Thailand won’t face flood disaster in next one year

BANGKOK, December 11 (TNA) - Virabongsa Ramangura, chairman of the Strategic Committee for Reconstruction and Future Development, has expressed his optimism that Thailand would not face any serious flood problem within the next one year. Speaking during a meeting of members of chamber of commerce nationwide, held in the resort province of Rayong on Sunday, Virabongsa said both short and long-term plans have been drawn to solve flood problem and the crux would not happen again in the next one year. Under the short-term plan, dredging of canals, an improvement of sluice gates and drilling on flood prevention of at least twice a year will be implemented immediately, he said. Giant water pumps must be installed in every flood-prone area while a computer system will be used in overseeing floodgates and the government must enforce the law on trespassers to waterways. Virabongsa said dykes will have to be constructed at industrial estates which were hit by flood recently and at those which were saved. Flood prevention plans must be made and several countries are willing to offer advices. Flood warning centres must also be set up to give warning to people so that they could prepare for an evacuation, he said. Virabongsa suggested that the government must invest speedily on water management under the long-term plan to ensure that there is sufficient of water for both agricultural and industrial sectors. More dams have to be constructed while the government has to cooperate with the private sector in setting up new and appropriate industrial estates so that they could develop on sustainable basis. (TNA)