BANGKOK, 4 September 2014 – The water management policy committee has convened a meeting to step up preventive measures against flooding in Bangkok after the Prime Minister’s call for close attention to the problem this rainy season.
As chairman of the committee, Gen Chatchai Sarikalya discussed with representatives from various agencies, including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, about short-term measures to be taken to stave off flooding both in inner and outer Bangkok. Emphasis was placed on such areas with chronic flood problems as Don Mueang, the National Memorial on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Chaeng Wattana Road, Suwinthawong Road and inbound lanes of Sukhumvit Road.
Amidst continuous heavy downpours, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha earlier expressed concerns over potential flooding in the capital that would cause an impact on the general public.
Therefore, Gen Chatchai has instructed all involved agencies to closely cooperate with one another in the prevention effort. More water pumps are to be installed in high risk areas, with more drainage workers to be dispatched for duty after heavy rain. Electric train project contractors have also been told to build temporary drains around their sites to avoid causing inundation on the road.