Army chief visits Rama II, urges kindness
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Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha yesterday expressed concern about the condition of parts of Rama II Road, while urging Thais not to forget their human values or the kindness he said was part of their national character.
Prayuth said the military would provide preliminary assistance to people near Rama II Road, and that district offices and other agencies would carry on the help. About 5,000 households in the National Housing Authority’s projects 1 and 2 are affected. The area is a low plain with limited drainage channels and short canals that overflow quickly.
It is too late to prevent flooding, as it is clear that a large amount of water will arrive in the area, he said, adding that the focus now must be on giving assistance to residents and evacuating people to prepared shelters.
Prayuth was speaking during a visit to Rama II Soi 69 in Bang Khunthien district with First Army Region chief Lt-General Udomdej Seetabut.
The 9th Infantry Division is in charge of the Thon Buri area, and the Second and Third Army regions are also ready to help, Prayuth said.
Speaking to people in a shelter, Prayuth asked them to show compassion and unity.
“We can’t blame anybody. There’s a large amount of water. The government and related agencies are draining the water to three main rivers. Now we have to figure out how to live our lives from now on. We must think together. Don’t look for someone to blame for the floods; we have to figure out why the flooding happened and then develop long-term solutions,” the Army chief said, adding that playing the blame game would hurt everyone.
“When I visit flood-affected places and people blame me, I feel bad and don’t want to help them. Please be nice. Thais are actually nice. That character has been missing for quite some time. Please bring it back. People want to help nice people,” he said.
“I understand how it feels to lose houses and property. But please let’s not lose our human values, or the kindness which is in Thai people’s character,” he said.
Asked by reporters what impact the removal of parts of the Big Bag barrier in Don Mueang district would have, Prayuth declined to answer, saying the Flood Relief Operations Centre (FROC) was evaluating the situation.
“FROC is in charge of planning and management. Please listen to the FROC and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. They must find solutions. Normally, the water level would increase if the barrier is removed. I don’t know if it’s worth risking [the impact on] other areas. The impact must be considered carefully,” he said.
