Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra defends her government’s response to the worst floods in 50 years as Bangkok braces itself for a deluge.
Troops in the capital are battling to shore up flood defences around the city centre as they prepare for a massive surge of water, which could arrive within hours.
So far, Bangkok has only seen flooding on the outskirts of the city, but seven districts have now been put on alert, with 200 families evacuated and others told to move cars and valuables to higher ground. Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra has urged people not to panic.
The biggest road to the capital from northern Thailand is closed because of knee-deep water that poured in when canal gates were opened to relieve pressure on dykes.
After just two months in office, Ms Shinawatra has been criticised for the government’s slow response to the floods, which have caused at least £3bn worth of damage and could seriously damage the economy if Bangkok is swamped.
We are facing the most severe flooding ever. Yingluck Shinawatra, Thai Prime Minister
She said: “I tell you the truth, we have done everything to the best of our ability. However, this year we are facing the most severe flooding ever. We need encouragement, support and co-operation from all sectors and from all the people as well.”
The floods in the north, northeast and centre of the country have killed at least 317 people since July, swamping industrial estates and farmland in the world’s top rice exporter.
Of Thailand’s 76 provinces, 27 have been affected, covering 4m acres. According to the United Nations, 745 people have been killed and 8m affected by flooding in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and the Philippines since July.