Ayutthaya to appeal for more flood funds

The provincial governor will ask the prime minister to give more flood compensation to large farms and factories after earlier pay-outs fell short of the amount needed to repair actual damages. The province was hit hard by last year's heavy downpours and is among provinces in the Central Plains where large areas of fields were used as water catchment areas into which excess water from the Chao Phraya river was diverted to avoid massive run-off to downstream Bangkok.

Governor Cherdphan na Songkhla said the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry promised to pay 2,400 baht per rai in compensation to farmers and businessmen. The amount offered, however, was too little to alleviate their losses. Damage to farmland and businesses from the floods was estimated at 400 million baht in Ayutthaya. The businesses which suffered include orchid and decorative plant farms, golf courses, and factories.

''More than 70 operators will talk to the prime minister and ask for help tomorrow,'' said Mr Cherdphan.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont will discuss the impact of the floods with provincial governors from 46 provinces which were hit by floods last year.

During the flood period in October and November, water in the Chao Phraya river reached its peak when about 5,900 cubic metres of water per second flowed downstream from Nakhon Sawan to lower provinces, the highest flow in 60 years.

Many farmers and villagers called for immediate compensation but complained later that the financial help was too meagre, and came too late.

The government says it has already disbursed the entire flood relief budget, and denies claims the money still has not reached some families.

Bangkok Post
Sunday January 28, 2007