Flood-weary residents vent fury Road blockade group clashes with motorists

Hundreds of flood-devastated residents in Pathum Thani yesterday clashed with motorists during the Din Daeng-Don Muang tollway blockade to pressure the government to accelerate assistance and the drainage of deep floodwater.

Residents of swamped communities in Pathum Thani clash with motorists during the blockade of the Din Daeng-Don Muang tollway in front of Zeer Rangsit department store yesterday. The flood victims set up a roadblock to demand the government speed up flood relief operations after being hard hit by deep floodwaters for about a month.

The residents from several flooded communities in Rangsit and Lam Luk Ka areas, led by former election candidate Kiattisak Songsaeng, set up a blockade on the entrance of the inbound tollway in front of Zeer Rangsit department store at about noon.

The residents demanded the government's Flood Relief Operations Command (Froc) accelerate drainage of floodwaters which had affected their livelihoods for a month.

The road closure caused heavy congestion, prompting motorists to negotiate with the protesters. However, the talks failed and both sides clashed at about 2pm before police from Vibhavadi station and Pathum Thani intervened.

Almost simultaneously, nearly a thousand residents in Bangkok's Sai Mai and Don Muang areas yesterday dismantled a massive sandbag dyke at Don Muang's Directorate of Air Operations Control intersection on Phahon Yothin Road.

An angry motorist confronts protesters after her 

car was badly  damaged during clashes near the 

Din Daeng-Don Muang tollway yesterday.

The villagers, equipped with knives and sharp objects, waited for Froc representatives to negotiate. They had been asking the Froc to widen a drainage gap. 

However, they decided to remove the barrier after talks with Pol Maj Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapat, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 2, failed.

After the flood barrier was removed, large amounts of water rushed towards Saphan Mai area.

Deputy city clerk Chumphol Sampaopol yesterday said the removal of the floodwall on Phahon Yothin Road would slow down the drainage resulting in prolonged hardship.

He said some areas could be affected as the water in Khlong Mon 40 could rise by 1cm to 2cm after the barrier was dismantled.

"Even though the city's drainage system is working efficiently, the removal of the floodwall could slow down the drainage," he said.

"Some areas such as Lat Phrao, Kasetsart intersection may take another four to five days to dry out." He said that the city has asked the Royal Irrigation Department to install more water pumps south of Khlong Rangsit to accelerate drainage of water in the Don Muang area.

More protests are imminent as Arthit Ourairat, rector of Rangsit University and a former House speaker, is urging residents in Pathum Thani to step up pressure on the Froc. 

Rangsit University is situated in the heavily flooded Muang Ake housing estate, which lies north of Don Muang.

On his Facebook wall, Dr Arthit suggested blocking Vibhavadi Road and Don Muang tollway.

"If the authorities do not take action I suggest that we take a step. That is to close down in-bound and out-bound Vibhavadi road and Don Muang tollway," Dr Arthit said.

"And I'm asking Don Muang people to join us. We are in the same boat."

He said the floodwater may recede, but the level is still high in many areas.

However, he was opposed to a proposal that the floodwater be drained via the western side, saying it would affect Khlong Prapa, which is a resource for tap water production.

Dr Arthit yesterday sent a letter to Froc director Pracha Promnok and Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra, asking them to accelerate drainage of the floodwaters.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday pleaded with Bangkok residents to let some floodwaters flow into the area to ease the hardship of others.

"The flood barriers could just slow down the run-off into the city. The areas which have dried out should open the way for the water to drain into the sea," she said.

She said she had asked the Froc and City Hall to work together to drain the water and jointly negotiate with the people in the process.

"If we look at the big picture and try to understand the nature of water, that is the best solution," she said.

"Holding off water is never a solution. Some areas have to let water flow past," Ms Yingluck added.

Anond Snidvongs, the Froc's water management adviser, said a meeting among Bangkok and six neighbouring provinces' governors, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit, will be held today to find solutions to halt the spreading conflicts.

Supoj urged to step down from boards Investigation into his wealth starts tomorrow

Transport Minister ACM Sukumpol Suwanatat yesterday called for transport permanent secretary Supoj Saplom to resign as a director of several state enterprises in the wake of the cash theft scandal.

Mr Supoj has been transferred to an inactive post at the PM's Office pending several probes into his assets. He still serves on the Thai Airways International and Mass Rapid Transit Authority boards.

ACM Sukumpol said he would not make any instructions involving Mr Supoj's board memberships.

"But I believe that he will eventually step down from the board memberships," he said.

The transport minister also said the planned nomination of Mr Supoj as the chair of State Railway of Thailand's board needed to be reviewed.

He admitted the theft cash had badly affected the ministry's image as it sparked suspicions about how Mr Supoj acquired his wealth.

