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Thaksin Proposes B400Bn Solution


Flashermac

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DUBAI : As Thailand faces one of its worst ever flood disasters, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has called for the government to invest in an integrated water management system to permanently solve inundation and drought problems.

 

Talking to the Bangkok Post in this Middle Eastern state, Thaksin estimated such a system would cost up to 400 billion baht.

 

But the huge investment would be worthwhile. "This year alone I estimate that damage from the current flood will be more than 100 billion baht."

 

He has not yet discussed the idea with his younger sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, the prime minister, as she is working to relieve the hardship of people affected by flooding.

 

Thaksin said an effective system would retain water in the rainy season and then release it in the dry season for agriculture.

 

Once the flood crisis is over, he will raise the idea with his sister and recommend she implement it as soon as possible.

 

"Looking at it from a positive perspective, the current flood crisis provides a good opportunity for the government to think about an integrated water management system and I believe all parties would agree with it," he said.

 

Thaksin said the government might not have to pay for the project in cash as a barter trade deal could be reached. "We can pay for the project with our agricultural produce," he said.

 

He pointed to countries with expertise in water management such as China and some Middle Eastern states. However, he said China could be a perfect choice as the offer of a deal involving farm produce would interest the Asian giant.

 

Thaksin expressed his appreciation to the Democrat Party for its move to help provide food and essential items to flood victims.

 

"This is a very good signal for the country. When we are facing a crisis, all political parties brush their political differences aside and work together to help the country. For me, this is a very important and positive sign for the country," he said.

 

Thaksin said his sister's government was also receiving support from all concerned parties, both in the private and government sectors, particularly the army.

 

But he conceded that the uncontrollable flood has affected the popularity of the government to a certain extent.

 

"The government needs to perform well both in terms of speed and efficiency in the rehabilitation stage after the floods have gone. This could help the government to regain popularity," he said.

 

Thaksin was confident his sister would overcome this tough situation. "She has worked hard every day. I'm confident she will sail through this crisis," he said.

 

The government has ordered aerial photos of all flooded terrain to analyse waterways so that it can efficiently develop additional water retention areas to reduce the impact on downstream areas.

 

Although Thaksin is in self-imposed exile and faces a two-year jail sentence for abuse of power if he returns to Thailand, he said he feels great sympathy for those suffering from the floods and is willing to do what he can to help them.

 

He will urge his sister's government to speed up implementation of many policies the Pheu Thai Party had promised voters during the election campaign.

 

 

 

 

BP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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