Engineering is easy; cooperation is not

People should better invest their intellectual power and creativity in other ways, to prevent Thailand and Bangkok suffering future natural and enviromental disasters. A good example of that is the work of the two committees appointed by the government to prevent another flood of this character in the short and longer term. Also, international cooperation with countries like my homeland, the Netherlands, gives confidence.

Relocating is not possible, not desirable and not necessary.

At the end of the 18th century King Rama I made a choice for a new capital on grounds and arguments that are still valuable, militarily and economically. Especially the last argument is still important. Do you really think that it’s possible, as in Burma, to build a whole new city? And that foreign investors would be happy to be 100 kilometres or more from important seaports?

Do you really think you can throw away all the capital invested in this world famous city, with its history, culture and dynamics, that makes me proud to be an inhabitant, even now that our house is flooded.

My house in Holland is four metres below sea level. The new phase of the Rotterdam harbour is built 10 kilometres into the North Sea. How about the new Hong Kong airport? Or the islands in the form of a palm tree off the coast of Dubai? All are developed by Dutch companies in cooperation with local companies. 

Creating good protection for Bangkok, not only from rivers but also from the sea, is really a piece of cake. But the main part must come from the Thai government. And of all the signs I’m getting, I trust in the capacity to handle this well. 

One message to Thai politicians: Don’t fight with each other now, but together fight the flood.

Dirk van Vliet

Bangkok