Thailand: Businesses press for flood plans

According to Bangkok Post, the business sector is pressing the Thai government to focus on sustainable solutions rather than short-term floodwall construction before the rainy season arrives. Industry Minister Pongsvas Svasti announced the allocation of 4.8 billion baht for building floodwalls in six industrial estates as well as the development of a flood prevention plan for industrial estates.

But factories situated outside industrial estates urged the government to work out measures to help some 400 other factories vulnerable to flooding. "The measures such as funding for concrete dykes are provided only for businesses inside the estates. We want government help for those outside [the estates] too," said Electrical and Electronics Institute president Somboon Hotrakool.