These doubts arose after police reported that robbers had made off with millions of baht in cash from Mr Supoj's house on Lat Phrao 64 Road in Bangkok on the night of Nov 12.

ACM Sukumpol said the Transport Ministry's fact-finding inquiry into Mr Supoj is expected to be completed within 30 days.

He said Mr Supoj will face a disciplinary investigation if the committee, headed by PM's Office permanent secretary Thongthong Chandrangsu, concludes there are grounds to the allegations.

Mr Thongthong said yesterday the investigation is expected to start tomorrow and Mr Supoj will be asked to give a statement.

"The inquiry will decide if he will face a disciplinary probe," Mr Thongthong said. "There is no time frame for the investigation but I will try to speed it up."

Amlo acting chief Sihanart Prayoonrat said the agency's next step is to trace the money trail.

Pol Col Sihanart said this stage will take some time but it is not beyond the Amlo's capacity.

A source in Amlo said the agency has ordered a close investigation into the financial transactions of Mr Supoj, his family and associates and will summon companies bidding for state projects for questioning.

Pol Maj Gen Ittipol Piriyapinyo, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said another suspect, Praphan Ruangkrua, 42, turned himself in to police.

He said the suspect denied any involvement in the theft and insisted that he did not keep any of the 9 million baht as reported.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission is prepared to seize the money after it ordered a freeze on 15 million baht in cash on Tuesday.

Inquiry into journalist's death nears end

A probe into Japanese photographer Hiroyuki Muramoto's death will be completed by next week, the Metropolitan Police Bureau team re-investigating the killings in last year's political mayhem said yesterday.

United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship chairwoman Thida Tawornseth, second left, leads a group of supporters to submit a petition to Justice Minister Pracha Promnok calling on the government to speed up bail applications for red shirts detained in connection with the political violence between March and May last year.

The team was speeding up its inquiry into the death, the third of 16 such cases, and will give its report to the Department of Special Investigation soon, said deputy Metropolitan Police Bureau commissioner Anuchai Lekbamrung, the chief investigator.

The DSI has stipulated the 16 deaths were caused by state officials. Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung had previously ordered the Metropolitan Police Bureau to take over the investigation into the deaths from the Department of the Special Investigation.

Muramoto, who worked for Reuters, was killed while covering the April 10 clashes between security forces and red shirts at the Kok Wua intersection in Bangkok. On Tuesday, the police team completed a second investigation into the death of Mana Atran, who was gunned down at Dusit Zoo on April 10, Pol Maj Gen Anuchai said.

Findings of the first two investigations have already been forwarded to prosecutors, he added.

Pol Maj Gen Anuchai said he was confident that the investigations into the remaining cases would be completed before a Dec 18 deadline.

The 16 cases do not include that of Italian photographer Fabio Polenghi, who died on May 19 last year during clashes on Ratchadamri Road, he said.

In another development, United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) chairwoman Thida Thavornseth submitted a four-point petition to Justice Minister Pracha Promnok yesterday.

She led 30 UDD supporters to hand her petition to Pol Gen Pracha at the Flood Relief Operations Command yesterday. The petition was also submitted to the Truth for Reconciliation Commission, chaired by former attorney-general Kanit na Nakorn.

The first point called for acknowledgement that all detained political crime suspects are entitled to bail by the Rights and Liberties Protection Department.

The second demanded that if a political crime suspect has not been bailed, they they should be held in an appropriate prison and receive different treatment from general criminals. The third urged the delay of any verdicts as the country is still in political transition and the rule of law is not firmly established.

The last point was a request to reconsider charges against political prisoners that might have been too excessive.

Ms Thida also called on the Rights and Liberties Protection Department to examine differences between the Corrections Department and the UDD with regards the number of detained red-shirt supporters eligible for bail. The UDD has 101 names compared to 70 on the Corrections Department list.

After meeting with Pol Gen Pracha, Mrs Thida said the Justice Ministry had accepted the first and second points.

However, Pol Gen Pracha said prisoners charged with violation of Section 112 of the criminal code, widely known as lese majeste law, and the Computer Crime Act are not eligible for bail.

Mrs Thida said the 101 political prisoners will be moved to the Police Privates' Training School in Bang Khen .

Nonthaburi locals want BMA out of way Authority to fight floods 'needs to be removed'

Flood-hit Nonthaburi residents petitioned the Administrative Court yesterday to revoke the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration'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.

The petition was lodged with the court by Todsiri Poolnual, 50, of Bang Rak Pattana sub-district on behalf of flood-hit residents after they staged a raucous protest at Nonthaburi provincial hall on Tuesday over prolonged flooding in their communities.

She said 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.

"We do not want to be discriminated against," said Ms Todsiri. "Bangkok residents have started cleaning their homes, but we still have no idea when we can return to our flooded homes.

"The Nonthaburi provincial authority must do more than just deliver us relief items. It needs to come up with a convincing water management plan."

Since Bangkok governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra was not eager to respond to the Nonthaburi residents' request to open the sluice gates to one metre, they were forced to seek the help from the court, she said.

"We will agree with any means to get the water drained out of our area. It can be the proposal discussed on Tuesday to divide the flooded area into smaller blocks so the water can be drained sooner. We need communications. We need a goal. We need to have a target in two weeks or so," she said.

Sermsak Charumanus, a commercial bank employee and resident of Tharinphorn Villa on Chalermprakiat Road, said he supported the fight through judicial means.

"It's better than demolishing sand bag walls. This is a peaceful and justified fight for our rights," he said.

MR Sukhumbhand announced yesterday evening that City Hall had agreed to open all sluice gates along the Maha Sawat canal by one metre.

The Bangkok governor said the BMA was aware of the plight of Nonthaburi residents, but the authority wanted to reserve its right to adjust the opening of all the sluice gates according to the situation.

The BMA has asked the Royal Irrigation Department to speed up water drainage through sluice gates along the canals in the western side of the Chao Phraya River.

MR Sukhumbhand said he had asked the Froc and the irrigation department to open the Khlong Chimphlee sluice gate to allow water to flow into Bangkok Noi canal and to open the Nakhon Chaisi sluice gate to allow water to flow into other canals in the western side of the Chao Phraya River.

Opening the two sluice gates would help ease flooding in Nonthaburi, and at the same time lower the risk of flooding in Bangkok's western districts, said the governor.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said yesterday the BMA and Froc should discuss a drainage strategy again after floodwaters have been drained out of several Bangkok districts.

She added that while Bangkok needed to prevent flooding in the capital, the Froc needs to handle flood problems all over the country.

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?

Nonthaburi residents up in arms

Nearly 1,000 Nonthaburi residents, gathering at city hall to hear the provincial governor's response to their demands, yesterday threatened to destroy floodwalls and prolong their protest if their demand for sluice gates to be opened to a width of one metre were not met.

Meanwhile, residents of western Pathum Thani province slammed the government for its failure in water management, called for flood water to be drained out of their homes and demanded remedial measures for victims.

After Nonthaburi Governor Wichien Phutthiwinyu's announcement that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration would open the sluice gates connecting to Nonthaburi to no more than 70cm was greeted by jeers, national Flood Relief Operations Centre (FROC) spokesman Pol General

Pongsapat Pongcharoen told residents that the BMA would open the Thavee Wattana/ Mahasawat gate to one metre by midnight yesterday. 

However, Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra later dismissed Pongsapat's claim at a press conference, saying there was no such agreement with the FROC.

He said the BMA had only agreed to open the Thavee Wattana sluice gate to a width of 50cm, as he had announced previously. 

"It's impossible for the BMA to open it one-metre wide because it would cause overflows and flood Bangkok homes," he insisted.

The Nonthaburi residents had rallied outside city hall, and after waiting since 11am, threatened to destroy flood walls, such as those along Mahasawat Canal and Highway No 304's "big bag" embankment, if their demands were not met.

They had submitted a four-point demand on Sunday: that the BMA allow the sluice gates connecting to Nonthaburi (such as Bang Phlad, Bang Bumrhu and Mahasawat canals) to open at least one-metre wide in order to drain the province's polluted flood water; 

that Nonthaburi authorities get rid of garbage and weed blocking all waterways in the province; that provincial officials and the FROC declare Nonthaburi a special flood-disaster zone so that affected families are compensated for actual damage, 

besides receiving the initial Bt5,000 flood-assistance money; and that the authorities install water pumps in order to lower the water level visibly until residents are able to return home without having to use boats.

A deadline of December 1 was given for the last of these demands.

Wichien in the afternoon held discussions with the demonstrators' representatives and officials at a city hall conference room in a bid to find a solution. 

However, no conclusions were reached after an hour, as representatives reportedly added demands and argued among themselves.

At 1pm, he announced by megaphone to some 800 demonstrators that the BMA had agreed to open the sluice gates to a width of 70cm, from the previous 50cm, causing the demonstrators to jeer at the decision. The governor then said he would consult with the BMA further.

Pongsapat, who arrived later and discussed the situation with Wichien, then announced that the BMA had agreed to open the Thavee Wattana/Mahasawat sluice gate to one metre at midnight.

As regards the protesters' second demand, the Nonthaburi governor said he would have the Bang Bua Thong Canal dredged today, followed by Phra Phimol and then other canals, while also fixing damaged floodwalls.

He promised to get 200 water pumps from the Royal Irrigation Department and have them installed today to drain flood water out, hence the water level would be significantly lowered by December 1.

For the special-disaster-zone demand, Wichien said he had tabled the matter at a meeting on Monday with the FROC, which had promised to consider it in combination with similar demands concerning other flood-affected provinces.

