A contractor building the dykes protecting inner Nakhon Sawan, warned the embankments

would increase and speed up the flow of water in the Chao Phraya River because they would

not allow the river to overflow into fields in Nakhon Sawan.

• If provinces upstream had their own dykes along the Chao Phraya, the river would become an

"expressway of floodwater" and if Bangkok could neither drain water into the sea through its

network of canals nor divert it to adjacent areas effectively, flooding would happen faster in

the capital. Source: Bangkok Post, Can new dykes prevent another disaster?, February 22, 2012

# 2

60

Construction of the 100-

kilometre "MUSTS" for Multi-

Service Flood Tunnel System

channel is crucial to saving

Bangkok from future floods,

according to the Engineering

Institute of Thailand (EIT).

Source: The Nation, 'Flood-prevention plan must include tunnel‘,

December 12, 2011.

# 3

Source: The Nation, 'Flood-prevention plan must include tunnel‘,

December 12, 2011.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/media/content/20111203/335602.jpg

61

Source: Bangkok Post, Stop cheating flood victims, February 18, 2002

• The Stop Global Warming Association (SGWA) has threatened to take

authorities to court if they go ahead with plans to encourage the construction of

floodwalls around industrial estates.

• "The plans will mean higher flood-water levels for people living near the

industrial estates," SGWA president Srisuwan Janya said yesterday.

• He said the permanent floodwalls would have serious social and environmental

impacts because they would change the natural water-flow routes.

•Source: The Nation, Flood walls could worsen situation, February 3, 2012.

What is the impact of

higher flood walls

and dikes around

industrial estates on

the level of flood

water of surrounding

communities?

# 4

62

"So what will we say to foreign investors? The [recent] re-flooding of an area* in

Ayutthaya has people frightened.“ (*referring to the incident in Sena district)

• According to Smith, it made more sense, for example, for industrial estates in

Ayutthaya to be relocated elsewhere on higher ground, such as in Nakhon Ratchasima

province. Comment: do you agree to this proposal of industrial relocation?

• Instead, billions will be spent building dyke walls around industrial estates likely to

be surrounded by water from all sides, at the peak of the wet season, with

transportation almost impossible. It seems to make little sense.

Source: Bangkok Post, Abhisit wants a flood of answers from Yingluck, February 13, 2012.

Criticism on spending billions on flood walls

around industrial estates.

Smith Dharmasaroja, a key member of the

government-appointed Strategic Committee

for Water Resources Management (SCWRM)

63

• The Stop Global Warming Association and residents of Ayutthaya filed a petition with the

Central Administrative Court to issue an injunction suspending construction of anti-flood

dykes being built by seven industrial parks in the province, saying the barriers will cause

damage to nearby homes in the event of future floods.

• According to Anond Snidvongs na Ayutthaya, a member of the government's Strategic

Committee for Water Resources Management (SCWRM) "The dykes will elevate the water

level and affect residents' houses surrounding industrial parks.” Source: The Nation, Villagers want court to halt flood barriers, March 5, 2012

Source: Bangkok Post, Petition filed against flood dykes, March 6, 2012

64

‘‘Building dykes around industrial

estates is necessary but it is not enough.

Industries can’t survive if they become

dry islands surrounded by water with no

logistics links.’’ CHADCHART SITTIPHAN

DEPUTY TRANSPORT MINISTER

At least this minister understands

that the situation is far more complex

than raising the height of flood walls

around industrial estates.

65

Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, chairwoman of

Toshiba Corporation's Thailand, said the

Bangkadi Industrial Estate, of which she is

also chairwoman, would have a dike up to 6

metres high in place in September (2012).

In the 2011 flood it was inundated with up

to 4.3 metres of floodwater.

"If the factories and industrial estates are

safe from floods but our staff's homes are

submerged, they won't be able to come to

work anyway. We need the government to

support us," she said.

Source: Reuters, Thailand in hurry to put flood defences in place, January 19, 2012

http://206.132.6.112/article/idUKLNE80I03120120119

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/new/2011/11

/26/opinion/images/30170655-01_big.jpg

What good is a protected industrial

estate if workers’ residences are

flooded?

