From today's Bangkok Post:
ENVIRONMENT
Princess worried about Hua Hin floods
Chaiwat Satyaem
PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN : Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn said she is concerned over possible flooding in Hua Hin municipality and has asked about the development of royally-initiated flood relief and prevention schemes.
Chalermkiat Saenwiset, the secretary-general of the special committee coordinating royally-initiated projects, yesterday reported the princess' concerns to a meeting of concerned agencies, including the provincial governor and executives of Hua Hin municipality.
Mr Chalermkiat said the special committee is also concerned about the flood relief and prevention projects after reports from the Meteorological Department that this year will see more rainfall.
Hua Hin district, where Klai Kangwon Palace is located, was declared a disaster zone last year after heavy rainfall.
Panchai Bawornrattapan, the governor, said authorities have been asked to step up measures to prevent flooding.
They have been told to get rid of weeds clogging canals and to remove illegally built structures along canal banks to ensure effective drainage.
Mr Panchai said encroachment along the canal banks has also been reported.
He also suggested the Hua Hin municipality build an embankment along the canal banks to stop soil erosion.
Charoon Pojsunthorn, director of the 14th Irrigation Office, said the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) is confident it can handle floods in Hua Hin.
He said RID chief Theera Wongsamut has ordered officials to closely monitor rainfall on the eastern side of the southern region.
The department, the military and Hua Hin municipality officials were now having canals dredged and making natural water passages, he said.