Flood toll 36, one missing, B15b damage

SINCE Jan. 1 when the downpour started in the Southern region, flash floods have greatly affected the lives and properties of people in 12 Southern provinces with latest being 36 confirmed dead and one missing according to Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department chief Chatchai Promlert’s Tueday update.

In Yala, Ranong, Pattani and Narathiwat, floodwater has almost completely receded while in Phatthalung, Songkhla, Trang, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Krabi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and the hardest-hit Nakhon Si Thammarat, floodwater has yet to leave.

Many district in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani are still flooded as authorities focus on draining the water.

From total 12 provinces, the floods have damaged 17 government properties, 592 roads and 106 bridges, impairing 1.2 million people in 403,478 households in 5,244 villages in 119 districts.

Chen Namchaisiri, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) said the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking estimated no more than 15 billion baht of economic damage while the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) would be minimally effected.

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Top: Several roads and bridges in Southern Thailand have been damaged by floodwater. Photo: Nation Channel TV

Southern weather okay, small quakes up North

AS of Jan. 12, Thai Meteorological Department said the weather condition down south started to turn back normal with less rain while the upper part of Thailand would start to receive more rain instead.

Chiang Mai, Jan. 12, there were several small earthquakes with magnitude ranging from 1.3 to 2.7 in Amphoe Mae Wang, Amphoe Mae Suai and once in Amphoe Jomthong. There has been no report of any damage to properties or injuries so far according to the Seismological Bureau, Thai Meteorological Department.

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Inset: Map shows the area where many small earthquakes occurred on Jan. 12. Photo: Tmd.go.th

Donate and talk to PM, Cabinet and celebrities

DEPUTY Government Spokesman Lt General Werachon Sukondhapatipak revealed on Thursday that the government will organize a special fund-raising event to help people affected by the floods by having Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Cabinet members and celebrities answering phone calls from donors interested in helping flood victims.

The event is to be held live from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. upcoming Sunday, via Television Pool of Thailand.

New governor gets tough on pavement woes

DEC. 8, Bangkok governor Pol Gen Aswin Kwanmuang chaired a meeting with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and City Law Enforcement Department to find appropriate measures to address pavement violation problems caused mainly by motorcyclists.

Last month, governor Aswin announced a new policy in a bid to keep motorcyclists and street vendors from encroaching on public pedestrians space, a problem Bangkokians have been facing for as long as the traffic problem itself.

In his declaration, the governor ordered city inspectors and police to work together and use strong measures to enforce the law on riders who fail to follow regulations.

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Inset: Police load illegally parked motorcycles on to their pickup truck. Photo: Bangkokpost.com

58 gamblers arrested in casino raid

AT 1.30 a.m. Sunday Jan. 8, Lt Col Puachart Urailert, commander of the 11th Infantry Battalion led a team of around 20 soldiers to raid a casino in Ratchadapisek Soi 36 (Sua Yai) in the Chankasem area of Chatuchak district.

A total of 58 gamblers, consisting of 37 men and 21 women, were arrested along with the seizure of 2 baccarat tables, 1 computer set, an amount of cash and some gambling equipment. The casino was a 60-square-wah room in a one-storey building.

The arrested gamblers were then taken to Phahon Yothin police station for further legal proceedings.

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Below: Soldiers inspecting the casino they raided in Ratchadapisek Soi 36 last Sunday. Photo: Thairath.co.th

By Piboon Awasdaruharote

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