66

But, Industrial Estates say: dykes are a must

to restore faith

• Thavich Taychanavakul, managing director of Hi-Tech Industrial Estate,

said construction of the new dykes is under way in order to win back

investor confidence and get ready for the coming rainy season.

EIA rushed???? Not following procedures? • Mr Thavich, also secretary of the Industrial Estate Association, said an

environmental impact assessment (EIA) has been carried out in parallel

with construction, updating the one conducted when the estates were built.

"To do a new EIA for the dyke, takes about six months to complete and

another month for concerned agencies to look at it," he said.

"If we have to wait for the new EIA to be approved, we won't have time in

the event of floods and 300,000-400,000 people working in those industrial

estates will be affected. Who will be responsible for their losing income?” Comment: do you agree with his logic? Source: Bangkok Post, Estates say dykes are a must to restore faith, March 6, 2011

67

• Money for industrial estates floodwalls – majority given as grant. The Finance Ministry is

looking to assist companies in the seven industrial estates inundated late last year by

revising the terms of 15 Billion Baht in soft loans, with two-thirds of the money (10 Billion

Baht) given away and the rest (5 Billion Baht) offered at near-zero interest. Source: Bangkok Post, Two-thirds of soft loans turned to grants, January 31, 2012.

• According to estimates, up to Bt5 Billion would be needed for building permanent

barriers with corrugated concrete sheet piles around the seven industrial estates, which

cover a total length of 200 kilometers. Source: The Nation, Bt5 billion for industrial parks to build flood barriers, November 3, 2011.

• By contrast, the BMA has been given 1.96 Billion Baht by the Cabinet to compensate flood

victims living in the capital. There is also 1.72 Billion Baht awaiting approval to be spent on

flood prevention programmes under BMA supervision, according to BMA Governor

Sukhumbhand Paribatra. Source: The Nation, Ayutthaya area could be key warning sign, February 21, 2012.

• Total flood compensation for 2 million households: 10 Billion Baht Source: http://www.mcot.net/cfcustom/cache_page/290413.html

• A post-flood survey by ABAC found 59.5% insisted the government's 5,000 baht flood

compensation was not enough, while 40.5% said the amount was adequate. Source: Bangkok Post, Furious flood victims revolt, January 9, 2012

Which is more important: businesses or people?

68

• Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will head a new

agency assigned to run an overall national water

management system to ensure unity in tackling flood-

related problems.

• A "super body" to integrate the activities of all 16

government agencies related to water, flooding and drought

under a single command.

• The new "super body" NWRFPC serves like a board of

directors in a business corporation while the second-tier

WRFMC will play the role of executive committee.

• The third-tier Secretariat Office of the NWRFPC is

where all the 16 government agencies relevant to water in

one way or another will actually gather. They are supposed

to follow instructions from the "executive committee",

which will in turn formulate their action plans according to

the policies laid down by the top super body. Source: The Nation, The super agency and the little people of Ayutthaya. February 9, 2012.

Bangkok Post, PM leads new flood agency,

February 8, 2012

# 5

69

Criticism of Dr. Pramote

Maiklad, former RID Chief.

SFWRMC (Strategic Formulation of Water Resources

Management Committee ) member Pramote Maiklad said the

setting up of the super agency known as the National Water

Resources and Flood Policy Committee NWRFPC headed by

the prime minister, and another committee, the Water

Resources and Flood Management Committee WRFMC, was

just a duplication of the SFWRMC and could cause delays in

the execution of planned works.

Source: Bangkok Post, Water agencies just can't seem to communicate, February 9, 2012

Comment: no participation of local governments, civil society in this super agency.

Only technocrats and engineers are allowed!!!!

70

Water retention areas:

• Two million rai in provinces from Phitsanulok to Suphan Buri will be used to

store flood water (kaem-ling)

Source: The Nation, 2m rai marked out to hold flood water this year, February 1, 2012

• farmers will be told in advance to harvest their crops by August before any

water is diverted, said Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri. He added that

during future floods, "they can change careers to be fishermen" and earn money

from catching fish in the floodwater. Comment: what if there is not enough fish? Where will they

sell the fish? Who will buy their fish?

