Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra must communicate better with residents so they gain a better understanding of flash floods, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said Thursday.
The city was ill-prepared for the flooding on Wednesday, the second downpour in two days after Tuesday's inner-city flooding drama also caught the city by surprise. Commuters have expressed their frustration with the city's tardy response, with some areas taking hours to drain.
Gen Prawit said it was the governor's job to solve the water inundation problem and learn to convey messages to the public. "If [people] understand the situation, they won't complain," said Gen Prawit, who was assigned by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Wednesday to oversee city flooding.
He also suggested the governor step up preventative measures to handle flooding.
Meanwhile, MR Sukhumbhand said he "was joking" when he told city residents who could not cope with flooding to "go to live on a mountain".
The remarks drew heavy criticism on social media as residents were furious over the inundation and traffic congestion which swamped the city for two consecutive days.
The governor blamed the media for taking his remarks too seriously. He said he has ordered city officials to monitor water levels around the clock.
He again admitted to have underestimated the impact of the thunderstorm and was not well-prepared for the downpours which hit the heart of the city on Wednesday night.
The governor said he was willing to take responsibility for the mistakes over the past two days and demanded the media not criticise city staff who were working hard to keep the city dry.
All areas in the city were properly drained by 11pm on Wednesday, he said.
He insisted the city drainage system has been improved since he took the office six years ago. Many flood-prone areas in the city do not flood anymore during the rainy season, he said.
However, MR Sukhumbhand said the canals in the city haven't been dredged as water needs to be available for farmers in the east of Bangkok.
The city has already faced a drought this year. He said the city cannot overlook farmers as they are in a low-paid occupation.
City clerk Sanya Chenimit said the city was already facing a water shortage, despite this week's storms since it was now entering the dry season.
Si Mum Muang market staff try to drain floodwater from the market compound to a nearby canal on March 26, 2015 following heavy rain on the previous day. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)