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.