Head of Bangchan industrial complex certain on-site flood defences will hold

BANGKOK, November 1 (TNA) - The management of Bangchan industrial complex in Bangkok said on Tuesday that the water level in Khlong Saen Saeb Canal at sections outside the complex’s floodwalls is still under control. However, some operators have already shut down to prepare for massive runoffs from the north. The statement came after Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra ordered a sluice gate at Klong Sam Wa Canal to be opened by 1 metre. The action caused the water level in the Klong Saen Saeb Canal to rise by 1 centimetre on Tuesday from its level on Monday at 61 centimetres above the mean sea level. The management said the present water level is still within coping range. However, it is worried about an unexpected surge of water in the canal, which would be disturbing if it were to occur. According to the management, the Bangchan industrial complex is being protected by 2.10 metre high embankments above sea level, while few operators, such as Saha Union, have erected their own 3 metre high dykes to protect their factories. Recently, several large factories in the complex belonging to Mitsubishi, Honda, and Sap-anan have all halted operations. The Bangchan industrial complex is located in Min Buri District of Bangkok, covering an area of over 677 rai and some 93 factories, worth a combined investment value of some 19,848 million baht. The food and beverage industry accounts for 17.95 percent of all industries in the complex; followed by the industries for fertilizer, paint and chemical at 16.67 percent; electronic appliances and medical apparatus at 12.82 percent; motor parts and machinery at 8.97 percent; and automobile and logistics at 8.97 percent, respectively. (TNA)