PM returns to flooded Khlong Chan housing estate

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has visited the Khlong Chan housing estate for the second time and defended himself against criticism that he is working from the comfort of “an ivory tower” and is oblivious to the true suffering of flood victims.

He said he did not respond to some dissenting residents who asked why water was not being pumped out of the housing estate, adding that sometimes it is good for them to vent their frustration at someone.

“We can’t expect affected people to feel pleasant under the present circumstances, but we must do our duties. Today, we can’t say that we can stop flooding, but when it is flooded, we must be ready to help people. That is the first thing to do,” he said.

The prime minister explained that floodwater in the housing estate and surrounding areas cannot be pumped out because the level is lower than the water outside and any water drained out would return to the housing estate.

He said that, if there is no more rain today, there would be an opportunity to drain the floodwater.

Asked why he walked barefooted when visited Khlong Chan on Sunday, he said that he didn’t want his shoes to get wet and asked reporters not to over-think the matter.

He said that, when he re-visited the housing estate, there were no complaints of food shortages or lack of electricity. He added that his next visit will be to Rom Klao and Lat Krabang, which are heavily flooded, to find out what the people need.