Thailand’s new prime minister fails to win pardon for fugitive brother

BANGKOK — The country’s new prime minister apparently failed in her first attempt to win a pardon for her fugitive brother, after his political opponents threatened legal action and demonstrations if his name appeared on a list of criminals eligible for a royal amnesty.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra reportedly sought a pardon for her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted as prime minister in a military coup in 2006 and convicted on corruption charges in 2008. 

Thaksin fled the country to avoid a two-year prison sentence.

Mrs. Yingluck's government included Thaksin’s name on a secret list of 26,000 criminals eligible for pardons from King Bhumibol Adulyadej, according to news reports. 

The king is expected to consider clemency for the convicts to mark his 84th birthday on Dec. 5.

The royal pardon is an annual tradition, but the Justice Ministry usually does not include fugitives on a list of criminals it presents to the king because those eligible for amnesty must have served some of their prison terms.

After reports appeared of Thaksin’s possible pardon, the Justice Ministry denied that it included him on the list.

“Thaksin will not receive any benefit from the [royal] decree, and his name will not be included on the list of convicts eligible for a royal pardon,” Justice Minister Pracha Promnok said on Sunday. “Convicts on the run will not be eligible.”

However, Mr. Pracha appeared to confirm the existence of an earlier pardon list when he mentioned that a “new draft” would not benefit Thaksin.

“Those who are eligible for a royal pardon must have served [a portion of] their jail terms first,” he told the Nation newspaper.

Thaksin, 62, disputes his conviction and sentence.

His supporters have suggested that he could meet the requirement of serving some time in confinement by surrendering to friendly police officers who would detain him for a few minutes and then release him.

Behind closed doors on Nov. 15, the Cabinet approved the list of 26,000 names that reportedly included Thaksin. His political opponents objected to his inclusion on the list and threatened legal challenges and organized street demonstrations.

About 1,000 protesters gathered in central Bangkok on Nov. 18 to demand that Thaksin’s name be deleted from the pardon list.

After the outcry, Thaksin publicly dissociated himself with efforts to gain a pardon.

“I trust in the principle that the government will not do anything that will benefit me or any individual specifically,” Thaksin said Sunday in a letter distributed by his supporters.

“I am ready to sacrifice my own happiness, even though I have not received justice for over five years. For the people, I will be patient.”

Yingluck wants everyone to cooperate

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday urged the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to ease people's suffering and drain the floods as soon as possible, 

while Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra announced that the Mahasawat Canal-connecting Khlong Soi, Khlong Khunsri Burirak and Khlong Kwai sluice gates would be opened by a metre.

In relation to the conflict between the Flood Relief Operations Centre (FROC) and the BMA over draining water through the Mahasawat and Thawee Watthana canals, Yingluck said that since being flooded, Bangkok was being drained through the east and west.

However, now that the floods were starting to recede, both sides should agree upon new drainage routes, she said. 

She has also told the Water Drainage Committee to study the guidelines, especially in relation to Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi, and has instructed Natural Resources and Environment Minister Preecha Rengsomboonsuk to install pumps to drain the water faster.

When asked why Bangkokians remained dry at the expense of Nonthaburi, Yingluck said she wanted people in Bangkok to cooperate and let the flood water to be directed through their areas. She said she had told FROC to discuss this issue with both sides and find solutions. 

She also urged the BMA to look at the overall picture and find ways to drain the water, adding that the government had no information about the BMA's drainage system and capacity.

Meanwhile, Sukhumbhand said that at a meeting with FROC and Nonthaburi residents on Tuesday BMA had only agreed to "consider" opening the Mahasawat Canal sluice gate by a metre and had never said it would be done right away. 

He said the BMA would observe the situation for another 24 hours before deciding whether to open sluice gates wider.

However, later in the evening, he told a press conference that the BMA agreed to open the Mahasawat Canal sluice gate, which connects to Khlong Soi, Khlong Khunsri Burirak and Khlong Kwai, by a metre to help Nonthaburi residents because observation so far had shown limited impact. 

However, he said, BMA reserved the right to adjust the sluice gate opening.

Sukhumbhand also said that he would ask FROC to have the Royal Irrigation Department open the Khlong Chimplee and Nakhon Chaisri sluice gates so flooding on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River is eased. 

He admitted that the dismantling of the big-bag barrier on Phaholyothin Road yesterday might affect Don Muang district and the Khlong Bang Bua area.

FROC director Pracha Promnok said Khlong Mahasawat could take more water, though opening the sluice gate further could have an adverse impact on downstream residents, especially those in Phetchakasem and Rama II roads. 

He said 1,000 water pumps had been installed in preparation for the high tide on Friday, adding that he would speak to Sukhumbhand and Wichien about the option of draining water through Tha Chin River.

