Thailand in trouble
Thailand is in trouble, but not only because of the corona virus. The recurring drought has been playing a role for a long time and, contradictory as it may sound, the floods that have taken place in recent years.
The attitude of the government is striking. As soon as these problems are over, the government goes back to business as usual and no further measures are devised that could be important in the longer term. Large collection basins and better drainage systems are not installed. It is left to the governors of the provinces. But with such large-scale projects, according to the hierarchical model, the governor waits for permission from above. The impending water shortage is having a serious impact on agriculture, especially rice cultivation, which is already yielding fewer harvests.
Another problem is that the electricity supply is under pressure. A number of water reservoirs provide electricity to society and industry via power turbines. An important point to pay attention to.
The second problem is the corona virus, which is also prevalent in Thailand. It is remarkable that there is no unity within politics and the 76 provinces. Buriram was the first province to close its "borders" according to reports. Chonburi will follow, although no clear message has yet been issued. A completely absurd request was not to leave Bangkok, after which a veritable exodus took place against families in the countryside. As long as no financial compensation is given to these people, the only way out is to leave Bangkok to survive.
This week it was announced that Northern Thailand had the dubious honor of being among the top ten most air-polluted areas in the world. As early as January 10, Governor Charoenrit Sanguansat had declared a “Set Zero Camp” with high penalties. Even a fine of 2 million baht was promised. But what farmer can afford that! According to “Thai insights” people do not adhere to commandments and prohibitions. Not here and not in traffic.
Chiang Mai is polluted with 1000 mg/m3; WHO value 25 mg/m3! Even Nan, named the cleanest city in Northern Thailand, suffers from 276 mg/m3.
The largest and most fires would reign in Doi Suthep Pui National Park, moreover, more fires would still occur. What does PM. prayut? He sets up the National Center, which will coordinate everything. Whose deed. An unprecedented power. It is possible that drones will be used to carry out control flights in these areas from December onwards. As soon as a source of fire is discovered, extinguish it with all possible means.
Due to the collapse of the tourist market, it could take quite some time before everything can be started again. Suppose that one could indeed start again at the end of May, then the high season will already be over at the end of November to February. A large number of restaurants and entertainment companies have already gone bankrupt. Who steps in and how do people get staff again, who have now spread out in all directions after being fired. Are the travel organizations already responding to this with agreements in the field of transport, read flight movements.
One positive point for the expats living here. The exchange rate of the Baht is on the move!
These drones can immediately record evidence with that camera.
A two million baht fine will of course not work.
Maybe 6 weeks behind bars for every offense.
Air pollution is becoming a huge disaster in every way.
The statistics over the past 10 years do not lie: it is getting worse at a rapid pace.
Many foreigners who live here are leaving, the tourists stay away.
“the power of big money”
Won't change, not even with drones.
I agree with a lot of things that something needs to change, but then give a solution for those farmers with rice fields, of course, make the water reserves deeper or build new ones, but as long as these people are in government, nothing will be done.
We as pensioners will get through the winter or summer, but I feel sorry for all those people who have to survive on a bag of rice or a satay, on the local market the prices for what I call weeds are 5 to 10 baht and they are still worth it. to look at with a smile?
Dear Andrew,
Nicely described and this also applies to 'Lodewijk Lagemaat'.
I had to laugh a lot why, my wife is already starting to like the weeds in the garden
and finds out with many Thai what is and what is not edible (must not get crazier).
My neighbors have been warned. We're going to survive this.
Yes, people will also take advantage of these times and blame them.
Yet it is clear that we should not forget the humor, this softens it somewhat.
Yours faithfully,
Erwin
If you look at NASA's satellite images, you will see that in the northern areas of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, "only" about 20% of the fires occur within Thai territory. In other words, even if you can banish all fires here, the air pollution will still be more than considerable. By far the biggest “polluter” is Myanmar according to the same figures.