Deforestation, khlongs, reservoirs and the floods of 2011
Were the major floods of 2011 a man-made disaster? Yes, some say, deforestation, overfilled reservoirs and unmaintained canals were the culprits. No, says Tino Kuis and he explains why.
Floods: Low confidence Japanese companies
Japanese investors have serious doubts about the government's ability to prevent floods like last year. Some labour-intensive companies could move abroad because of the increase in the minimum wage as of April 1.
TU Delft is investigating flooding problems in Thailand
Commissioned by the Expertise Network for Water Safety (ENW), a network of experts in the field of water safety, a TU Delft delegation visited Thailand to investigate the flooding problem in Thailand together with experts from the local Kasetsart University.
According to Dr. Seree, there is less rain in Thailand this year
Who doesn't know him in Thailand? At the time of the floods upstream of Bangkok, Prof. Dr. Seree Supratid was not to be burned off the TV screen, especially after he had contradicted many predictions of other experts with his view. Would he also be right this time with his prediction that it will rain much less in Thailand this year? As a result, according to Dr. Seree, there will be much less flooding this year. I spoke to the learned gentleman…
The day I came home
Now that the misery of the flooding is over, many people from the affected areas have returned home. Greeted by sad images, that make happy memories fade. Many stories emerge; one of them – in the Bangkok Post – is by a writer from Lat Lum Kaeo, Pathum Thani.
Short flood news
During the floods, many government departments received money to buy water pumps, but none provided a receipt proving that the money was used.
Minister promises: Never again floods
It seems like a fairy tale. Industrial areas, economic zones and major cities will not be flooded next year.
Short flood news
The air force defends its request for 10 billion baht for repairs. According to Air Force Chief Itthaporn Subhawong, the floods have caused massive damage to engineering facilities and high-tech communications equipment [at Don Mueang Airport].
News in brief from Thailand – December 9
Corruption has reached a critical level, say 90,4 percent of respondents in a poll by the Research Center of Bangkok University. 1.161 people in Bangkok were interviewed. 69 percent think people should stand up against corruption; 24,45 percent thinks corruption is not a problem and 6,6 percent thinks corruption is acceptable.
Schools reopen after Thailand floods (video)
Hundreds of children are on their way back to the classrooms in Bangkok, which had to be cleaned first. Life in the countryside is starting again. Al Jazeera's Wayne Hay reports from Bangkok.
Short flood news 7 December
Between 80 and 100 neighborhoods in Bangkok, Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi are still under water. Prime Minister Yingluck says they need to be drained quickly so residents can go home in time to celebrate a 'happy' New Year.
Short flood news 5 December
More than a hundred residents of Putthamonthon Sai 4 (Nakhon Pathom) blocked the Putthamonthon Sai 4 road on Sunday.
As with all other residents' actions, they demanded that the water be drained from their neighborhood more quickly. Authorities promised to install water pumps and deploy vehicles to transport commuters. The residents also asked for EM balls to treat the contaminated water.
Short flood news (update December 3)
The Rangsit campus of Thammasat University suffered nearly 3 billion baht in damage. The university hospital in particular suffered badly from the floods. Part of the damage is reimbursed by the insurance. Yesterday was Big Cleaning Day.
Safe parking on Don Mueang was disappointing
Between 30 and 50 cars were flooded at Don Mueang Airport after staff moved the cars from the first floor to the ground floor of the parking garage.
Protests all over Bangkok
The Thai authorities do not have it easy. In the past two days, residents have mobilized in various places in Bangkok.
Short (flood) news (update November 23)
The schools in Bangkok under the responsibility of the municipality will resume classes on December 1 instead of December 6 and in seven heavily flooded districts on December 13 or later.
Thailand: cleaning up after floods (video)
A major clean-up operation is underway in Thailand after the worst flooding in the past 50 years. Part of the country is still under water, but it is slowly getting less.
Flooded are more than fed up with the water
Tensions are rising in the areas north and west of the capital Bangkok, which have been struggling with flooding for weeks. The residents are more than tired of having to bleed and pay for keeping the city center water-free.