Is the government capable of learning flood lessons?

It’s not too late for valuable lessons to be learned in order to turn adversity into advancement and oppression into opportunity, emphasising the 3 Rs – reconstruction, revitalisation and restoration of civic pride.

A far-sighted master plan must be cooperatively envisioned and implemented nationally that aims to minimise vested interest and corruption and maximise progressive, sustainable, environmentally conscious initiatives that actually work. 

Floods are no longer controlled by fickle nature, but also depend on human culpability factors such as urbanisation, land misuse, deforestation and discharge. Sustainable reform must consider progression of land subsidence; insufficient drainage capacity; a need for watershed management; the role of forecast and warning systems; consolidation of disaster-management responsibilities; restructuring of outmoded laws and regulations; and eliminating red tape.

A modified version of His Majesty the King’s admirable sufficiency-economy approach makes common sense, streamlined to accommodate the wants, needs and aspirations of the village poor, ensuring full and active participation in decision-making. Same-same excuses, same time next year?

Charles Frederickson

Bangkok