Global Security Studies Practicum

6 December 2011 BANGKOK, THAILAND – Very rarely are the people of Thailand graced with the presence of their leader, King Bhumibol Adulyadej . The Thai King recently made a public appearance in order to show his support to victims affected by the recent heavy flooding. The King also made it a point to declare an end to various political conflicts and encourage cooperation among his subjects in order to better serve the millions of Thai citizens that have been hit hard by flooding. The King was met by a large crowd in the tens of thousands, holding flags and chanting, “ Trong phra charoen! ”. However, out of respect for those that are still suffering, the King asked of his people that their celebrating be put on hold. Normally, this time would be one of celebration with the King’s birthday and the procession of Royal barges down the Chao Phraya River , but the heavy flooding has resulted in the crest of the River making it inaccessible. Currently 84 years of age, King Bhum...

30 November 2011 BANGKOK, THAILAND – The death toll continues to climb as Thailand attempts to recover from the worst flooding in more than 50 years. Heavy monsoon rains that began in July that were accompanied by a series of tropical storms proved to be the catalyst for what has turned into extensive amounts of flooding that had ultimately engulfed more that 77 of Thailand’s provinces , over two-thirds of the country. Of these 77 provinces, today 17 still remain inaccessible due to heavy flooding and the Thai government has stated that the majority of deaths were the result of drowning, in what has now passed 600 dead. Thai officials have commented that the four-month long ordeal has seen some improvements, as large clean ups have been organized in several areas where flooding has receded and the recovery process can begin. Despite the recent situational improvements in certain areas, other areas along with their inhabitants remain submerged until the flooding can be dive...

17 November 2011 BANGKOK, THAILAND – Making a quick detour on her way to Bali for a regional summit, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton showed her support to the victims hit by the recent heavy flooding in Thailand. The Secretary of State is seen performing the traditional Thai greeting called “ wai ”, as she visits the Rajamangala National Stadium , home to over 1,500 flood evacuees. Secretary Clinton’s visit came shortly after the assembly of a $10 million aid plan, which will help support the recovery of the heavy losses suffered due to the recent severe flooding in Thailand. Along with aid funding, the USS Lassen of the U.S. Navy fleet, has docked in a Thai port and has provided crew and equipment to further aid relief efforts. Efforts are also being made in Washington D.C. to work with the Thai government in order to help restore important cultural sites throughout the country that were badly damaged by the heavy flooding. SOURCE: http://www.huffingtonpost.c...

9 November 2011 The recent heavy flooding that has ravished the Southeast Asian country of Thailand has not only rattled infrastructure, but is now causing political unease within the country. Former Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva , has recently made criticizing statements towards the current political party, whom his party lost the Prime Minister seat to. The former Prime Minister has criticized Thailand’s current Prime Minister in office, Yingluck Shinawatra , of failing to properly respond to the recent heavy flooding. The current party is facing criticism from it’s political opponents for using funds towards populist programs such as, providing tablet computers for schoolchildren and offering tax breaks to individuals who are purchasing a vehicle or home for the first time, rather than using these funds towards the country’s current flood crisis. The former Prime Minister spoke at the Thai Parliament last week, where discontent for the current flood relief situat...

2 November 2011 BANGKOK, THAILAND – The recent heavy flooding in the Thai Kingdom has taken lives, displaced thousands, and is now posing an economic threat to an already weather-battered country. Thailand was once a leader among the fastest growing world economies , but has seen significant slow down in more recent years when compared to its neighboring countries, such as Vietnam and Indonesia. Much of Thailand’s recent economic underperformance has been attributed to the recent floods as well as a series of natural disasters that have hit the country over the last several years. One of the Government’s priorities is to maintain investors and keep investor confidence high. Earlier in the week, Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra voiced future plans to have an $800 billion baht ($25.97 billion) aid program to help farmers and business operators affected by flooding. Thai Government spokesman Thitima Chaisaeng, stated that major portions of aid funding will be u...

26 October 2011 THAILAND – Despite advanced efforts to combat potential flooding, Bangkok is now seeing several of its districts succumb to powerful flood waters. Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra , recanted earlier statements made regarding the certainty that the capitol city would indeed be safe from flooding. Thai officials went to great lengths to impose barriers and water gates, but the powerful force of the flood waters have proved to be too much for the barriers in place. Thai officials are maintaining a close watch on the Chao Phraya River , which snakes through Bangkok and has begun to overflow into neighborhoods in the capitol city. Reports have been made of about 4 inches of water around the inner city in the Lak Si district of Bangkok, where several government buildings are located. The Thai government has declared a public holiday to go on through next week in order to encourage residents who have not properly gathered supplies and set up defenses...

12 October 2011 BANGKOK, THAILAND – Residents have been clearing the shelves of markets in preparations to brace for intense flooding in the coming days. Yingluck Shinawatra , the Prime Minister of Thailand has issued a warning to businesses across the country stating that business owners should reframe from price gouging and taking advantage of typical supply and demand situations in times of natural disaster preparations. T he Prime Minister feels that if businesses raise their prices that it will cause suffering locals, who were hit hard by the heavy monsoon rains, to turn to crime and the hoarding of businesses to get the provisions they need. Another issue that Thai officials are worried about is the fact that Bangkok is a mere two meters above sea level, which leaves the country’s capitol highly vulnerable to reservoir overflows due to the intense swelling of the Chao Phraya River . According to Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation , since late J...