Thailand seeks flood prevention plan as Bangkok clean-up operation continues
While trying to clean-up Bangkok, companies are wondering when the next flood will take place and if they will be ready to address this threat, reports The Guardian. "We are on the frontline of climate change. As we see rising temperatures, more rain and a higher sea level, Bangkok will be very vulnerable. In the talks in Cancun and Durban, they just talk about reducing greenhouse gases, but the disasters are already here. We should shift the emphasis from mitigation to adaptation," said Seree Supratid, a professor at Rangsit University and government adviser.
Richard Han, the chief executive officer of Hana Microelectronics, estimated the damage to his plants and equipment at more than $30m (£19m). "Add to that gross mismanagement and a lack of infrastructure and it is clear that the government are going to have to prepare better. My big worry is that insurers may not accept flood insurance any more. That could be a trigger for the Thai government to step in. If not, we'd have to build up reserves and self insure," he said.