Ayutthaya Irrigation Project director Maitree Pitinanont said the opening of the Phra-in Racha sluice gate had slowed down the draining of Pathum Thani and that the Irrigation Department would start directing the water through Khlong Rangsit. 

He added that hopefully this would help quickly drain Pathum Thani and Ayutthaya's Wang Noi district, which have been flooded since October.

Property and construction firms in Bangkok learn a valuable lesson

The Bangkok floods have caused developers and property firms to re-evaluate their strategies for next year. The floods affected 300,000 homes in Bangkok and the surrounding areas. 

Many developers believe the City Planning Department of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) must include proper floodways in residential areas in the new plans.

Property firms have learnt from the floods and they are revising their construction processes, designing homes which can withstand floods and spending more on landfill to raise houses above flood level. 

The increased use of landfill in flood hit areas will raise construction costs by 1.5 per cent for detached houses and 3 per cent for townhouses.

Pruksa Real Estate have lowered their projected revenue target for this year from THB30 billion (US$960 million) to between THB22 billion (US$704 million) and THB24 billion (US$768 million) according to The Nation.

Business Housing Association president Issara Boonyoung, who owns Kanda Group, agreed that the BMA had to take flood prevention into account before releasing the new plans.

“This is not only for property firms to manage their residential projects. This is necessary for home-buyers to know which locations are safe from floods,” he said.

According to REIC figures, the Greater Bangkok property market will drop by 10 to 20 per cent this year because of the floods. 

The number of new condominiums in Greater Bangkok will be 24 to 31 per cent lower this year compared to last year, from 66,000 units in 2010 to 45,000-50,000 units in 2011. 

The number of new low-rise detached houses, duplexes and townhouse will drop by 7 to 16 per cent from 54,000 units last year to 45,000 to 50,000 this year.

Opening sluice gates higher 'problematic'

Seri Suparathit of the Rangsit University Centre on Climate Change and Disaster, said on Thai PBS Monday night that opening gates at Khlong Mahasawat and Thawee Watthana at 1 metre could worsen floods in Thon Buri unless more pumps are deployed.

The government agreed on Monday to "open all sluice gates" along the northern perimeter of Bangkok, and promised the area would be dry in a week.

Dr Seri talked about angry Nonthaburi residents demanding BMA and Royal Irrigation Department open all sluice gates in various canals at least 1 metre high with the hope of seeing floods decline in Bang Bua Thong, Bang Yai and Bang Kruey in Nonthaburi.

Dr Seri noted that Khlong Thawee Watthan, north-south canal, is very long about 36km, making it hard to expedite floodwater flow due to its length, and further down to Phetkaseam Rd, the canal width is reduced from 30 to 20 metres, restricting the waterflow even further.

Khlong Mahasawat is also very long about 36km. It is even harder to expedite floodwater to Tha Chin and Chao Phraya river as it is a horizontal canal.

So if BMA and RID accede to Nonthaburi residents' demands, it would mean that the floods in Thonburi down to Khlong Phasi Charoen to Rama II Rd will worsen unless BMA and RID install more pumps to expedite waterflow in Khlong Mahasawat, Khlong Thawee Watthana, Khlong Phasi Charoen etc.

It is the logistics problem. Opening all the gates higher at 1 metre will help Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani up North, but whether it will worsen the floods down South depends on RID's and BMA's pumping capability.

Dr Seri then talked about the water level at Chulalongkorn sluice gate declining today about 3-4cm while Khlong Prem Pachakorn sees very little decline.

He talked about Phaholyothin Rd residents asking why the flood subsided so slowly. His reply was that Khhong Hokwa is very long before reaching pumping station. 

It flows to to Khlong Lat Phrao which is also very long before reaching pumping station. So it is inevitable that drainage will take quite awhile to see floodwater decline significantly.

Again Dr Seri recommended opening Big Bag gaps wider which will shortern time to drain flood out of Don Mueang by about 10 days. 

Vibhavadi canals can be used as pathway. It will not worsen flood situation on Vibhavadi as BMA's pumping stations can take more floodwater.

Some sluice gates to be opened wider

Flood Relief Operation Centre yesterday responded to a request that the sluice gates of a number of canals be opened wider in order to ease the flood woes of Nonthaburi residents.

The Maha Sawat Canal gate, for example, will now be opened to a width of 1 metre, against the previous 50 centimeters.

The Maha Sawat Canal gate, for example, will now be opened to a width of 1 metre, against the previous 50 centimetres.

The governor said the opening of the sluice gates of Bang Or and Bang Phlat canals would also be allowed, so as to take more water from Nonthaburi into Bangkok.

With the severe flooding having dragged on for months, many victims have been trying to negotiate for an opportunity to drain flood water out of their areas sooner rather than later.

