Minister retracts statement on flooding
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Referring to his statement on Thursday predicting widespread flooding in Bangkok caused by damage to the Bang Phrao watergate in Pathum Thani's Sam Khok district, which caused panic among residents, Science Minister Plodprasob Surassawadee explained: "I
During a visit yesterday to the watergate, which is undergoing aroundtheclock repairs, he said 70 per cent of the damaged bits had been repaired and the gap would be plugged by today. Though he did not apologise for making a misleading statement, he did extend his thanks to the military, civilian officials and villagers who have been helping.
Since October 9 Sunday, both sides of the watergate have been damaged by strong currents, allowing water to submerge the eastern part of the district. On Thursday, Plodprasob predicted that a large area of Bangkok would be flooded by water travelling through the broken Bang Phrao watergate.
“We finally have enough metal sheets and heavy machinery,” he said, adding that he was confident that there would be no flooding in the capital.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration lent the machinery to Pathum Thani authorities to help repair the watergate, deputy BMA spokesman Wasant Meewong said.