Source: Bangkok Post, Abhisit wants a flood of answers from Yingluck, February 13, 2012

• Mr Chalit Damrongsak chief of RID said local people living in Bang Ban in

Ayutthaya province, which is one of eight water retention zones, have agreed with

the government's plan. The group has demanded, however, they be allowed to

grow two rice crops each year and that the government must generously

compensate them for the use of their land. This would include state support to

build new homes. Mr Chalit said public hearings would be needed in each locality

since people's demands were different. Comment: this will take too much time and govt can’t wait.

Source: Bangkok Post, Flood projects won't finish before rains, February 20, 2012.

# 6

71

His Majesty the King grants an audience to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra andmembers of the Strategic

Formulation Committee for Water Resources Managementat Siriraj Hospital February 24, 2012.

HM’s advice: Plant

more trees and

punish government

officials who allowed

illegal deforestation

The King stressed the need for the government to plant more trees and harsh punitive steps

against "greedy" civil servants who allowed illegal deforestation to occur. Mixed forests of both

fast-growing and slow-growing tree species should be cultivated. He pointed out that slow-

growing trees put deep roots firmly into the ground, helping to prevent landslides. Source: Bangkok Post, King says greed a factor in floods, February 25, 2012

# 7

BUT……Budget for reforestation too small: 85.7 baht per rai per year!!! Source: Bangkok Post, Reforestation, or tree farms?, February 28, 2012

72

What institutional structure therefore is required to

deal with this kind of flood at the regional level?

The notion of “institutionalized incapacity”. Failures in prevention and mitigation arose

from institutional arrangements that could not ensure appropriate capacities to function

effectively. (i.e. designed to fail)

In disaster management:

• do not over focus or emphasize on structural measures (dams, flood embankments, dikes)

• also take into consideration institutional design and development for effectiveness and

good performance.

Designing institutional capacity requires consideration of bureaucratic norms of:

• organizing (not who is taller than others but where the clearing house of knowledge

should be situated)

• administration (including coordination – not only looking at your own

jurisdiction/responsibility but how your agency’s actions affect others: e.g. urban planning

and infrastructure planning for flood control; monitoring and evaluation)

• rule making

• social mobiliziation (create arenas for informed participation in planning)

Source: Manuta, J. et al, (2006), Institutionalized Incapacities and Practice in Flood Disaster Management in Thailand, Science and

Culture, January-February.

73

Regional Governance Approach to floods: Is this possible? (just like Governance Issues for the Bangkok Megalopolis)

• "it has been proven that our preparation measures and prevention methods that we

have been using in the past decade are not enough," a Thai disaster official said,

calling for a more regional approach to prevention efforts. Source: Amelie Bottollier-Depois, Bangkok's neighbours shoulder flood burden, Oct 8, 2011 http://www.mysinchew.com/node/64817?tid=10

• Prime Minister Yingluck told reporters that the BMA and the FROC were separate,

hence the two agencies needed to have more consultation and cooperation.

Every province wanted to release its own water but nobody talked about the huge

mass of water. "If we want to talk about Bangkok's problem, we have to talk with

surrounding provinces, too," she said. "In the long run, Bangkok has to work with

Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani." Source: The Nation, Irrigation dept chief slams governor over accusation, November 5, 2011

• Will the “super agency” NWRFPC - fulfill its objectives even without an entry

point for participation of local governments and local communities?

74

Still Top-Down approach: • During Prime Minister

Yingluck Shinawatra's 5 day

flood prevention and relief trip in

mid-February, most local people

said their participation in

drawing up the flood plans was

virtually none and that they in

fact knew very little about those

plans.

• When PM Yingluck was asked

about the lack of participation

and information among local

residents regarding the various

plans and projects by the

government, Yingluck promised

that the media and the public

would be informed of all plans

three months from now.

Source: The Nation, Locals sidelined during PM's visit

to flood-prone areas, February 18, 2012

75

Agencies still can’t communicate: Dry Season Flooding

Source: Bangkok Post, Water agencies just can't seem to communicate, February 9, 2012

The Strategic Formulation of Water Resources Management Committee (SFWRMC)

ordered the discharge of about 100 million cu. m. of water a day from the Bhumibol dam

in Tak province and Sirikit dam in Uttradit province. The resulting flash flood caused

panic among residents in Sena district, Ayutthaya, because the Irrigation Department did

not notify the provinces downstream about the water discharges, and the provincial

authorities in Ayutthaya, did not alert the people in Sena district.