Thousands of Nonthaburi residents recently gathered to press for their leaders to negotiate with Sukhumbhand.

The Bangkok governor yesterday responded positively to their request, but was unable to meet all their demands.

He explained that opening the Thawi Watthana Canal sluice gate to a width of 1 metre was not possible, and that it would be left at 50cm instead.

"We have to take into account western Bangkok's water-drainage capacity," he added.

In a related development, more than 30 representatives of people in Bangkok's Don Mueang and Lak Si districts, as well as Pathum Thani residents, yesterday met with Flood Relief Operations Centre (FROC) officials for about an hour to press their demands. Their communities have been heavily flooded for more than one month.

One of the flood victims' representatives, Pongthep Sirisap, later confirmed the FROC had agreed to build a new flood wall under the Rangsit Bridge.

The new wall will stretch for 1.5 kilometres along the Rangsit Canal from Saipanya Rangsit School to the Chualongkorn sluice gate.

"The FROC has also promised to urgently drain flood water out of our areas within seven days," Pongthep said.

He added that the agency would provide 10 pumps for his group's immediate use in pushing the run-off water into Premprachakorn Canal.

Anond Snidvong, who represented the FROC at the meeting, said: "We are doing everything for the maximum public benefit and are proceeding in line with proper principles. 

We will do what we can for people, but we have to do it at the right time, too."

He said he believed the flood crisis was already in its final phase. The flood-management mission was already 90-per-cent complete, he added.

Anond also believed that flood water in western Bangkok will |subside within a few weeks.

Deputy Bangkok Governor Thirachon Manomaipiboon, meanwhile, expects inundation in the capital, including the heavily flooded Sai Mai and Don Muang districts, will end within seven days.

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit said he would talk today to Sukhumbhand to discuss |remedial measures to assist flood-hit people.

Yongyuth met the Nonthaburi provincial governor yesterday. Asked about Nonthaburi residents' demands that their hometowns |be declared special flood-hit |zones, so as to claim extra compensation and help, 

he merely said: "I cannot disclose details now. There will be a screening committee to consider the extra remedial measures."

The flood victims from Bangkok's Don Muang and Lak Si districts, as well as those from Pathum Thani, want the government to compensate them for 50 per cent of their actual damages, but not exceeding Bt500,000 per household.

Residents submit flood plan Three districts aim toclear stagnant water

The Flood Relief Operations Command and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration have agreed with a six-point proposal demanding better management of stagnant and fetid floodwater in Bangkok's Don Muang and Laksi districts and Pathum Thani's Muang district.

Soldiers get lucky 

A resident in flooded soi 69 on Rama II Road hands Buddhist amulets to a military officer to express thanks for the soldiers’ flood relief mission.

They pledged to consider the proposals submitted yesterday by about 30 representatives from the three flood-hit districts after they had a meeting with the representatives, led by Pongthep Sirisap, at the Froc headquarters.

Froc spokesman Pol Gen Pongsapat Pongcharoen accepted the letter and met representatives to discuss the issue.

The BMA's representative, former Democrat MP candidate for Don Muang Tankhun Chit-isara, and Anond Snidvongs, the Froc's water management adviser, also attended.

After the meeting, Pol Gen Pongsapat promised to present the proposals to the relief committee and the prime minister to consider. Mr Pongthep said representatives were happy with the results of the meeting.

First of the six proposals, the residents requested 30 pumps to drain water from Klong Pream Prachakorn into Khlong Rangsit on its way to the Chao Phraya River and they also requested assistance with fuel and electricity shortages in some areas.

Second, they wanted Khlong Prem Prachakorn to be cleaned of debris and litter that is obstructing the water flow and for the sluice gate to be opened as widely as possible.

Third, they asked that a new "big bag" barrier be constructed along Khlong Rangsit in the area under Rangsit bridge to stop water entering Vibhavadi Road and begin draining the area as well as remove the old barrier to allow the passage of road traffic to resume.

Fourth, they also wanted the water to be pushed out of eastern Khlong Rangsit; different payment rates depending on the severity of the flooding in different areas; and for the Froc to consider draining water to Khlong Ban Mai as an alternative to expedite draining.

Fifth, the representatives proposed compensation models such as compensating 50% of the damage but not exceeding 500,000 baht, compensation for multiple households living under one property registration, and 50% compensation, taxation and a workers' policy for landlords.

Last, they requested an extension of the fee exemption on all tollways in their area.

He also said he would closely monitor the delivery of the promises and would meet with the affected residents to explain the situation to them today at a restaurant on Sri Samarn Road in Don Muang district.

In related news, Pol Gen Pracha, Nonthaburi Governor Wichean Putiwinyu, deputy city clerk of the BMA Jumpol Samkaopol and Weera Sangna, the Froc's chairman of committee on water management in the worst-affected flood areas,

held a press conference yesterday to announce that BMA would open all sluice gates in Khlong Mahasawat to varying degrees as an answer to the Nonthaburi residents' request through the governor.

