High-tech crisis response lacking

Business > Economics

Experts agree the current flood disaster could have been mitigated by readily available modern technology.

Published: 19/10/2011 at 08:18 AM
Newspaper section: Business

Thailand's worst floods in 50 years reflect the almost total failure of the government to realise how crucial modern technology is in flood control and water management.

Poramate: Data integration can help

Technology veterans say the lack of a data collection system and inadequate weather forecasting are the main factors behind this historic crisis.

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About the author

: Writer: Suchit Leesa-nguansuk; Position: Reporter

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rekrabcc

Discussion 15 : 19/10/2011 at 05:02 PM15
The place of government is to plan beyond politics. To have professionals work behind the elected officials to have a smooth and efficient government.
In some country's they have what is called flood plains. They are listed as 10 year,20 year,50 year and 100 year flood plains. Thailand needs to work on making it's city's both large and small safe for a 100 year flood. It is a investment In infrastructure Just the same as roads or buildings.
from iPhone application.
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englishjon
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Discussion 14 : 19/10/2011 at 04:32 PM14
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Reaction to the floods as they occur is the same plan as what is being used now with disastrous consequences.

What is needed is investment in infrastructure : flood walls in the right places which will not collapse and drainage capacity to shunt the water where it will do the least damage.

I think some people are trying to use this situation to their advantage. I wonder if these 'experts' will be asking for funding ....
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ianprince
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Discussion 13 : 19/10/2011 at 01:25 PM13
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"Experts agree the current flood disaster could have been mitigated by readily available modern technology."

Where is he before the water gets in. In the hind side, you can blame anything.
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drsmith
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Discussion 12 : 19/10/2011 at 11:26 AM12
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"Thailand's worst floods in 50 years reflect the almost total failure of the government to realise how crucial modern technology is in flood control and water management". This is not only the current government but all governments past who did nothing. This is a result of people in charge of water management year in and year out sitting around doing nothing all dry season then being 100% unprepared for a major flood. This is a result of authorities being placed in govt positions who lack the expertise to manage crisis. When you take care of a few friends at the expense of an entire nation, this is exactly what happens. Experts are what is needed to successfully run a country, not nepotism
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kaytwo
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Discussion 11 : 19/10/2011 at 10:18 AM11
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Do you think we will be ready when floods hit Thailand next time? What about readiness for other forms of natural disasters?

Looking at past record of any and all governments, I can only pray, not even hope.

Shall we hold off our criticism until nature strikes again? Or, shall we raise the heat now and pray someone can feel it - perhaps, do something before it happens again?

This is a new government but please don't forget that PTP has governed Thailand in it's various incarnations.
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bkk-farang
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Discussion 10 : 19/10/2011 at 09:29 AM10
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@Johnh #9: Good point! I guess the department you talk about is one of these places with lots of inactive posts. As we all know many many government employees are moved to inactive post. All these inactive positions have to be somewhere.
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johnh
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Discussion 9 : 19/10/2011 at 08:55 AM9
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In this and other comments elsewhere in the BP, no one seems to have mentioned the role of the various government departments, directors and their staff in this. Surely, there should have been a standing cross function government organisation (with a budget, resources, experts etc) and plan to manage such a disaster in the first place.

Such organisations do exist. The BMA Civil Disaster Control Department is in Phahonyotin Road, near Ari BTS. What do they do? What have they been doing since being set up. What is/was their plan to manage such a problem? Maybe the BP would like to interview the department director and ask a few pertinent questions.

I guess that each province has some sort of organisation to deal with disasters as part of a coordinated national plan. Does such a plan/ organisation exist? Over to you BP.

I wonder if such an organisation (if it exists) is just another over budgeted white elephant. In other words, a waste of time and tax payers money.
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hillfarang
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Discussion 8 : 19/10/2011 at 08:39 AM8
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Ricefield (D: 1) wrote: "Is it just poor use of the English language or an attempt on the part of the reporter to take a swipe at the present government."

I agree.

Any reporter than chooses to point out the current flooding as being in some way the 'fault' of this newly formed government is way out of line.

This is a time for National Unity, relief efforts and encouragement for those suffering. It has been pointed out numerous times here in these postings that this problem of Thailand's ecology has been occurring over decades with illegal de-forestation, over building, poor planning and inadequate flood-control infra-structure.
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frankieb
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Discussion 7 : 19/10/2011 at 08:27 AM7
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- Use XP!! Play game!! Haha!
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nui
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Discussion 6 : 19/10/2011 at 07:54 AM6
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Disc.4 : Yes , the pupils from the first grades will save the country.
Disc 3 : Yes, I bet. That nothing will change.
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