Sutin" orders the navy to push water from the north out to the Gulf of Thailand, fearing a repeat of the flooding in Bangkok in 2011. Mr. Suthin Khlangsaeng, Acting Minister of Defense, said after the meeting to monitor the situation and solve the flooding problem in the northern region, together with the Royal Thai Army Disaster Relief Center and the armed forces, including related agencies at the Ministry of Defense that today the Ministry of Defense met with the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center of the Royal Thai Army, the Royal Thai Navy, the Royal Thai Air Force, the Royal Thai Army, and the Third Army Area, including all military districts under the Third Army Area. The report on the overall flooding situation and solutions was satisfactory. However, there was one thing that he thought needed to be done more quickly, which was to push the water from the north down the Chao Phraya River. The Royal Thai Navy, which is well-equipped with this equipment, must push the water out to the Gulf of Thai land as quickly as possible. In 2011, when there was a major flood, it was because the water could not be pushed out to sea and was not in time. Therefore, he ordered the Royal Thai Navy to prepare to push the water out as quickly as possible. This will make the problems and worries in the Bangkok area less severe than in 2011. The navy reported in the meeting about the survey of vulnerable and risky points along the Chao Phraya River where the embankment may collapse, with many areas where the situation is very worrying. All sectors responsible, other than the navy, such as the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and the Ministry of Interior, are requested to quickly go in and help take action. Mr. Sutin also said that he had ordered the meeting that even in areas where flooding had not yet occurred, preparations should be made, such as in the area of the 2nd Army in the northeastern region, including the area under the responsibility of the 4th Army in the southern region, which may need to prepare for the situation about 1-2 months in advance. He stressed that all units should do their best today. Mr. Sutin said that from monitoring the weather forecast in the next month, it was found that there might be another monsoon, which would pass between the Northeast and the North, and would affect both areas and make the situation even more worrying. As for the observation that the major flooding occurred while there were two female prime ministers, Mr. Suthin laughed before saying that it was just a coincidence and emphasized that the situation in Bangkok would not be a concern if the navy could push water out as ordered. At the same time, other agencies would have to help remove water hyacinths that blocked the waterways, both in the Chao Phraya River and small canals, so that the water could flow quickly and not flood. As for the concerns that the villagers have asked the relevant agencies to quickly go in to help restore the area after the water recedes, Mr. Sutin said that th is issue was discussed in the cabinet meeting this morning, and the government is ready, and the Budget Bureau has confirmed that there is sufficient budget. As for the observation that the amount of water flowing down from the North may affect the royal barge procession for the royal Kathin robe offering ceremony at Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan in October, Mr. Sutin stated that there has been no discussion at the meeting of the armed forces. He personally believes that it may have some impact, but if the water is pushed out as quickly as possible, it should help. However, it depends on the amount of rain that will fall after this. If we look at the amount of rain today, we are not worried yet. However, if there is a lot of rain after this and it exceeds expectations, it may be difficult. Source: Thai News Agency
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