Channelling the Deluge
An evening with Dr. Anond Snidvongs

8pm, Tuesday October 9, 2012

Members: No cover charge Cover charge for non-members: 300 Baht. Standard quick menu

 

Today it seems everybody has an "expert" opinion on rain and floods. But despite the government's efforts, a credible picture of the flood situation this year has not emerged. While politicians issue conflicting statements, the government struggles not just to coordinate information and strategy, but also to figure out how much rain is going to fall and when and where.

With monsoon rains reaching their peak across most of Thailand, fears of a repeat of the epic floods of 2011 remain. Even if circumstances this year are different, the threat of major flooding is perennial. With most of Bangkok and its surrounds - the hub of Thailand's economy - notoriously flood prone and depending entirely on powered drainage, large thundershowers that temporarily flood swathes of the city do little to allay the anxiety of residents and the business sector.

During the 2011 flood the government called on one man for an accurate science-based assessment of the situation to join its crisis team: climate scientist Dr Anond Snidvongs, Executive Director of the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, and Director of the scientific think tank SEA-START.

Amid the din of conflicting opinions Dr Anond remains armed with the latest satellite maps and rain and water data, and as such in the best position to know exactly what is going on - the question on the minds of many today, Thais and foreigners alike.

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