The Government and all sectors of Thai society have joined hands in easing the hardships of flood victims. Several countries, such as China, Japan, the United States, and New Zealand, have expressed intention to help flood victims in Thailand.
The Chinese government donated one million US dollars in cash and flood relief supplies worth 10 yuan, or about 50 million baht.
The Japanese government, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, pledged to donate eight relief items, such as tents, sleeping bags, blankets, and water purifiers, worth 30 million yen, or 12 million baht. The United States would like to donate about 100,000 US dollars through the Thai Red Cross Society. New Zealand also showed its intention to donate 100,000 New Zealand dollars.
The Fund to Help Disaster Victims, which was set up by the Prime Minister’s Office, has so far received a donation of 370 million baht. Out of this amount, 267 million baht was spent by the Flood Relief Operations Center on providing assistance to flood victims. The center, which is located at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok, has increased more channels for people to offer donations, at all 7-Elevan shops.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Sport, Chumpol Silpa-archa, said that because of the flooding situation, some countries had issued travel warnings to their nationals about visiting Thailand. Even so, the warnings were at a low level and officials are closely monitoring tourist arrivals. He believed that the flooding situation would not affect the International Horticultural Exposition, or the “Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2011,” to be held in Chiang Mai, from November this year to February next year to commemorate the 84th birthday anniversary of His Majesty the King.
Meanwhile, Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan province has prepared flood-prevention measures to cope with the situation. It has asked the Rural Highways Department to dredge Lat Krabang canal to accommodate more flood water and drain it rapidly to the sea. The Royal Irrigation Department was also asked to speed up expelling flood water into the sea, as well.
As for measures to protect the inner area of the airport from flooding, the Rural Highways Department has reinforced earth embankments around the area. The reservoir within the airport now accommodates one million cubic meters of water, while it will be able to absorb three million cubic meters of water.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has opened a flood relief center, which operates around the clock in Min Buri district. The center offers assistance to flood victims in the districts of Nong Chok, Min Buri, Lat Krabang, and Khlong Sam Wa, all in the East of Bangkok.
Contact numbers of the Flood Relief Operations Center: Tel 02-5043248-51 Fax 02-5043252.
Website: http://floodthailand.net
Email: [email protected]
via Inside Thailand — Assistance for Flood Victims and Flood Relief Efforts.
