BMA authorised to dry out Bangkok's areas

BANGKOK, November 7 (TNA) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has been authorised to dry out flooded areas in the capital, after piles of large sandbags, known as "big bags" laid in the city's northern side have successfully slowed down influx of upstream water. Thai Transport Minister Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat told reporters of the policy, saying that the government's Flood Relief Operations Centre (FROC) will, however, fully support the BMA. Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol said he foresees that 1-2 weeks are needed to dry out affected areas in the city, during which he will seek the Cabinet's approval of an extended waiver of levies imposed on motorists using tollways on the Vibhavadi Rangsit Road and more expressways in flooded areas to relieve affected people's hardships. According to the minister, Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is considering to order a line-up of "big bags" in Bangkok's western side, from Bang Sue-Talingchan, to slow down influx of upstream water, similarly to those laid in the city's northern side. The transport minister acknowledged that a group of officials are inspecting the 10-kilometre targeted area to see whether it is practical for the "big bags" line-up. (TNA)