Soldiers from all units told to operate at all flood-risk areas

Soldiers from all units told to operate at all flood-risk areas

Soldiers from all units have been instructed to assist flood victims and operate at flood-risk areas in the country around the clock.

The instruction was given by Defense Minister General Yuthasak Sasiprapa, who stressed the readiness of the Army to help ease the flooding situation and the hardships of the affected people.

He also instructed army officials to work with the police in protecting flood walls in eastern Bangkok, and the Navy was also instructed to look after the embankment at the flood gate in the area of Thawi Watthana Canal, in order to protect the city from severe floods.

He stated that a disaster relief operations center had been established at the Royal Army Club on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, and it is now operational to assist flood-hit residents.

The Defense Minister said that the Royal Army Club was also ready to accommodate the Flood Relief Operations Center, if it needed to be relocated from Don Mueang Airport.

BANGKOK, 27 October 2011 (NNT) - Reporter : Supaporn Carusarnpisit

News Date : 27 October 2011

Ministry of Energy to store up oil for 11 more days in case of emergency

Ministry of Energy to store up oil for 11 more days in case of emergency

Energy Minister Pichai Naripthaphan stated that the current flood disaster has put Thailand in another critical time, forcing the preparation to reserve national energies.

Ministry of Energy has a plan to extend the period of oil storage from 18 days to 29 days, hoping to meet the demand during the time of crisis shared by Thailand and other countries. The plan is now during the build-up process joined by government and private sectors.

It is initially found that oil depots owned by the private sector still have potentials to store up more oil. So far, 276 gas stations nationwide have been affected by floods and 242 of them have closed down. Among them are 88 LPG gas stations, NGV gas stations and 18 gas filling plants.

Nevertheless, the Bangkok North power plant still continues its operation as usual with back-up plans prepared in case of emergency. It is confirmed that Thailand will not see oil and gas shortage but the shipping might be delayed due to some changes in delivery routes.

BANGKOK, 27 October 2011 (NNT) – Reporter : Boonyanut Chompan

News Date : 27 October 2011