Bangkok governor warned about flood threat

BANGKOK, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Thailand's interior minister said he would remove the Bangkok governor if he fails to work with the government in preparing for potential floods this year.

"I can do it by law but that would be the last resort," said Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit. "Flooding requires a concerted effort. Bangkok must understand we have to work things out together."

Section 52 (8) of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Act allows the interior minister to dismiss Bangkok Gov. Sukhumbhand Paribatra if the governor "has neglected his or her duty, causing serious damage to the city, to the public, or to people's welfare," the Bangkok Post reported Friday.

"The government isn't pressuring City Hall," Yongyuth said. "But as a local administration organization, it is under the government's supervision. It is not an independent state."

Conflict between the city and national governments was cited as one factor that hindered flood management last year, the newspaper said.

An agreement reached between the national government and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reached a 12-point deal to prevent the center of Bangkok from flooding, Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi said Thursday.

"Residents of Bangkok can rest assured that the city will not be flooded. If flooding occurs, it will be brief and cause the least amount of damage," Plodprasop said.