Public also to blame for causing floods

And rightly so in most cases. But the main reason for this year’s excessive floods lies not with the current government but all those preceding it. For goodness sake, Thailand is a tropical country subject to annual monsoon rains, and while this season has been exceptional, had a basic water management system been in place, rigorously monitored and maintained, the magnitude of even this year’s floods would have been lessened. Reasons for excessive flooding are well known but it is apparent that nobody in this government, or those preceding it, have either the knowledge or political will to design, implement and manage a proper system.
But let’s not forget the duty of the general population. It is hard to travel anywhere in Thailand without seeing the impact of garbage incorrectly disposed of. Both manmade garbage and natural debris from various sources litter roadsides and are significant in blocking drainage channels. Nobody can fail to see the cavalier attitude of people tossing garbage wherever they want, be it the roadside, nearest drain or waterway. While a proper management system is essential, so is educating the general public as to the impact of carelessly-disposed-of garbage.
The time has come for Thailand to call in water management experts from wherever, even if from outside Thailand. It is far better to lose a little face from calling for foreign help than losing more lives, property and income quite unnecessarily.
Chris Kaye
Chonburi