Mr Wichean said following the residents' request to widen the opening of the sluice gates from 50cm to one metre or more in Khlong Mahasawat, the BMA had agreed to open all of them but the width of the openings will be different from place to place.

He said some gates might be open 70-80cm and some might be open to more than a metre. If the openings don't create problems for Bangkok residents, the widening of the gates will continue.

There will also be a reduction in the height of the barriers along Khlong Bang Kruai in Bang Phlat and Bang Lamphu district of Bangkok and Nonthaburi's Bang Kruai district so that the water can drain towards the sluice gate.

The BMA will consider reducing the height according to the opening of the gate from 50cm to 1m.

Mr Jumpol said he was confident the opening of the gates would not affect Bangkok.

Science and Environment Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi, who is head of Froc's flood operations section, said BMA must dismantle all flood barriers to allow stagnant floodwater north of the barriers to quickly flow to the sea.

"The opening of flood barriers will not pose any flood risk as floodwater levels in several areas have receded sharply over the past two months, particularly in areas along the Chao Phraya River," he said.

The government had no authority to dismantle the flood barriers erected by City Hall, he added.

But the BMA yesterday reported that eight of 36 districts affected by flooding were still in a critical condition, with levels exceeding 80cm. 

The districts are Bang Khen, Bang Kae, Bang Phlat, Don Muang, Klong Sam Wa, Sai Mai, Taling Chan and Thawi Watthana.

Nonthaburi locals want BMA out of way Authority to fight floods 'needs to be removed'

Flood-hit Nonthaburi residents petitioned the Administrative Court yesterday to revoke the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration'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.

The petition was lodged with the court by Todsiri Poolnual, 50, of Bang Rak Pattana sub-district on behalf of flood-hit residents after they staged a raucous protest at Nonthaburi provincial hall on Tuesday over prolonged flooding in their communities.

She said 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.

"We do not want to be discriminated against," said Ms Todsiri. "Bangkok residents have started cleaning their homes, but we still have no idea when we can return to our flooded homes.

"The Nonthaburi provincial authority must do more than just deliver us relief items. It needs to come up with a convincing water management plan."

Since Bangkok governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra was not eager to respond to the Nonthaburi residents' request to open the sluice gates to one metre, they were forced to seek the help from the court, she said.

"We will agree with any means to get the water drained out of our area. It can be the proposal discussed on Tuesday to divide the flooded area into smaller blocks so the water can be drained sooner. 

We need communications. We need a goal. We need to have a target in two weeks or so," she said.

Sermsak Charumanus, a commercial bank employee and resident of Tharinphorn Villa on Chalermprakiat Road, said he supported the fight through judicial means.

"It's better than demolishing sand bag walls. This is a peaceful and justified fight for our rights," he said.

MR Sukhumbhand announced yesterday evening that City Hall had agreed to open all sluice gates along the Maha Sawat canal by one metre.

The Bangkok governor said the BMA was aware of the plight of Nonthaburi residents, but the authority wanted to reserve its right to adjust the opening of all the sluice gates according to the situation.

The BMA has asked the Royal Irrigation Department to speed up water drainage through sluice gates along the canals in the western side of the Chao Phraya River.

MR Sukhumbhand said he had asked the Froc and the irrigation department to open the Khlong Chimphlee sluice gate to allow water to flow into Bangkok Noi canal and to open the Nakhon Chaisi sluice gate to allow water to flow into other canals in the western side of the Chao Phraya River.

Opening the two sluice gates would help ease flooding in Nonthaburi, and at the same time lower the risk of flooding in Bangkok's western districts, said the governor.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said yesterday the BMA and Froc should discuss a drainage strategy again after floodwaters have been drained out of several Bangkok districts.

She added that while Bangkok needed to prevent flooding in the capital, the Froc needs to handle flood problems all over the country.

Seemingly healthy fugitive Nunun seen in Thailand and Singapore

Photos allegedly showing Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) suspect Nunun Nurbaeti strolling the streets of Bangkok and Singapore have emerged, putting new pressure on the KPK and the National Police to arrest the graft suspect and bring her home for trial.

Online news portal tempo.co published two photos on Wednesday that showed a mature woman, who it claimed was Nunun, in Singapore and Thailand.

In the first photo, the woman is seen strolling in a shopping district of Singapore accompanied by another woman of her age. 

The second photo was taken in Bangkok, Thailand, the news portal claimed, adding that the photos were taken “a couple of months ago”.

Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) lawmaker and former National Police deputy chief Comr. Gen. (ret) Adang Daradjatun, who is also Nunun’s husband, confirmed reports that Nunun was currently in Singapore.

