AYUTTHAYA - None of the six industrial estates in Ayutthaya and Pathum Thani will be inundated including Saha Rattana Nakorn, where temporary flood barriers have been set up, says Industry Minister Prasert Boonchaisuk.
Universal Technologies’ barrier system is shown at Ayutthaya’s Saha Rattana Nakorn Industrial Estate. NANCHANOK WONGSAMUTH
The six-kilometre floodwall at Saha Rattana Nakorn, which is 6.5 metres above sea level, is only 30% complete.
Earthen dykes are in place at the Bangpa-in Industrial Estate, Hi-Tech Industrial Estate and Rojana Industrial Park in Ayutthaya plus the Nava Nakorn Industrial Zone and Bangkadi Industrial Park in Pathum Thani.
The first three are overseen by the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) and the other two by the Industrial Works Department.
"We're confident the dykes surrounding the five industrial estates will be able to prevent the floods, as they are taller than in 2011," said Mr Prasert.
"And we're confident here
[at Saha Rattana], as we've prepared flood barriers packed with sand in case of an emergency."
Ayutthaya Deputy Governor Tawee Narisirikul yesterday said the level of the Chao Phraya River had dropped by 10-20 centimetres and will continue to fall in the coming days.
The IEAT bought a 20-kilometre, 2.4-metre-high flood barrier three months ago.
Manoman Thanapasuk, the executive director of Universal Technologies Co, distributor of the flood barrier, said it can be set up in one or two days.
While some flood insurance providers lowered premiums last year, foreign reinsurance firms want assurance that contingency plans are in place, he said.
Prapas Mooyen, the general manager of Thai Marujun Co, said his company has not made any preparations this year, as floods are unlikely.
Located in Saha Rattana Nakorn, the Japanese auto-parts maker supplies Honda and other brands and employs 1,300.
"Our chairman is confident there will be no floods this year, and even if there is one, the estate's experience from 2011 will prevent the same problems," said Mr Prapas.
The company did build a second factory in Saraburi province last year, so relocation can be made if needed, he added.
Apart from the industrial estates, the Tesco Lotus hypermarket chain has updated its plan, said corporate affairs director Salinla Seehaphan.
The company has closely monitored the situation and prepared detailed contingency plans such as maintaining stocks of noodles, tinned fish, rubbish bags and other essentials.
Only the Ubon Ratchathani store has flooded so far despite high water levels threatening several outlets.