At the FROC, Prof. Tongthong Chandransu, FROC Spokesperson, held a briefing on the current flood situation, which was aired live on Channel 11. Summary is as follows. 

Today at 1300 hours, at the Inner Santi Maitri Building, Government House, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra spoke to the Thai and foreign press regarding the Strategic Measures for the Country's Rehabilitation. The Government's strategy for the country's rehabilitation can be separated into three parallel phases, namely, the 3 Rs, rescue, restore and rebuild.

In Phase 1, the immediate phase, or the "rescue" phase, FROC was tasked to address the urgent needs of the people, such as shelters, medical care, donations, as well as flood management and  foreign assistance.

In Phase 2 or the short term "restore" phase, the objective is to return the various systems affected back to normalcy. These include provision of remedies like compensation, financial assistance, loans and various benefits for the general public and the business sector. It includes infrastructure development, economics and quality of life. A committee dedicated to these provisions was also set up under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Yongyoot Wichaidit.

For Phase 3, or the long term "rebuild" phase, work will continue to bring back confidence and restore the country's prosperity and stability. For this phase, two committees have been set to carry forward the effort as soon as the water recedes, namely the Strategic Formulation Committee for Reconstruction and Future Development and the Strategic Formulation Committee for Water Resources Management. The first committee will be chaired by Dr. Veerapong Ramangkul, and the second committee chaired by the Prime Minister, with the Deputy Prime Minister as designate, and advised by Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul. The task of the first committee includes an insurance scheme for industries while for the second committee, it will be to use resources to manage water in the most effective way, while ensuring transparency and financial discipline in the process.

All government agencies have put in the utmost effort in solving the crisis, as a national agenda. The Government will work to continue to build confidence in the Kingdom, so as to move  the country forward, towards greater strength.

As for the current flood situation in eastern Bangkok, the floodwaters have flowed along Vipawadee Rangsit Rd. up to Soi Chokechai Ruammit. On Rachadapisek Rd., the water is currently at Chao Phraya Park Hotel. On Paholyothin Rd., the water level remains stable in the Jatujak Weekend Market area. For residents of the area near Klong Saen Saap, from Minburi to Bangkapi, you are advised to follow the situation closely. At Bang Shun Industrial Estate, the water levels are still moderate and roads still open for travel.  Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, the armed forces has already sent personnel to build temporary walls, as well as to talk to the residents of the area and request for cooperation, which they have received.

In western Bangkok, although we have seen lower water levels in some areas, the residents near canals are advised to monitor the situation closely and be alert for announcements by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

As for road travel to southern Thailand, Rama 2 Rd., which is used for such route, may be affected to a degree by the floods in the coming three to four days, because the route is low-lying. Although the water is currently one kilometer away from the road, alternative routes are being planned for travel to the southern part of Thailand.

Today's Cabinet meeting did not resolve to declare additional holidays this week because a number of government officials can still travel to assist the people affected by the floods. However, superiors in various agencies can approve the leave of absence of officials affected, which will not be counted as a leave days. Expressways along six routes continue to exempt tolls fees, and this has been extended until 20 November 2011.

Finally, November 10, this Thursday, is the traditional Loy Kratong festival, and the general public is advised to be take special caution during that night for kratongs, or floatillas, floating objects---along rivers or even flooded streets. These kratongs  carry lighted candles, a fire hazard.

Flood Relief Operations Center (FROC)

8 November 2011