Thailand speeds up flood prevention systems

BANGKOK, January 28 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has ordered agencies concerned to speed up developing the country's flood prevention systems, based on lessons learned from a worst flooding crisis in the country late last year. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit told journalists that Premier Yingluck has instructed the quick actions to resolve the country's flooding problems in the long run, including reforestation, dredging of waterways and launching floodways, as well as the construction of more reservoirs. The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, meanwhile, announced that it is outlining a sustainable transport master plan under which measures on flood prevention and reduced greenhouse gas emissions are included. The office's deputy director, Charnchai Suwisutthikul, said that his office will submit the proposed master plan to the Ministry of Transport for further consideration over the next five months. (TNA)