What success, PM? We're still suffering

COMMENTARY

What success, PM? We're still suffering

Published: 23/11/2011 at 02:01 AM
Newspaper section: News

I am glad to hear that many flood-hit people in Bangkok have been able to return home. But deep inside I still feel sad since I can't follow suit, because my house in Petchkasem Soi 69 is still 30-40 centimetres under water. And the people in authority are as yet unable to say when I'll be able to return home.

While I watched the news on TV about "Big Cleaning Day" in some areas of the capital during the weekend, I was quite touched by the campaign, which claimed to reflect a sign of new life for Bangkokians. Probably true, but not for everybody. There are still very many people still soaked and suffering in Don Muang, Lam Luk Ka, Bang Bua Thong, Bang Yai, Thawi Watthana and Petchkasem areas.

How do these people feel? They feel upset and angry for sure, as they've been left abandoned in the worst floods in 50 years with no hope of getting dry soon. They even think they might have to celebrate a wet Christmas and New Year for the first time in their lives. It's already been a month now, the water's gone putrid and blood-thirsty mosquitoes are out in hordes.

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: Krissana Parnsoonthorn; Position: Reporter

Keep this article in your social bookmark:

Latest stories in this category:

Your comments

ronald
Post : 188
Send message

Discussion 34 : 23/11/2011 at 11:48 PM34
Post this to my Facebook
Forget about current politics. Problem is that Thailand has had for many years a bunch of RICH FAMILIES running the show ( all colours ). With an odd exception, they & their businesses, have ripped off the Thai people to get richer. Keeping the restrictions on any foreign business, playing on a level playing field in the Country. When faced with a BIG problem, the RICH, who control the show, cannot handle it. Just look after themselves, & stuff the poor.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
englishbob
Post : 1,060
Send message

Discussion 33 : 23/11/2011 at 11:04 PM33
Post this to my Facebook
Funny Thaksin decided to keep his big plan to himself back then and only mention it now his kid sister has been shown to be incompetent.
Blame the Dems? They had two years... During which they had armed insurgents on the street causing chaos.

Yingluck should never have been put in this position. PM is not an entry level position. You reap what you sow, Thai people.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
prommar
Post : 133
Send message

Discussion 32 : 23/11/2011 at 10:43 PM32
Post this to my Facebook
Discussion 23 and 24,

Perhaps if the PM did not have to worry about the opposition generating protests in the streets with the potential of them turning into riots, she would be able to make more timely decisions. You mention that she is playing politics. Of course she's playing politics. She's a politicians and her job is to play politics. The expectation is that she plays it to the betterment of the country. If the constant sniping would end, perhaps then the administration could gain some traction in its efforts.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
johnb
Post : 339
Send message

Discussion 31 : 23/11/2011 at 10:25 PM31
Post this to my Facebook
Thaksin has been studying a massive flood control project during his four-day visit (currently) to South Korea. The $19 billion Four Rivers project is also aimed at conserving water and beautifying riverside areas. He said the floods cost Thailand some 15 billion dollars, but damage could have been mitigated with a similar river control system.
Thaksin told reporters he had a plan in 2005 for a very similar project to South Korea's.
"Unfortunately in 2006, I was ousted by the military coup and now... (as) my party is running the country, we'd like to bring back the project which will be helpful for flood prevention and drought prevention."
SO DON"T BLAME HIS SISTER BLAME THE DEM/ARMY/YELLOW COALITION!!!
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
jpk
Post : 42
Send message

Discussion 30 : 23/11/2011 at 07:50 PM30
Post this to my Facebook
Flipogirl, the fact is that no one took charge from the beginning. The BMA took the right course of action for Bangkok, which is fine.

The problem is the rest of the country was left to hold their own until the waters came. There was no credible information. No preemptive action taken. No warning.

I was told to leave my residence for two days. The water came a week later. Since its arrival I've had to stay at a hotel for a month. My place is still not livable, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

This has been a comedy of errors, the problem is that it's not funny.

If you don't know how to cook, stay out of the kitchen. Leadership and nepotism are two entirely different things.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
peterl
Post : 220
Send message

Discussion 29 : 23/11/2011 at 05:16 PM29
Post this to my Facebook
Quote from above: "I don't think money is the big issue for flood victims at this moment. What they simply want is to be able to go back home."

Speak for yourself!

Money is a big worry for many people who have had to evacuate their homes. Of course they want to return home asap but many will face large bills to make their homes habitable again when they do so. Not so easy if their breadwinners are not yet able to return to work in one of the many flood ravaged industrial estates.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
Khun Ken
Post : 30
Send message

Discussion 28 : 23/11/2011 at 05:08 PM28
Post this to my Facebook
22# The Government knows they have the votes of the Isaan people no matter what they do, so no idea
to spend to much money up there.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
genii
Post : 86
Send message

Discussion 27 : 23/11/2011 at 04:25 PM27
Post this to my Facebook
As stated the worst flood in 50 years and possibly ever plus the fact that Thailand had no system or plan in place for such an event and we end up blaming and accusing the people in charge. Better to use this media outlet for positive feedback as to how we can solve the drainage problems we have for the sake of the future. Next time may be worse.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
Eric
Post : 478
Send message

Discussion 26 : 23/11/2011 at 04:13 PM26
Post this to my Facebook
Dap, wrong place to push your agenda as 90% of post contributors are not eligible to vote LOL.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
flippogirl
Post : 129
Send message

Discussion 25 : 23/11/2011 at 03:42 PM25
Post this to my Facebook
Nice isn't it if you can just keep pointlessly bashing at the PM without real merit.

Truth is, there is very little to blame on Yingluck.

Truth is, after the last major flooding in 1995, serveral governments had all the opportunity and money to prevent this (both country and local governments) and they did nothing, if anything they made it worse.

Truth is that, when it comes to Bangkok, Yingluck/FROC has only very little room to maneuvre, since the "responsibility" for Bangkok is with the BMA, and every move needs BMA approval, or Yingluck needs to overrule by signed order.

Truth is that major parts of Northern and Western Bangkok are flooded because BMA completely mismanaged the waterflows through the city for the sake of money.

I've said it before, and I will say it again, Flood Prevention and Management need to be the sole responsibility of the central government.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment

1 2 3 4 Next Last

What success, PM? We're still suffering | Bangkok Post: opinion