BANGKOK, Sept 10 – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra insisted Monday that the appropriate government agencies have been working in unison for effective water management as they brace for floods in the rainy season.
After a meeting with water management committee members and other agencies concerned, the premier ruled out public allegations of conflicts among the agencies cooperating in anti-flood preparations.
She said all state agencies have been working in unity but that some individual officials may have given their personal opinions in interviews to the media, adding that the government is willing to listen to public opinion for further improvement.
Referring to allegations of malfeasance regarding distribution of financial aid to last year’s flood victims, Ms Yingluck said there might be some misunderstandings or mistakes, and that governors have been instructed to clarify procedures and conditions to the people.
Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Yongyuth Vichaidith said the general situation was not a matter of concern as flooding as the Chao Phraya and other rivers can carry and drain out more water.
The only concern is the Yom River which has no reservoir and can overflow into Sukhothai province, he said, adding that the premier is scheduled to make an inspection trip to a northern province–probably Sukhothai–for a first-hand account of the situation.
