Miserly aid for flood misery

Once again, the government cannot reach a decision on a simple and straightforward issue like additional compensation for households affected by the current flooding, apart from the initial 5,000 baht compensation for each affected household already pledged.

The issue was discussed in Cabinet on Tuesday but remains inconclusive. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra later told the press that the government had to look carefully at the budget first, and that she preferred doling out other forms of relief to the affected residents, rather than financial help. 

While voicing sympathy for those who would have to endure the hardship longer, she said flood victims everywhere were sharing the same suffering.

The truth is that the 5,000-baht initial compensation is a pittance compared to the expense involved in cleaning and repairing a flood-damaged house. Not to mention the psychological impact on those who have been living for weeks if not months in putrid and foul-smelling stagnant floodwaters.

To be honest, the amount is unrealistic. Although the government has promised up to 30,000 baht for each household badly damaged by flooding, only a handful of victims have actually been paid, including a recent PR stunt staged by the government showing Prime Minister Yingluck presenting the 30,000 baht compensation to a few affected residents in Nakhon Sawan.

Several suggestions have been made to the government. One which sounds quite reasonable and fair calls for additional compensation for households which have been flooded longer than others', or which have been made to sacrifice in order to spare the inner city of Bangkok from inundation.

Regrettably, none of the proposals was accepted by the government.

Disgruntled residents living behind the big-bag flood barriers in the northern suburbs, who strongly feel they have been made to sacrifice for the benefit of Bangkokians, appear to be losing patience.

Feeling that they have been ignored by the government, they are demanding that the sluice gates be opened wider to flush the putrid floodwaters more quickly out of their communities. 

Others, like the residents of Garden Home housing estate, have threatened to sue the government in the Administrative Court to demand additional compensation for alleged gross mismanagement of the flood situation.

Unless the government can come up with a fair and reasonable compensation scheme for affected residents, especially those living behind the floodwalls erected to protect inner Bangkok, there is a likelihood that it will be overwhelmed with lawsuits.

The lawyers association has already offered free legal counsel for flood victims who want to take the government to court.

Of course, paying additional compensation to flood victims will strain the state's coffers. But this is a responsibility the government cannot shy away from, for its sheer incompetence and gross bungling in handling the flood. 

Besides, if the government can be so generous in rehabilitating the affected business sector, why cannot it show a little more generosity and compassion for the affected residents?