BANGKOK, 25 October 2011 – The Cabinet has granted permission to agencies in flood-affected areas nationwide to take days off during 27-31 October when the flood situation is expected to become severe.
Following the weekly Cabinet meeting, Justice Minister Police General Pracha Promnog disclosed that the Cabinet had designated 27-31 October as national holidays as proposed by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. However, the holidays will only apply to government agencies located in flooded zones within 21 provinces. All officials of the Flood Relief Operations Center will continue their duty as usual.
The 21 provinces consist of Sukhothai, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak and Bangkok.
The objective of the announcement is to allow local residents to brace for the possibly worsening flood or leave their areas prior to the upcoming high tide, which is predicted to begin on 26 October and peak on 31 October.
