Residents in northern Bangkok's Rangsit area and those in Nonthaburi province yesterday launched separate rallies calling for more action from the government to help them deal with the flood crisis, which they claim has worsened after the first big-bag barrier was laid along Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road.
Rangsit residents yesterday met local politicians and Pathum Thani provincial officials before agreeing to stop breaking down the barrier provided the authorities launched intensive flood drainage operations.
Nonthaburi residents, meanwhile, are soliciting support through a Facebook page and are planning to hold a rally outside city hall on Friday.
After the 40-minute talks yesterday, Rangsit residents agreed that they would not breach the barrier but that they needed to make themselves heard, especially since people at the Muang Ake housing estate and Rangsit municipality have been battling high flood waters for a month now.
Local officials explained that they had done their best but were limited by manpower and lack of funds, adding that they needed direct assistance from the government.
"We believe that if we are flooded, inner Bangkok should also be flooded," Pakornphat Thepuatra-kool, leader of the Rangsit residents' protest group, opined.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra confirmed yesterday that a compromise had been reached after angry residents in Don Muang area had demolished a section of the barrier.
Officials have agreed that makeshift water gates would be built at several locations along the flood defenses, to help with water drainage and serve as channels for small boats to go through.
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