Disaster expert Seree wins public trust with daily reports

People wait eagerly every day to hear what Dr Seree Supharatid, director of the Rangsit University's Centre on Climate Change and Disaster, has to say about the flood situation.

The 51-year-old disaster expert, who earned his PhD from Japan's Tohoku University, became widely known for his studies on the natural phenomenon of tsunami.

This year, Seree is making his presence felt by explaining the ongoing flooding situation on television every day, and telling people where the water is likely to go with easy-to-understand maps and graphics.

"His explanations are easy to comprehend and useful. I want to know if and when my house will be affected and how severe the situation will be. He provides clear information, not useless facts that I don't understand," viewer Nareerat Wassanarungroj said, referring to the information disseminated by the Flood Relief Operations Centre and other academics. They often speak about the millions of cubic metres of water spreading in Thailand - something not many people can relate to.

The disaster expert, who is director of Sirindhorn International Environmental Park's Energy for Environment Centre, also provides information to government agencies and warns them of mistakes they might be making. Seree says his agency uses at least five models - far more than those used by the Meteorological Department - to predict natural disasters and is thus far more confident.

Amarit Opassetthakul, another viewer, said he had more trust in Seree than other academics because he does not just do calculations on paper.

"Dr Seree is perhaps the only expert who is seen surveying actual sites. I'm not saying other academics don't visit places, but they are not filmed doing so," Amarit said. "So far, Dr Seree has been quite accurate in his predictions, and people in many areas have had the time to prepare properly. However, it is difficult to say what will happen in the long run. It's not that I don't trust him, but the flood problem in Bangkok is also about politics and personal damage. Take the clashes at Klong Sam Wa for example."

Seree, who is known for his outgoing personality, is seen tirelessly visiting affected areas, making time for the public even after his home in Muang Ake was submerged.

Many of his fans also say that Seree does not have an axe to grind with the government, nor does he have any commercial interests.

Bioplastic specialist Jetnapa Techawipharat said she likes his straightforward manner. "He does not lie just to ease people's worries. Instead he tells them where the water will arrive and shows us how to prepare," she said.

Sasin Chalermlarp, secretary-general of the Seub Nakasathien Foundation, whose video clips explaining the flood situations have become popular, also says that he trusts Seree and has called on the government to have the disaster expert oversee operations.

On Tuesday, the Cabinet approved the appointment of Seree as a member and assistant to the secretary of the Strategic Committee for Water Resources Management, which will either be led by the PM or one of her deputies.

Seree earned his master's degree in water-resources engineering from the Asian Institute of Technology after graduating in civil engineering from Chulalongkorn University. He has worked as an engineer with some firms, including PTT Exploration and Production. He is also a board member of the education institution related to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department.

Apart from Seree's many academic accomplishments, he has also conducted research on forecasting tidal-levels using the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm in 2002 and on the 2000 Hat Yai flood, which is considered one of the worst floods in Thai history, as well as advances in Hydro-Science and Engineering in 2004.

On the national level, Seree has presented a study on the concept of protecting riverbanks from erosion.

After several provinces got flooded last year, Seree blamed poor city planning and called on related agencies to remove flaws so the scale of disaster can be reduced.

Maybe, as Seree gains public trust, the authorities might start paying him more attention and heed the warning he issued last December saying that Bangkok could end up being submerged in less than a decade.