Research warns Himalayan glaciers melting 65% faster, threatening 20% of India's GDP

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt explained that the Bueng Khu Bon and Bueng Bang Chan projects are studies by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration that apply the monkey cheek concept, not projects directly stemming from royal initiatives. He confirmed that the consideration was based on academic data, drainage efficiency, budget value, and public benefit. After the major flood in 2011, the Drainage Department studied approaches for creating six water retention ponds, with four projects previously halted after public consultation processes. Bueng Khu Bon and Bueng Bang Chan remained as the two projects under continued consideration. But upon reviewing the details, the investment amounts were found to be high, so they had to be compared with other approaches. According to the consultant team's study, the system-wide monkey cheek approach would cost about 11 billion baht, while the approach of improving canals and the drainage system would cost about 6.7 billion baht. The BMA therefore considered improving canals to convey water faster, alongside enhancing the efficiency of Bueng Nong Bon and the drainage tunnel system. On the issue of connections with a real estate company, Chadchart stated that he had previously served as an executive of Quality Houses Public Company Limited, which had filed an objection to a project in the Phatthanakan area through the process prescribed by law. But decisions about the project are the authority of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the cancellation of the project occurred during the term of a previous Bangkok governor, while he did not hold the position at that time. As for water management principles, an effective monkey cheek must have water retention areas, water intake systems, and appropriate water discharge systems. Bueng Khu Bon and Bueng Bang Chan have a combined capacity of about 1 million cubic meters, while the volume of rainwater in Bangkok is large and spread across many areas, so the entire drainage system must be considered, not just increasing water storage areas alone. Chadchart stressed that the BMA is ready to listen to additional information from all parties. If there is new information, technical proposals, or facts that differ from the data currently used in its consideration, the Drainage Department is ready to examine and review them carefully.