Is Thailand's Floodplain Plan Realistic?

Thailand's massive US$11.8 billion plan for a series of dams and canals to keep the waters of the Chao Phraya River away from Bangkok is drawing concern that it may be inappropriate, too expensive, and a gigantic magnet for corruption.

The government set out to put the plan in place after once-in-a-century floods in 2011 caused extensive damage, disrupte…