In "Emotional" Appearance, Thai PM Pleads For Forgiveness, Solidarity As Flood Situation Worsens

[hatrack]

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's new premier acknowledged Wednesday that the country's flood crisis has overwhelmed her government, and she pleaded for mercy from the media and solidarity from the country in battling the relentless waters. In an emotional appearance before reporters, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said her administration is doing all it can and trying to be as clear as possible about where the flooding may strike next.

However, mixed messages from officials in recent days about whether the floodwaters will enter Bangkok have left people confused. A poll by ABAC, associated with Bangkok's Assumption College, found that 87 percent of 415 people surveyed did not trust information from the government's flood command center.

"We have been doing everything we can, but this is a big national crisis," Yingluck said. "I'm begging for mercy from the media here."

Bangkok's city government, headed by the opposition, urged residents in seven northern districts to move belongings to safe places because of likely flooding. The warning came days after some officials had indicated the worst threat had passed. Meanwhile, flooding in areas directly north of the city worsened despite frantic government efforts to stave off the water.

EDIT

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=141496247