Agencies

still can’t

coordinate

People are

not

important

Credibility

Issue – will

people have

faith/trust

in the government?

Accountability

Issue - if no

one is

accountable,

the same

mistakes will

be repeated

again.

76

• Did the flood experience teach Thais about democracy or anarchy? • Will ‘mob rule’, the law of the jungle, define more and more Thai society?

The New Thailand?

Blocking roads and infringing on

the rights of others to force

authorities to change their decisions.

Increasing threat of violence on

innocent people. Source: http://media.monstersandcritics.com/galleries/3303617_39006/0300619655085.jpg

Source: Bangkok Post, Communities take flood battle to

court, November 25, 2011

Source: Bangkok Post, Tempers flare as flooded

residents up demands, November 23, 2011 The Nation, Crisis may increase domestic

violence, November 25, 2011

77

Source: Bangkok Post, Anger hits boiling point, November 25, 2011

Because of the isolation of flooded

communities from seats of power,

the only recourse of frustrated

residents from flooded communities

to force the authorities to change

their decisions was through “mob

rule”, particularly blocking of

roads, with ordinary citizens

virtually powerless in the face of

anarchy. Will such desperate

measures with a threat of violence

become the way of “solving”

problems? What are the

implications for development of

democratic participation in

Thailand?

What should be the role of local

governments in times of

emergency/crisis?

78

Is this an innovative solution to reducing

the flood level in your community?

Residents from the Bundit Home Housing Estate and nearby communities in Don Muang

district remove cement block road dividers to let stagnant floodwater drain. RATTASEEMA PONGSAN Source: Bangkok Post, Bring out the pumps (Sunday update), November 26, 2011.

79 Source: http://www.oknation.net/blog/home/blog_data/133/1133/images/FloodSk/FloodMhch-003.jpg

Why is there no proposal to improve the pumping capacity of BMA canals?

Not these types of pumps; These are too small to handle the massive flood runoff!!!!!

Source:

Bangkok Post, Getting the job done,

December 19, 2011

When the Ministry of Energy’s

Energy Policy and Planning Office

(EPPO) ordered 140 pumps from

China (450-500 cu.m/hr.) and 120

pumps from Japan (20 units- 240

cu.m/hr; 100 units- 120 cu.m/hr)

Additional total capacity of new

pumps that arrived in November

2011 was about 2 Million cubic

meters/day. (very small) Source: Thailand gets water pumps from China, Japan, วนัองัคำร ที ่08 พ.ย. 2554 http://www.mcot.net/

80

Source: http://travelfish-sg.s3.amazonaws.com/blogs/bangkok/wp-

content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_6252.jpg

Source: http://bhipblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2011/11/thailands-

disastrous-slow-moving-flood.html

If you need to drain

16,000 MILLION cubic

meters, you don’t use

these pumps. These

are “toys”!

81

World’s Largest Drainage Pumping Station - the $1 billion

West Closure Complex, New Orleans

Pump Intake of

each of the 11

pumps Design: each pump is

powered by a huge

diesel engine. Source:

http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/hps/jpg/wbv_90Show.gif

Source: http://www.nodesconectes.com/imagenes/ingenieria/bomba-

agua004.jpg

82

World’s Largest Drainage Pumping Station - $1 billion West

Closure Complex, New Orleans which includes a 225-foot sector gate

to block storm surge. Started operation June 2011.

Source:

http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2011/06/worlds_largest_drainage_pumpin.html

19,426 cubic feet per

second (cfs) (551 m³/s)

11 bay pump station. Or

about 47.6 Million Cubic

Meters per day!!!

83 Source: The Nation, Can Bangkok make it?, October 14, 2011.

The huge

amount of

flood water

that needs to

be drained: 16

Billion cubic

meters and the

capacity of

floodways.

16,000 m M 3

16,000/(550+47.

6) = 26.8 days to

drain if we had

the massive

pumps of the

WCC.

Remember this? Flood water volumes

84

Source: http://www.bulsuk.com/2011/10/bangkok-floods-2011-

water-humor.html#axzz1ozMNeYtp

Are we

prepared

for 2012?

END