We were 'not well prepared' for the floods, says Thailand water expert

“There are lessons to be learnt,” Apichart Anukulampai, head of the Thailand Water Resources Association, said at the start of a two-day forum on flood management, organised by the Asian Development Bank and the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board, reports AlertNet.

According to Apichart, infrastructure such as roads and bridges obstructed natural water flows and sluice gates constructed mainly for irrigation were not efficient as it did not stop the torrent of water from overflowing.

“Public awareness and culture of preparedness will have to be strengthened,” he added. “I think people have to learn that we are at risk.”