“Yes, yes, [Nunun is in Singapore] but she is not there [on holiday], she is there for medical treatment,” Adang said on Wednesday.

Adang rebuffed claims that his wife was healthy and went to Singapore for a holiday. He reiterated that Nunun went to Singapore for medical treatment, claiming his wife had Alzheimer’s disease and would not be able to wander alone on the streets of Singapore without medical supervision.

In contrast to Adang’s statements, both the Singaporean and Thai embassies denied that the 62-year-old fugitive was currently resident in their respective countries

“Earlier this year, Nunun was indeed in Thailand. According to the Thai immigration office, Nunun then left for Laos, they have no record of her re-entering Thailand since then,” 

Muhammad Hatta, the Indonesian ambassador to Thailand, told reporters in Bangkok on Wednesday.

Hatta also said a KPK team had gone to Thailand few months ago to look for Nunun but the efforts were halted due to Thailand’s legal system prohibiting foreign agencies from conducting legal investigations in the country.

Nunun is wanted by the KPK and police for allegedly disbursing travelers checks to several legislators in return for voting for Miranda S. Goeltom, in the 2004 Bank Indonesia senior deputy-governor election.

Although the KPK officially named Nunun as a suspect in May, Nunun has been missing since March last year, reportedly going to Singapore for medical treatment for her disease that causes amnesia.

Immigration data also showed that Nunun visited Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia in the last six months. Efforts by the police and KPK to trace her whereabouts have been to no avail.

The police have also coordinated with Interpol, with the latter issuing a red notice requesting assistance from police forces in its 188 member-countries to arrest Nunun.

KPK spokesman Johan Budi told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that the antigraft body was still “clueless” as to Nunun’s current whereabouts. 

“First and foremost, we will check out when the pictures were taken as she did once fly [to Singapore],” he said.

Meanwhile, Adang told reporters that he had been protecting Nunun all along, and challenged the KPK to try him for his actions.

“It’s me, it’s definitely me who protected Nunun],” Adang said. “I am her husband; I want her to get well. Just prosecute me if I have violated the law.”

MFA withdraws travel warning on Bangkok

LAST WEEK: Cars submerged in flood waters at a Honda auto factory north of Bangkok on Saturday.

The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has withdrawn its advice to Singaporeans to defer trips to Bangkok, as the threat of murky waters flooding the inner city recedes.

'MFA no longer advises Singaporeans to consider deferring non-essential travel to Bangkok,' the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

It noted the remarks by the Thai Prime Minister who said that inner Bangkok would be safe from flooding, as measures to stem it have been successful.

Nevertheless, MFA added, Singaporeans in Bangkok or who plan to visit the Thai capital are advised to avoid flood-affected areas.

Disease outbreak in Bangkok still a concern: MFA

SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) no longer advises Singaporeans to consider deferring non-essential travel to Bangkok, according to a press statement released Wednesday.

But Singaporeans in Bangkok or travellers to the Thai capital are still advised to avoid the flood-affected areas, and to take necessary precautions and monitor the local news for instructions from local authorities.

Concerns about the possibility of outbreaks of water-borne diseases such as leptospirosis remain.

According to the statement, the flood situation in Bangkok "continues to improve and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has announced that inner Bangkok will be safe from floods, as the measures to stem the flooding have been successful."

Singaporeans who are travelling to or in Thailand and have yet to eRegister with MFA should do so at http://eregister.mfa.gov.sg.

Singaporeans who require consular assistance can contact the Singapore Embassy in Bangkok or the MFA Duty Office.

As Thai floods recede, more communities clean up

PATHUM THANI, THAILAND

Efforts to clean up areas near Bangkok that were flooded as much as a yard (meter) deep just two weeks ago are gaining pace as the threat of inundation of the Thai capital eases.

Hundreds of volunteers joined monks in gathering flood detritus into garbage bags Tuesday near the massive temple that houses the Dhammakaya Buddhist sect in Pathum Thani province, just north of Bangkok.

Businesses in unaffected parts of central Bangkok are removing their sandbag barriers as it becomes clear that floodwaters have been diverted east and west of the center of the city.

Since July, more than a fifth of the country's 64 million people have been affected by the worst flooding in more than 50 years, leaving at least 606 people dead.

MFA withdraws Bangkok travel warning

Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has said it no longer advises Singaporeans to consider deferring non-essential travel to Bangkok.

This is because the flood situation in Bangkok has improved.

The ministry said that Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has announced that inner Bangkok will be safe from floods as measures to stem the flooding have been successful.

It advised Singaporeans already in Bangkok and those planning to visit to avoid flood-affected areas to take necessary precautions including heeding instructions of the local authorities and to closely monitor the local news.

It added that concerns about the possibility of outbreaks of water-borne diseases such as leptospirosis remain.

Those travelling to Thailand who have not eRegistered with the ministry are advised to do so at its.