Thai Cabinet declines extension of public holiday

BANGKOK, October 31 (TNA) - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinwatra said Sunday that an extraordinary meeting of the cabinet did not approve a proposal to extend a five-day long holiday even further. Speaking to reporters after attending the meeting, Yingluck said the meeting decided not to extend the official holiday as it believed that the action would affect overall flood-relief operations because fewer officials would be available to work. Nevertheless, the prime minister suggested government and private organizations consider extending the holiday for their own staff to allow them to take care of their houses and families. On the flood situation in Bangkok, Yingluck was optimistic that the situation would improve after October 31 as floodwater could be drained out to the sea quicker. Nevertheless, she said floodwaters in Bangkok might not recede right away and the government may need to issue warnings to more areas especially those who live by the capital’s canals as northern runoffs are expected to flow through them into the sea. (TNA)