BANGKOK, Oct 4 – Ponds and swamps at military installations will serve as reservoirs for flood water as part of the relief measures planned to deal with the anticipated deluge from tropical storm Gaemi, Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat said today.
He said the compounds of the 2nd Cavalry Division, 11th Infantry Regiment and 1st Infantry Division have many ponds capable of taking water from nearby areas in case of flooding.
Defence Ministry spokesman Tanathip Sawangsaeng said 10 military units in three Bangkok districts—Bang Khen, Dusit and Phyathai—will serve as “monkey cheeks” for at least 360,000 cubic metres of water.
Monkey cheek is a metaphor coined by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej to refer to appropriate technology-adapted local water retention systems. The monkey cheek initiative was initiated to resolve flood problems in Bangkok and was later expanded throughout Thailand.
Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol said he was asked by Transport Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan to accommodate flood drainage in Bangkok.
