Flooding yet again: More practical drains needed?

As someone who has lived here since 1974, formerly in Bangkok, I have witnessed much flooding and the efforts of those in power to do something about it. I must say that the situation, in Bangkok at least, improved markedly when Chamlong Srimuang was in charge of the city. 

There have been many attempts to solve the problem, and it is not an easy job in a tropical country. However Singapore, although a very much smaller country, has thought ahead and has an excellent system of storm drains and water catchment areas, and I would have thought that some help from them would be useful – without treading on any local toes here, of course! 

Then there are the Dutch who are renowned for controlling water levels. 

I wonder whether such people have been asked to help? I do not see much evidence of it. 

I now live in the Jomtien area of Pattaya, and the other night there was a very heavy rainstorm and – wait for it – several parts of the beach were washed away, exposing tree roots and underground cables. Practical storm drains? 

Observer

Bangkok