Protests by residents of flooded areas are increasing throughout the Bangkok area.
The latest protest threat came from residents of the Ram Intra area, who said they would block Ram Intra Road in response to removal of the flood barrier at Kor Por Or intersection on Phahonyothin Road, the Bangkok Post reported. The Ram Intra residents say removal of the barrier will increase flooding in their neighborhood.
In Pathum Thani, residents are putting together a petition to demand the removal of the flood barrier on Vibghavadi Rangsit Road, led by former finance minister Surapong Suebwonglee. On Wednesday, Pathum Thani residents blocking the Don Mueang tollway clashed with motorists.
In western Bangkok, about 100 residents from Thai Watthana, Taling Chan, and Bang Kae blocked a section of Kanchanapisek road to demand that the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority spell out a coherent plan. Sluicegates were recently raised at Khlong Khun Sri Burirak, Khlong Kwai and Khlong Soi to help drain Nonthaburi, and they wanted to know how the BMA would deal with increased runoff rushing into their areas.
“We are willing to ease the hardship of people in Nonthaburi,” said Rueng Muangchum, a resident. “We just want to know what the BMA’s drainage plan is, how they will drain the water and how long the flood will stay.”
Nonthaburi residents had protested themselves earlier in the week to demand the opening of the floodgatesto help drain their communities.
National Disaster Warning Centre director Somsak Khaosuwan said officials will need to do more to protect the barriers to ensure the drainage goes as planned.
“Removing the flood walls can’t ease the flood situation,” Capt Somsak said. “On the contrary, it takes longer to drain the flood because the water spreads. If the floodwater is contained, we can deploy water pumps and drain the water more efficiently.”
