PM invokes natural disaster law

Published: 21/10/2011 at 02:03 PM
Online news:

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Friday invoked powers under the natural disaster law, giving her full authority to execute a natural disaster relief plan nationwide.

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act (2007) gives the prime minister full authority over officials around the country. Those who refuse to follow orders can be prosecuted for negligence of duty. It makes the prime minister director of the relief operation.

Ms Yingluck said the move was necessary to streamline relief operations.

She has ordered the Defence Ministry and the army to protect key places including the Grand Palace, other palaces, Siriraj Hospital, flood barrier lines, utilities units, and Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.

The government has struggled to channel the massive amount of water that has caused widespread flooding in the country’s Central Plains, around the outskirts of Bangkok.

This article is older than 60 days, which we reserve for our premium members only.You can subscribe to our premium member subscription, here.

About the author

: Writer: Online Reporters; Position: Online Reporters

Keep this article in your social bookmark:

Your comments

temasek
Post : 1
Send message

Discussion 11 : 21/10/2011 at 04:30 PM11
Post this to my Facebook
I believe that Yingluck is trying her best to save and minimize the damage cause by flood. In fact I know that she has been traveling to those area personally even in wee hours. This is a natural disaster, Thai people should not convienencely put all the blame on the government and PM. I believe even if now Abhisit is the PM, he will also face the same difficulties.

Overall, well done PM Yinglick - do not be discourage. Even though I am staying in flood affected area of bangkok but no matter what is the outcome we know that you have try your best and you will always have our support
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
koolbreez
Post : 439
Send message

Discussion 10 : 21/10/2011 at 04:00 PM10
Post this to my Facebook
What was the reason for the long long delay in invoking this law? Was it just realized this is a NATURAL disaster, or didn't the PM think she should be in charge, and responsible for something that affects the whole country?

Now finally there is someone to lead this chaotic attempt at disaster mitigation. There must have been reports her house might be flooded for her to finally take the kind of action that should have been taken in the beginning over a month ago. Back then it was only poor farmers that were being affected, and killed, so someone didn't see a need to take this kind of action when this all started.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
spiceman
Post : 1,776
Send message

Discussion 9 : 21/10/2011 at 02:39 PM9
Post this to my Facebook
Finally, at least a few weeks late, but better than nothing at all. Thank God!
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
bkk1
Post : 123
Send message

Discussion 8 : 21/10/2011 at 01:32 PM8
Post this to my Facebook
About time they did some-think right and then after all flooding gone the PM should resign
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
upena
Post : 515
Send message

Discussion 7 : 21/10/2011 at 01:18 PM7
Post this to my Facebook
Should have been done about 1 month ago
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
rontorr
Post : 267
Send message

Discussion 6 : 21/10/2011 at 01:07 PM6
Post this to my Facebook
gives the prime minister full authority over officials around the country.

It seems this is the only way to get the BMA to cooperate
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
bkk-farang
Post : 969
Send message

Discussion 5 : 21/10/2011 at 01:04 PM5
Post this to my Facebook
“It is estimated that water will flow into the Bangkok city area tonight”
The Bangkok city area is very big. Which area of Bangkok? Can we expect “normal flooding” like after heavy rain or a lot more than that?

A law from 2007? Did the military establish that law?
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
bula
Post : 1,253
Send message

Discussion 4 : 21/10/2011 at 01:00 PM4
Post this to my Facebook
Good, with such natural disaster law, SOE is not necessary.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
hawaiiman
Post : 503
Send message

Discussion 3 : 21/10/2011 at 12:55 PM3
Post this to my Facebook
good
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
geoffo
Post : 1,872
Send message

Discussion 2 : 21/10/2011 at 12:54 PM2
Post this to my Facebook
So this is the beginning of the PR clean up campaign to create the "correct" history of the 2011 flood.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment