Buriram Expats
Buriram Province - General Category => Thailand News clippings => Topic started by: Admin on October 06, 2011, 02:46:56 PM
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Homes evacuated as dams release excess water
The Nation 2011-10-06
All major dams in Thailand have reached 92 per cent of their full capacity, prompting many to release water, which is forcing evacuations in many areas downstream.
A total of 250 homes in Kamphaeng Phet's Kosamphee Nakhon district are set for evacuation before noon today, when metre-high flood water released from Bhumibhol Dam is expected to inundate them. Three other districts also face heavy flooding, but farther downstream.
The Interior Ministry is also planning to deal with anticipated flooding in Nakhon Sawan after the release of water from Tak-based Bhumibhol Dam.
The government flood-relief centre has said cooler weather could come earlier than November this year: "Within one or two weeks when the cold wind arrives, and the rain stops," said permanent secretary Pranai Suwannarat, head of the centre.
Provincial governors in areas of the South at risk of mudslides have been instructed to coordinate with local relief agencies to keep watch on threatened areas and prepare relief efforts in case of emergency. Deputy governors in provinces not affected by flooding have been told to assist their counterparts in flooded provinces if asked.
Lop Buri residents are being cautioned about possible further flooding from a new influx of water while repairs to Bang Chom Sri watergate in Sing Buri are underway.
Repair work is now 40 per cent complete, with rocks in metal nets piled on the edge of the gap where the watergate was broken by strong currents. A gutter in the riverbed has been filled, partially by large rocks.
Flood-affected residents camping along a 5-kilometre road leading to the watergate have been warned to keep clear of trucks transporting rock-filled nets to the site.
Repairs to the Bang Chom Sri watergate are expected to be complete within 10 days, when the flooding situation in Lop Buri and nearby provinces should ease. Repair work on the Phra Ngarm watergate in Sing Buri is 90 per cent complete.
In 19 Northeastern provinces, a flood-relief update says there is renewed risk of flash flooding as a result of heavy rain expected this week. The provinces are in low-lying areas or at the foot of hills or mountains, or by large rivers.
The Cabinet has issued a nine-point flood-management recommendation. It includes immediate drainage, use of vessels to drive water in the Chao Phraya out of estuaries, use of technical indicators and evaluation measures in flood management, urgent assistance to flood victims with help of the military, and long-term flood and water management with public participation.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x_BTIka6_s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CiiIdmbW9M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6nZ3ZPiQw0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Z0iN_uAMJ8&feature=fvsr
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UNESCO offers help for flood-hit Ayutthaya World Heritage site
TNA 2011-10-07
BANGKOK, Oct 7 - The United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on Friday offered the Thai authorities emergency assistance for the ancient city of Ayutthaya now affected by heavy flooding, if it is needed.
In a statement released here on Friday, the Bangkok-based UNESCO Asia-Pacific regional headquarters said the World Heritage site of Ayutthaya, which occupies the western half of the inner island of Ayutthaya, now faces the threat of inundation as water levels continue to rise. Monuments and temples outside the site perimeter (technically not part of the World Heritage-designated zone), including the spectacular Wat Chaiwattanaram on the opposite bank of the river, have already been flooded for days.
The statement quoted local authorities on-site as saying that if the inner city could not be protected, flooding might be even more serious than the major flood of 1995, and could affect the whole city, including the entire World Heritage property.
The heritage site managers said that after the water subsides, they may need help from UNESCO for a damage survey and emergency preparedness planning to minimise damage from future incidents, the statement said.
The world cultural body said Thailand was eligible to apply for emergency assistance from the World Heritage Fund. The assistance may be requested to undertake emergency measures or to draw up an emergency plan for safeguarding the property. (MCOT online news)
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Businesses urged to help workers stay afloat
Thanongsak Muennoo
The Nation 2011-10-07
A total of 1,215 factories in 33 of the 43 flood-affected provinces are under water, leaving 41,099 workers distraught, Arthit Issamo, acting chief of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, said yesterday.
Citing results of a survey conducted on Wednesday, he said 52 factories in Nakhon Sawan were submerged affecting 1,620 workers; 391 in Uthai Thani affecting 3,549 workers; 11 in Prachin Buri covering 5,086 workers; Lop Buri had 23 affecting 5,773 workers; while Ayutthaya had 349 affected factories covering 20,000 workers. Ayutthaya's Rojana Industrial Park, which has 198 factories and employs 42,100 workers, was also under threat, and people were seen piling up flood barriers yesterday.
The department asked employers to continue paying workers who are unable to get to work due to floods, and urged them to work with the Work Safety Committee in order to make sure that the factories' power systems and machines are safe. The department also urged labour advocates and advisers to coordinate in providing aid and urged labour unions, organisations and businesses to get together to help solve this problem.
"The Labour Ministry has opened a flood assistance centre in all affected provinces and is asking for business operators' cooperation to take care of as many workers as possible. The ministry doesn't want to use law to force them yet because both sides are suffering," Arthit said.
So far, factory owners have responded well by paying workers just enough to stay afloat despite the closure of their businesses, though many of them will only be able to do this for up to two months, he said.
Once the floods recede, some factories might have to lay off workers due to severe damages, hence the ministry would have to help workers look for new jobs and provide them with vocational training, he said.
Also, the Social Security Office would offer loans to assist affected establishments and workers, he added.
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So far, factory owners have responded well by paying workers just enough to stay afloat despite the closure of their businesses, though many of them will only be able to do this for up to two months, he said.
I don't wish to mock those who are suffering in the floods, but, they could have worded this better!
TBWG sawadi burirampea burirampea burirampea
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Flood waters bear down on capital
PM admits govt may not be able to avert disaster
Published: 8/10/2011 at 12:00 AM
Bangkok Post: Newspaper section: News
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra last night told people in parts of Bangkok and elsewhere in the Central Plains to brace for severe flooding, as she admitted her government was almost at its wits' end dealing with the disaster.
Already the whole of nearby Ayutthaya province has been declared a disaster area as the deluge continues to bear down on the capital, having started in the North of the country and affecting 30 provinces so far.
In a televised address last night, Ms Yingluck spoke of the grim situation facing Bangkok and its neighbours.
She said despite concerted efforts by government agencies, she feared authorities would not be able to fully contain the incoming flood waters.
She said the volume of water had exceeded estimates and the storage capacity of reservoirs and torrents have damaged a number of flood gates.
The government's priority is to speed up the diversion of flood water into the sea before the deluge - about 7,000 million cubic metres - flows down to the Central Plains from the upper North via Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok and Nakhon Sawan soon.
"If we cannot divert the flood water into the sea, it will cause extensive damage to the provinces in its path," said the prime minister.
She also voiced concerns about the Meteorological Department's forecast of low-pressure systems, saying the reservoirs were unlikely to be able to absorb more rain.
She said the Chao Phraya Dam, which can release water at a rate of 3,570 cu m of water per second, must bring its work up to speed to ease the impacts on downstream provinces such as Ang Thong, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Lop Buri and Ayutthaya.
Ms Yingluck said flood diversion efforts would become more difficult at peak tide between Oct 15 and 17, when the flow is expected to reach Bangkok.
Fifty-nine provinces across the country have so far been damaged in some way by the floods, with 30 being badly hit and 252 people being killed.
A flood relief operation centre has been set up at Don Mueang airport and will begin 24-hour operations from today. It will integrate flood relief and preventive tasks of all agencies, including warning issuance, data gathering, plan development and providing advice and information to the public.
Justice Minister Pracha Promnok was appointed as the centre's director and acting permanent secretary for Interior Pranai Suwannarat is deputy director.
Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi is chief of operations, covering evacuation and flood preventive tasks, and Transport Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat is directing chief, covering warning and relief systems.
The centre has opened a round-the-clock call centre at 1111 ext 5.
"All parties must join hands to face a crisis which threatens lives and our way of life," she said.
Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has already opened 90% of its water sluice gate. The city could drain out 1 million cubic metres of water per day to the sea, he said.
The governor said it was now difficult to speed up draining as the levels in all waterways in the city are very high.
Defence Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa said the Defence Ministry has ordered all military units to offer assistance and shelter to flood-affected people in their neighbourhoods.
Those people could evacuate to nearby military camps, he said.
Water levels in the reservoirs of all dams in northern provinces have already reached maximum capacities. Those dams will have to release water, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Theera Wongsamut said.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has played down fears over a series of storms hitting the country.
Watcharee Virapun, director of its Weather Forecast Bureau, said there were no significant indicators of a series of storms hitting Thailand in the near future.
It warned, however, that the central provinces, including Bangkok, are still under the influence of a low pressure system which will bring more rain until next week.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4061cRmIHOU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dbi-Pp-WyvM
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Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra last night told people in parts of Bangkok and elsewhere in the Central Plains to brace for severe flooding, as she admitted her government was almost at its wits' end dealing with the disaster.[/b]
You can't stop the hand of God...bugger...I mean science,nature and meteorological phenomena :biggrin:
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Anyone know of issues getting from BKK to Buriram due to the flood?
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Is This Plodprasop guy for real? buttslap
1,000 boats to push flood waters October 11
BANGKOK: -- On October 11, a fleet of some 1,000 boats would help push water from the Chao Phraya River into the sea fast, Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi said Saturday.
At the boat project launch held at Nonthaburi's Pakkred Pier with 40 boats attending, Plodprasop said that this voluntarybase project would help drain water three times faster, from two knots to six knots, and prevent floodwater from pouring into Bangkok City.
He said the 1,000boat fleet would push water down to the sea on October 11, as to help lower flood in the Chao Phraya Riverside provinces such as Sing Buri, Angthong and Ayutthaya.
-- The Nation 2011-10-08
TBWG sawadi burirampea burirampea burirampea
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Anyone know of issues getting from BKK to Buriram due to the flood?
No problems on Friday afternoon
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Anyone know of issues getting from BKK to Buriram due to the flood?
No problems on Friday afternoon
Thanks Nookie, I a coming into BKK on the 18th, hope to get to Buriram with no problems.
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Flood panic in Nakhon Sawan
Published: 10/10/2011 at 06:20 PM
Bangkok Post: Online news: Local News
Flood sirens wailed in much of Nakhon Sawan on Monday and residents fled for their lives after the floodwaters breached the levees, the latest victims of the floods still devastating much of 30 provinces, as the confirmed death toll rose to 269 people on Monday.
The 30 provinces are: Sukhothai, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chiang Mai, Roi-et, Lampang, Loei, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Kamphaeng Phet and Tak.
Disaster Relief and Mitigation Department chief Wibul Sanguanpong said the southwesterly monsoon is also expected to cause heavy rain in Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, Bangkok and nearby provinces, Chachoengsao, Rayong, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat and Phetchaburi in the next three to four days.
In Nakhon Sawan, a concrete embankment along the Ping River collapsed, allowing floodwaters to surge into the province.
Officials sounded sirens throughout the province, telling people to immediately evacuate to five temporary shelters prepared by the provincial municipality.
Reports said the water level in many areas was above one metre. The water level rose by about 50 centimetres in less than five minutes.
The atmosphere in the city area of Nakhon Sawan was chaotic, with people fleeing in fear for their lives and taking their belongings to higher ground.
Traffic was very congested and transport was difficult with roads cut off by advancing floodwaters, reports said.
About 300 to 400 military officers were transporting patients and medical equipment from flood-stricken Sawanpracharak Hospital to Chiraprawat Hospital.
Reports said more than 100 metres of embankment were damaged. Officials, soldiers and villagers were urgently piling up sandbags to plug holes in the embankment.
However, the sandbags were unable to fight off the swollen river as its water level was more than two metres.
In the capital, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has prepared 191 shelters for people in four flood-prone districts in its eastern area, which is likely to be flooded by water released from Pasak Jolasid dam in Lop Buri into Khlong Raphipat canal in Ayutthaya.
Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said shelters were ready in Min Buri, Nong Chok, Lat Krabang and Khlong Sam Wa districts, which would bear the brunt of the flood.
The BMA would have a command post at the Min Buri district office to manage possible evacuations and flood relief in the four eastern districts. It would be ready in three days and be be equipped with necessary equipment and vehicles to enable flood relief operations.
MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra (Photo by Apichit Jinakul)
The BMA will prepare similar command posts and shelters in northern and western parts of the capital to deal with possible sudden flooding.
MR Sukhumbhand stressed that people in Bangkok should not be panicked by these measures, because it was only preparation in case of emergency. City Hall does not expect flood evacuations in all districts of Bangkok, he said.
The governor admitted he was worried about possible flooding in 27 communities in 13 districts outside Bangkok's floodwalls in addition to the four eastern districts of Min Buri, Nong Chok, Lat Krabang and Khlong Sam Wa and the BMA was evaluating flood possibilities on a daily basis.
He said the capital would have to simultaneously cope with floodwater from upper areas, increasing rainfall and the next round of high tides from Oct 16 to 18.
Defence Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa said the 1st Army Region has been instructed to deploy soldiers to help evacuate people trapped by floodwaters and to open Adisorn military camp in Saraburi to evacuees.
Gen Yutthasak said people who want to donate goods for flood victims should do so only at the National Flood Relief Centre at Don Mueang airport, because it is now difficult for ordinary vehicles to reach flooded Ayutthaya province.
National army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said plans were being drawn up to evacuate people from flooded areas in Ayutthaya, Lop Buri and Nakhon Sawan, using soldiers and military equipment.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said flood prevention measures for Bangkok have not been completed and the government is racing against time to prevent the capital being inundated.
Ms Yingluck discussed the situation with senior officials at the government's flood relief centre at Don Mueang airport this morning. They agreed that Bangkok needs three strong floodwalls upstream along the Chao Phraya River for protection.
The floodwalls will be built in Muang Ake housing estate in Pathum Thani, Rangsit Khlong 5 area and Taling Chan area behind Mahidol University. They will block floodwater from upper areas and divert it via the eastern and western outskirts of the capital to the sea, she said.
Through the eastern side, floodwater from the Pasak river will be diverted to Khlong Rapeepat and Saen Sap canals and discharged into the sea.
On the western side, water will be directed through the Tha Chin river into the sea.
Ms Yingluck said the floodwall in Muang Ake housing estate will be 10 kilometres long. The floodwall in Rangsit Khlong 5 area requires 1.5 million sandbags.
The government was addressing the problem of a shortage of sandbags and seeking quick resupply from the private sector. The government would buy all the sandbags available from the private sector to complete the floodwalls for Bangkok as soon as possible.
Opposition Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the government should declare a state of emergency in selected flood-hit provinces to facilitate relief operations.
Speaking after a special meeting of the Democrat Party's shadow cabinet, Mr Abhisit said the state of emergency may not be a panacea, but it would help the government in its relief operations, particularly the evacuation of people.
It was for the government to decide where the state of emergency should be declared, without fearing whether it would affect its image, he said. The people's safety, livelihood and well being were the paramount concern.
The former prime minister suggested the government also review planned expenditure under the 2012 budget to and use the money to repair the country's infrastructure damaged by floods.
Some schemes such as the tax rebate for first-car buyers could be scrapped and the 30 billion baht budgeted for it could be used for rehabilitation and helping the people, the Democrat leader added.
Earlier on Monday, a senator also proposed during the Senate meeting that the government declare a state of emergency in selected flood-hit provinces.
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As King Canute found out you can't stop the tide coming in,build as many Dams as you like but once they are full the water has to go somewhere. ::)
Although living on a floodplain has its advantages there is always a risk of annual flooding.Thais do seem to have a short memories.
Last year we had our Village lake dug out to 5 meters deep so as to supply the village with government water.They built in large concrete pipe from the rice fields to fill up lake for when the rainy season comes but forgot to install drainage pipes for when the lake was full.Also they didn't know what to do with all the soil they dug out so they filled up all the roadside ditches .Those ditches would have taken the water away to the dyke's that then take the water to the local big reservoir, that then leads to the river .Last week they had to bring in soil to dam up the lake to stop the Village Temple from being flooded.The soil came from digging out the roadside ditches they had only last year filled in :wacko:
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Hahaha SDK, that sounds about right, they never seem to think ahead. Live for today is one thing, but you do have to plan for the future.
Now if I could only get my wife to save some money for when I retire....
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Is This Plodprasop guy for real? buttslap
1,000 boats to push flood waters October 11
BANGKOK: -- On October 11, a fleet of some 1,000 boats would help push water from the Chao Phraya River into the sea fast, Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi said Saturday.
Good idea.
Surely it is only the same principle as using a snow plough ??
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Is This Plodprasop guy for real? buttslap
1,000 boats to push flood waters October 11
BANGKOK: -- On October 11, a fleet of some 1,000 boats would help push water from the Chao Phraya River into the sea fast, Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi said Saturday.
Good idea.
Surely it is only the same principle as using a snow plough ??
CC
Yup ~~~ and what happens to the snow? snow1
It piles up to the sides .... Ergo, one hell of a wake from 1,000 boats not to mention the water displacement.
If the poor sods are already 1 metre underwater the they are about to be engulfed by a mini tidal wave! :ohmy: So get those speedo's on!
TBWG sawadi burirampea burirampea burirampea
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one hell of a wake from 1,000 boats not to mention the water displacement.
No Wake.... the boats are all stationary,they are using the propellers to speed up the water flow .I still don't think it will work as well as they think though !!!
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Why don't they put loads of sandbags all along the route, then get a coyote to drop a huge Acme rock from a mountain into the water and watch as the water empties out to sea.
I'm sure that would work I saw it on the Discovery Channel (or it might have been Cartoon Network, I always get those two confused!!)
party12
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What Thailand needs is a A Knight in Shining Armor who has the answer love5 :laugh: :laugh:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/260678/thaksin-proposes-b400bn-solution/page-1/
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Why don't they put loads of sandbags all along the route, then get a coyote to drop a huge Acme rock from a mountain into the water and watch as the water empties out to sea.
I'm sure that would work I saw it on the Discovery Channel (or it might have been Cartoon Network, I always get those two confused!!)
party12
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hz65AOjabtM
:laugh: :laugh:
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Fancy a new pair of boots? icon_latest
ABOUT 100 crocodiles have escaped from a farm in central Thailand, sparking new fears as the country struggles to overcome crippling floods that have left more than 250 people dead.
The crocodiles escaped when Crocodile Farm Uthai Thani was inundated with floodwater over the weekend, The Bangkok Post reported today.
Thailand's Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department is now seeking to calm fears, with Thirapat Prayoonsit, the department's deputy chief, saying most of the escaped crocodiles were young and less than three-feet (1m) long.
"Please do not panic," Thirapat said. "The crocodiles are not fierce like those living in the wild. On the contrary, they are rather scared of people."
Still, officials told The Post the department was recruiting specialist crocodile hunters to help catch the reptile escapees.
Government officials in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam say more than 500 people have died across the three countries during unusually heavy monsoon rains over the past two weeks.
More than 250 of the deaths were recorded in Thailand, while more than 200 -- including 83 children -- have died in Cambodia.
Huge efforts are now underway to stop the waters from reaching low-lying Bangkok, home to 12 million people, with prevention measures including sandbags along the Chao Phraya river, AFP reported.
A large amount of runoff water is expected to reach the city in the next few days, while high tides will make it harder for the floods to flow out to sea.
Source: http://www.theaustra...o-1226164129763
TBWG sawadi burirampea burirampea burirampea
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Are the boats working pray1
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Here is a site with some of the best ( though sad :( ) Photos of the flood so far !!
http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/10/worst-flooding-in-decades-swamps-thailand/100168/
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Centre: No need to panic
BKK Post 2011-10-13
BANGKOK: -- In a live telecast broadcast on TV pool, flood relief centre director Pol Gen Pracha Phromnok assures the public that there is no need to panic as the government can cope with the situation.
The water level in Nakhon Sawan rises a little, but below Chao Phraya dam in Chai Nat the water level is stable or declines a little.
The waterflow rate into the sea is still quite satisfactory despite high tide earlier this morning.
The fear that rising water will breach Pathum Thani's water gates and flood Bangkok has yet to materialise. Water level in Khlong Prem Prachakorn that flows into Bangkok is not abnormally high.
The earlier warning to evacuate to high grounds was only a precaution for people living in low-lying areas. There is no need to panic. The most that people in outlying areas of Bangkok will face is about knee deep or waist deep, while inner Bangkok is still safe as the Chao Phraya river level is manageable.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ziN2rjVOHU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwE0o7TEbNU
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icon_latest
Weekly highlights
Published: 14/10/2011 at 01:05 PM
Bangkok Post: Online news: Local News
The city of Bangkok can rest assured, for now at least, that it will escape the devastating floods, despite a panicky false alarm by the science minister, and a dedicated environmental campaigner jailed for a minor offence 10 years ago.
The most-asked question of the week, whether inner Bangkok will be flooded or not, appears to have been settled, for now. Both Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Bangkok Governor ukhumbhand Paribatra announced separately that the inner city and areas within the floodwalls are safe.
The assurances will, to a certain extent, ease the worry of many Bangkokians, who are uncertain what they should do – whether to prepare for the worst and stock up on food, water and other necessities, move their valuables to higher ground, or just do nothing and wait for a red alert from the government.
Peak tides are predicted from today through to Monday and will hamper efforts to speed up the flow of water into the Gulf and push up the water level in the Chao Phraya river, which was yesterday measured at 2.3 metres from the foot of the 2.5-metre-high floodwalls.
But while Bangkokians are to be spared the wrath of the country’s worst flood in memory, for now at least, their fellow countrymen to the immediate west and east of the capital - such as Chachoengsao, Suphan Buri, Samut Sakhon and Samut Prakan - are made to bear the brunt of the flooding. The government’s new plan is to divert the huge mass of water overflowing from the Chao Phraya river to the Tha Chin and Bang Pakong rivers, which is supposed to speed up the flow of water out into the Gulf of Thailand.
The reduction of the volume of excess water released from the Bhumibol dam in Tak province and the Sirikit dam in Uttradit province has also eased the pressure on the Chao Phraya river. This was made possible in conjunction with the reduction of the flow of water into the dams as a result of decreased rainfall in areas upstream.
Nevertheless, many people in Bangkok’s Sai Mai district and Pathum Thani’s Klong Luang, Lam Look Ka, northern Rangsit and Thammasat University’s Rangsit campus were given a big shock when they were urged to evacuate immediately by Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi on Thursday night.
"Rush to Don Mueang (airport) immediately. The government cannot tell how many hours are left," Mr Plodprasop told them, through the media.
Mr Plodprasop was left with a big red face soon afterward, as it turned out that his alert was a false alarm.
The minister appeared to have wrongly believed that the sluice gate at Klong Ban Phrao in Pathum Thani’s Sam Khoke district had completely collapsed and efforts to fix it had failed. The truth was that attempts to fix the damaged sluice gate were continuing and repair teams managed to complete most of the work.
The false alarm prompted Deputy Prime Minister Pracha Promnok, who heads the flood relief operations centre at Don Mueang, to quickly make an announcement urging residents to remain calm and that there was no need to evacuate.
In Ayutthaya province, attempts to save the Hi-Tech industrial estate failed yesterday after the strong river current broke through the flood barriers. About 400 soldiers were deployed to try to salvage the industrial estate.
With the water mass now diverted to the eastern and western corners of Bangkok, industrial estates in Samut Prakan are now at risk of flooding, besides residential areas in the province, Chachoengsao, Samut Sakhon and Suphan Buri.
Prime Minister Yingluck will head a meeting this Monday of economic ministers and representatives from the Bank of Thailand and the private sector to assess to economic loss from the flooding.
For a non-flood story, Tuesday’s verdict by the Supreme Court upholding the conviction of a celebrated environmental activist, Ms Jintana Kaewkhao, is a subject of much interest among environment-conscious people and human rights advocacy groups.
On Jan 13, 2001, Ms Jintana, who lives in Ban Krut, and her group went to a Chinese banquet hosted by the Union Power Development Company, developer of the since-cancelled coal-fired power plant in Bang Saphan district of Prachuap Khiri Khan, to submit a letter opposing the construction of a 1,400-megawatt power plant.
Their visit caused a fracas and she was later accused of trespassing and splashing wastewater on the dining tables.
Ms Jintana was jailed for four months by the Supreme Court, which upheld her conviction for trespassing on the party. The court reduced the sentence from six months.
The court of first instance acquitted the environmentalist in 2005 citing weak evidence. However, the Appeals Court found her guilty of trespassing and sentenced her to six months imprisonment.
Ms Jintana was instrumental in the protest against the power plant project which was scrapped by the government in 2004. But before the project was shelved for good, another protest leader, Charoen Wat-aksorn, was murdered in June 2004.
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Heavy rain in Bangkok predicted
Published: 15/10/2011 at 06:13 PM
Bangkok Post: Online news:
Monsoon trough still prevails over Central Plain, lower Northeast and Eastern regions, causing widespread rain and heavy rain in certain areas.
People in Buriram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon are warned about heavy rain and sudden flash floods from water runoff.
High pressure system from China is now bearing down on northern Vietnam and Laos and will reach the North and Northeast tomorrow causing widespread rain in the North and Northeast initially, then the weather will be cooler 1-3 celcius
Forecast for the North: Widespread rain covers 60%.
Forecast for Northeast: Widespread rain covers 70%.
Forecast for Central Plain: Widespread rain covers 70% with heavy rain in certain areas mostly in Uthai Thani, Singburi, Ang Thong, Saraburi and Ayutthaya
Forecast for Bangkok: Widespread rain covers 80% with heavy rain in certain areas.
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We do not know what we are doing (http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/261557/we-do-not-know-what-we-are-doing)
Published: 16/10/2011 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
Thailand is a tropical country with monsoon seasons. Annual flooding is even more a part of life than skin-whitening cream, but less so than corruption. Given climate change, deforestation, decades of poor planning and mismanagement, the flood disaster will get progressively worse and worse. The present disaster will pale compared to the next one.
Decades of mismanagement and short-sightedness cannot be blamed on any one government. It requires a collective effort to achieve this level of incompetence. But I can guarantee that in news meetings of every media organisation in the Kingdom over the past weeks, editors have been pulling their hair out over how to report the flooding situation accurately. The problem is the confusion and mixed messages given by the authorities.
This minister says one thing. That minister says something else.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi, spokesperson Wim Rungwattanajinda, Justice Minister Pracha Promnok and Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra are all ''official authorities'' on the flood situation. But their stories are rarely ever the same.
Editors scratch their heads and ask, ''Can't these people have one centre of command and control, one voice and one direction?'' and ''Who's in charge here?''
All the confusion culminated on Thursday night when Minister Plodprasop suddenly rushed out of a cabinet meeting to tell the public that a sluice gate had burst and the north of Bangkok was about to be hit by a metre of floodwater. It was a false alarm.
This prompted mass panic and resulted in the Facebook wall of the Don Mueang flood relief operations centre receiving more hate messages than your average Bangkok socialite has had botox injections. The entire government was embarrassed. We just don't know what we are doing.
We complain when foreign governments issue warnings for their citizens to stay away from Thailand because we value tourism baht like school administrators value tea money.
At the same time, the Japanese embassy urged the flood relief operations centre to help foreign governments keep updated on what's going on by also reporting on situations in English. They can't know what's going on if we don't tell them.
In the comical irony that is life, a tear-drop may be worth a thousand words in English, or Japanese.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong burst into tears and gave a consoling hug to a Japanese investor whose factory in the Bang Pa-In Industrial Estate was inundated by floodwater as efforts to strengthen the dykes failed.
The tears of failure should be sufficient to let foreign governments know exactly how things have fared.
In fact, if you watched the news, you saw the deputy prime minister bawling like a baby. Some may interpret these as genuine tears, while others may say it was just playing up for the cameras. After all, tears garnered worldwide good publicity for China's Prime Minister Wen Jiabao after the 2008 earthquake.
All the confusion led to Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand telling the public: ''Please listen to me and me alone. I will say when we should evacuate. Please believe me and only me.'' We just don't know what we are doing.
Take any old Hollywood disaster movie _ meteors about to hit the Earth, alien landings, the Earth's core out of whack, the coming of the apocalypse, or any old disaster.
The first thing they do is send out helicopters with stern-looking FBI men to pick up all the experts, whether they are academics or working in the relevant field.
They are the experts. They spend their entire lives becoming the experts. They know what they are doing.
They are put in charge and 90 minutes later the crisis is solved, with a couple of romantic hook-ups and an Oscar-winning original soundtrack to boot.
But instead of taking valuable life lessons from cheap pirated DVDs on Silom, we do the complete opposite. We make reality even more ridiculous than Hollywood makes fiction.
I am sure Minister Plodprasop is tech-savvy and a mean hand with a Bunsen burner. He probably knows quantum physics as well as any red-blooded Thai male knows a good massage. After all, he's the minister of science and technology.
I am certain Minister Pracha is a very just man and knows every letter of the law. In fact, while most people sing in the shower, he probably recites the constitution while having a bubble bath.
I'm willing to bet Prime Minister Yingluck is err, is umm, is err, is a wonderful business genius. After all, she's was a high-ranking executive in companies owned by her brother.
But how are any of these people experts in flood management?
Having all the ministers in the entire cabinet actively involved may be a sound publicity stunt at first. But is it sensible to ask a hairy, fat plumber to don ballerina spandex and dance Swan Lake?
We just don't know what we are doing. A fine example is Capt Somsak Khaosuwan, director of the National Disaster Warning Centre, who I interviewed some weeks ago. He knows the problems inside and out _ nature-made, man-made and politics-made.
He's the expert. He knows what he's doing. Is he in charge of things? No. He has to take orders from people who don't know what they are doing, even if they mean well.
It's the same old soap-opera tale of how Thailand can't get it together because good men are bogged down by politics.
Sure PM Yingluck has trouble articulating words and ideas, and at times simply does not know what's going on, but I do believe that she cares.
Certainly, Minister Plodprasop may be more excitable than a 17-year-old boy anxious to collect his girlfriend's promise on prom night, but I do believe he cares.
Of course, Democrat party chief Abhisit Vejjajiva is doing early campaigning and repairing his image, but I do believe he also truly cares.
Donation centres have to ask people to curtail their charitable impulses because they have run out of places to store the donations. Hundreds of volunteers, ordinary citizens, flock to disaster areas to help the victims.
We Thais care about each other, even if our leaders don't know what they are doing. So take that care and turn it into something positive.
First, admit that we simply do not know what we are doing. Second, learn from people who might. Perhaps seek help from countries that have mastered flood management.
Sure, every country is unique in its problems. Certainly, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. But of course, there are things that can always be learned and adapted. I do not know the model that works, but I do know the model that doesn't _ the one we are using.
Yes, the risk of losing face is great. To admit that we do not know what we are doing and worse, seek help from foreigners? The toll of the existential horror to the Thai identity may have us all foam at the mouth with blood.
But it's a burden that we must bear because the lives and livelihoods of our brothers and sisters surely hold more value than any vain delusion that stems from inner insecurities.
However, before we look anywhere else, why not simply put our own people _ who actually are the experts and know what they are doing _ in charge. Thailand is not short on good, capable people. We have plenty of them. We just prefer to bog them down in a web of politics and pettiness.
Or perhaps true experts can't be put in charge because flood management, like everything else, is a money game, as such it's heavily politicised. And that is another can of worms.
This entire story is typical, and decades in the making. The theme of incompetence; the plot of mediocrity; the characters that are self-righteous, vain and greedy; and the climax of disastrous loss of lives and livelihoods. Yes, there's something we know best how to do, to get things done in our favour. But unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn't take bribe money.
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I am coming into BKK Tuesday night, hopefully the road between BKK and Buriram remains clear?
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Yesterday buses were being diverted around the back of Don Muang as Rangsit is flooded
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UPDATE,,,,,,,,The Highway 2 is closed South of the Highway 24 junction due to flooding ,all traffic is currently using the 304 thro Pak Chong Chai
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Nookie - from the airport is there any benefit in going via Chachoengsao ?
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Nookie - from the airport is there any benefit in going via Chachoengsao ?
None at all as I understand the road between the motorway & Chachoengsao is impassable as well due to flooding
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From the airport head towards Pattaya when you see the signs for Ban Beung take it & head across & pick up 331
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Capital's north set to be hit by northern runoff
Published: 18/10/2011 at 12:00 AM
by Bangkok post
Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra has warned that the capital could be hit by floods tomorrow, as a large volume of northern runoff has been flowing into Khlong Rangsit, putting the north of the city at risk.
Against the flow
A Chinook helicopter lowers a shipping container to try to slow the massive flow of floodwater into Nava Nakorn Industrial Estate in Pathum Thani as efforts to salvage the estate intensified yesterday. The government has urged workers and nearby residents to evacuate as the estate is vulnerable to rising floodwaters. WEERAWONG WONGPREEDEE
This warning came a day after the government's flood relief operation command announced Bangkok should be safe from the deluge, with the much-feared mass of water runoff from the North having moved past the capital.
After hearing of the updated situation, MR Sukhumbhand staged an urgent press conference at 9:30pm last night to report that the torrent is expected to arrive in Don Muang and Sai Mai districts within 48 hours of his announcement.
The government had alerted City Hall that they could no longer hold back the flood water and that they could not reduce the amount flowing into Khlong Rangsit, Khlong 8 and Khlong 9 in neighbouring Pathum Thani province.
This will result in a sharp rise in the waterways north of Bangkok, MR Sukhumbhand said.
"Sai Mai district is at the frontline. Don Muang should be on high alert too," the governor said.
In an attempt to safeguard northern Bangkok, MR Sukhumbhand said City Hall would find 1.2 million sandbags to increase the height of Khlong Hok Wa to about three metres.
"We have another 48 hours to evaluate the situation," he said.
"So, don't panic but do prepare for possible flooding, for example by moving your belongings to higher ground."
Earlier yesterday, MR Sukhumbhand expressed concern that floodwater could start to flow into the north of the capital.
He said a dyke was being built along Khlong Hok Wa Canal to protect Sai Mai and Khlong Sam Wa districts.
Workers together with soldiers and volunteers were raising a dyke along a 7km stretch of the canal by 50cm.
City Hall will also raise a 1.25km section of Liap Khlong Song Road and a 1.5km section of Sai Mai Road by 30cm to keep floodwaters at bay.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has distributed 600,000 more sandbags to eastern districts, while the governor has appealed for more sand to protect eastern Bangkok.
"I don't think Bangkok is safe," MR Sukhumbhand said. "The danger has not been averted.
"However, the situation is not critical yet. The BMA must be vigilant, especially in Sai Mai and Don Muang. If the dyke in Sai Mai is breached, Khlong Sam Wa will be hit too."
The level of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok was 2.07 metres yesterday, while dykes along the river stand at 2.50 metres on average.
Elsewhere, Bangkok's government complex on Chaeng Watthana Road started taking in flood evacuees yesterday, with about 300 flood victims arriving from Rangsit and Lat Lum Kaeo district.
Meanwhile, more communities and institutions in Pathum Thani and north Bangkok are threatened by the run-off as it moves from the Central Plains towards the Gulf of Thailand.
Thammasat University's Rangsit campus, Pinehurst golf course, the White House housing estate, Bangkok University's Rangsit campus and other areas in and around Rangsit were placed on alert yesterday after the Nava Nakorn Industrial Estate in Pathum Thani was partially submerged following a breach in its northern flood walls.
The management of Thammasat University's Rangsit campus, 8km south of the industrial estate, says it can cope with floodwater, as the campus is also functioning as an evacuation centre.
According to deputy rector Assoc Prof Kamphol Rujiwich, the height of an earth dyke around the campus has been raised and possible leaks plugged.
He said sandbags are also providing protection for Thammasat Chalermprakiat Hospital and that patient evacuation plans are in place if needed.
Assoc Prof Kamphol also advised new evacuees to head for safer shelters instead of the Rangsit campus.
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Why was so much water kept in the dams ?
Read bangkok Pundit's posts here (http://asiancorrespondent.com/author/bangkokpundit/)
It seems the buck passing has started already ::)
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Thai PM admits govt overwhelmed by floods (http://asiancorrespondent.com/67603/tearful-thai-pm-admits-govt-overwhelmed-by-floods/?utm_source=Asian+Correspondent&utm_campaign=f2d08030d3-DAILY_RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email)
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.
The death toll in nationwide flooding is 317, mostly from drowning, with nearly 9 million people affected and 27 of the country’s 77 provinces still inundated. Initial estimates of the economic cost of destroyed shops, paralyzed factories and swamped farmland were $3 billion, but have since been rising.
Floodwaters in northern areas began in August and have slowly crawled south toward the Gulf of Thailand, though the government has notched up the urgency of flood-control efforts only in the past two weeks.
“The government had said over and over again they were able to handle the situation, then what happened? It got flooded from there to here,” said Puntip Susuntitapong, a 61-year-old retired banker in Bangkok.
Yingluck had no previous government experience when she came into power in August as the standard-bearer for the party aligned with her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, who is a fugitive on corruption convictions but still widely popular.
A distraught Yingluck appealed Wednesday to reporters to stop asking whether Bangkok will be inundated.
“The more you ask questions like this, the less useful it is going to be,” she said, adding that her role was to coordinate, not disseminate information. She said experts were more qualified than she to give information, and that her own personal views “might lead to lack of confidence and confusion among the people.”
“We are telling the truth, not concealing anything from the people,” she said. “We have been doing everything we can, but this is a big national crisis. On our own, we can’t get it done. We need unity from every side, and today we must set politics aside.”
The administration’s low point in handling the floods may have been Oct. 13 when Science Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi issued a spur-of-the-moment order on live television to immediately evacuate an area north of Bangkok. Within 20 minutes, he and his colleagues from the government’s flood emergency team were back on the air to rescind the order.
“I’m confused every time I hear the warning from the government,” said Somjai Dokkam, a 51-year-old female recycling worker in Bang Kradee, north of Bangkok, whose house was flooded Wednesday morning.
Adding to the discontinuity in the public message have been the discrepancies between Yingluck’s government and that of Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra, who belongs to a rival party.
Sukhumbhand has consistently said Bangkok will likely face flooding even as Yingluck’s government has expressed confidence that the city’s defenses will hold up. The governor mobilized droves of citizens to build sand-bag levees Tuesday, saying flooding in many neighborhoods was otherwise imminent.
The city so far has escaped substantial flooding, thanks to dikes, underground tunnels and other defenses, though floodwaters have been seeping into some northern neighborhoods.
In Bang Kradee, 49-year-old Prasit Thamnita, a worker at Thammasat University, said the best approach was to simply rely on his own judgement.
“I’ve lived here my whole life, so I knew the water was definitely coming. The government doesn’t know better than the locals,” he said. “I only rely on myself and the local municipality for any news about the water,” he said.
Elsewhere in Bang Kradee, defenders were making a last stand at an industrial park threatening to become the sixth major one in Thailand to be swamped.
Flooding of five other industrial parks north of Bangkok has idled hundreds of factories and about 200,000 workers while disrupting regional supply chains for computer hard drives and automobiles
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Flood waters to affect Bangkok's north tomorrow
The Nation 2011-10-20
It is estimated that the floodwater in Klong Rangsit will enter Klong Hok Wa in northern Bangkok's Sai Mai district tonight and affect Bangkok tomorrow, Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said Thursday.
However, he asked Bangkokians not to panic, as this will not increase the at-risk areas from the seven districts announced yesterday.
Bangkok has told seven districts in the Thai capital to be on alert for the approaching northern flood run-off, and advised residents of Sai Mai, Klong Samwa, Bang Khen, Nong Chok, Min Buri, Lat Krabang, Kannayao districts to move their valuable possessions to upper floors.
The governor also asked the government to help save other vulnerable areas located outside his authority, saying Bangkok is working to pump water from the overflowing Klong Prapa, which caused flooding on some roads in the Chang Wattana, Ngamwongwan and Prachachuen areas early Thursday. The floodwater in Klong Prapa arrived from Pathum Thani.
The Klong Prapa overflow has now receded and Justice Minister Pracha Promnok, who directs the flood relief operation centre, said the water situation in the canal was under control.
Meanwhile, ACM Sumet Photimanee, chairman of Airports of Thailand (AoT), on Thursday expressed confidence that Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports were well-prepared to prevent floodwater from intruding into their respective compounds.
Currently, Suvarnabhumi Airport has a 3.5 metre-high flood prevention wall but the chairman explained that he was still worried about areas north of Don Mueang Airport that may yet be subject to larger amounts of northern run-off.
To brace for the possibility of full-scale flooding, Don Mueang Airport authorities built an additional temporary embankment with some 10,000 sandbags.
For Suvarnabhumi Airport, AoT has prepared a contingency plan to cope with the possible flood situation. The plan is ready to put into effect if and when the situation warrants. Airlines and business operators as well as related agencies have been notified about the plan, including an option to move facilities and aircraft to operate at Chon Buri's U-Tapao Airport and other airports.
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here picture that took on the year 1942 from Bangkok.
that time was water flood all over the city.
wonder what happen if flood will happen those days... :o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VhX9gTBPKA
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Yingluck urges Bangkokians not to panic as canals fill up
The Nation 2011-10-21
Residents told to move belongings to higher ground; water won't be blocked.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday pleaded with the public not to panic when Bangkok’s canals fill up as floodwater is diverted out to nearby rivers.
"Please understand that the water comes from opening water gates to drain the water as soon as possible. We have to let the water flow smoothly. We know that water is now trapped in the plains and many areas. With the drainage, trapped water will drop fast. If we block all flows, problems will follow as some dykes can't block or hold the water. The dykes are also made of earth so they can crumble," she said.
Some areas in Bangkok are already experiencing flooding, but still at controllable levels, while the water has not yet reached other areas.
Residents are advised to move their belongings at least one metre higher and park their cars at safe and suitable places, she said.
Some low or eroded areas might have to face a little flooding but the water would be pumped out as soon as possible, she said.
All of Bangkok's sluice gates will be opened, but in rotation, so the water can flow to the east.
That was easier than trying to discharge the floodwater to the west, as the Tha Chin River was higher, she said after meeting with Irrigation Department directorgeneral Chalit Damrongsak, Science Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi and former Bangkok governor Bhichit Rattakul.
In the long run, Thailand will have to set up a water management system, she said.
Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said the flood situation has not reached the critical stage and the areas under close monitoring remain the same.
"Bangkok has not announced more closemonitoring areas besides the seven districts (that were declared at risk earlier). But the government should take care of the three sensitive areas as they are out of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's hands. They are the Lak Hok subdistrict of Pathum Thani, the area under the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority and Paholyothin Road crossing over Rangsit Canal," he said.
The capital would do its part by draining water in Samsen Canal to reduce the water in Waterworks Canal.
After inspecting preparations at Siriraj Hospital, Sukhumbhand said the sandbag barrier had been raised to 2.8 metres above sea level. It should be safe but the city was ready to build it higher at any time.
The hospital also put up a 200metrelong retaining wall made of cement bags that was 1.2 metres high.
Justice Minister Pracha Promnok, the director of the Flood Relief Operations Centre, said after going on an aerial survey he was 90 per cent sure that Bangkok would be safe but there still was 10percent room for uncertainty.
Citing the example of the 26kilometre dyke now under construction, Pracha said both the BMA and the military were very helpful as the government works to solve the problem.
To restore people's confidence in FROC's announcements, the presentation was changed to the reading out of statements so there was no need to change the spokesmen, he said. The only concern was that people not directly in charge were spreading news.
The directors of Don Mueang and Lak Si district offices in northern Bangkok said there were no signs of floods entering their areas yet but sandbags and pumps had been prepared to drain any inflow out.
Rabiab Koobkrabi, director of the Lak Si District Office, said the flood in Muang Thong Thani 1 was due to the release of water while the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority was fixing problems with the Waterworks canal.
Poomipat Damrongkiatisak, director of the Don Muang District Office, said residents should be wary of rumours but anyone who feels uneasy can move to prepared evacuation centres.
Aroon Puangsombat, director of the Min Buri District Office, said the flood's impact on the district would depend on the level of Saen Saeb Canal in the area and how the water would be channelled out according to the government's plan.
The situation would be monitored and reported on every three to six hours, he said.
Saen Saeb Canal links to Bang Pakong River to the east of Bangkok.
Panu Kerdlarppol, the deputy Metropolitan Police commissioner overseeing traffic control, said police in each area had been ordered to prepare traffic plans for emergency and evacuation routes and meeting points. Police have also coordinated with the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority for alternate transportation.
Some roads were washed out for a short period of time due to the rising river tide but that had not disrupted traffic much, he said.
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here is a link for explanation about the water floods in Bangkok from the politic point of view
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/nationvdo/showvdo.php?id=5364&cateid=13
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gets worse every year - TIT
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Live flooding situation updated map in English: http://www.thaiflood.com/en/
sawadi
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will i make it from silom to prakhon chai (by car not boat) coming next week from now,has anyone made similar trip
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will i make it from silom to prakhon chai (by car not boat) coming next week from now,has anyone made similar trip
Right now it is possible but you will have to follow the news on Bangkok Post to see updates about the situation at the time you are coming. http://www.bangkokpost.com/
sawadi
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here is good link explaining about the floods situation in Bangkok
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/nationvdo/showvdo.php?id=5419&cateid=13
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVS_Hskt1h8
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will i make it from silom to prakhon chai (by car not boat) coming next week from now,has anyone made similar trip
I made a return trip from buriram to bangkok yesterday no problem with flooding,it took about 6 1/2 hours each way.
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There was a bloke in a bar in Buriram the other day saying there was no floods it was all Govermentmedia propaganda nono
Did you see any? Stanley
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There was a bloke in a bar in Buriram the other day saying there was no floods it was all Govermentmedia propaganda nono
Did you see any? Stanley
So the TV and Papers are all wrong ,what was this guy drinking...Thinners :laugh:
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There was a bloke in a bar in Buriram the other day saying there was no floods it was all Govermentmedia propaganda nono
Did you see any? Stanley
No binnsy i did not see any flooding at all. boatsailing
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There was a bloke in a bar in Buriram the other day saying there was no floods it was all Govermentmedia propaganda nono
Did you see any? Stanley
So the TV and Papers are all wrong ,what was this guy drinking...Thinners :laugh:
Like it or not,media are controlled by governments.
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some picture collection from the floods
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some more picture collection from the floods
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There was a bloke in a bar in Buriram the other day saying there was no floods it was all Govermentmedia propaganda nono
Did you see any? Stanley
So the TV and Papers are all wrong ,what was this guy drinking...Thinners :laugh:
Like it or not,media are controlled by governments.
So maybe they control the weather too.
Quality post Stan. Well up to your usual standard.
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There was a bloke in a bar in Buriram the other day saying there was no floods it was all Govermentmedia propaganda nono
Did you see any? Stanley
So the TV and Papers are all wrong ,what was this guy drinking...Thinners :laugh:
Like it or not,media are controlled by governments.
Quite right too - we can't cope with the truth coming out !
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There was a bloke in a bar in Buriram the other day saying there was no floods it was all Govermentmedia propaganda nono
Did you see any? Stanley
Looking at the pictures someboby has been busy photoshopping then. :biggrin:
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Suvarnabhumi Airport ready for floods
The Nation November 1, 2011 5:01 am
Suvarnabhumi Airport places high confidence in its flood-prevention scheme, with the 3.5-metre-high and 37-metre wide earthern dyke and sheet piles to slow the currents as well as other preventive measures.
Airports of Thailand Senior Executive Vice President Somchai Sawasdeepon said that the airport also has a team of officers to monitor water levels at six flood gates including Lat Krabang, Saen Saeb and Samrong. Airlines operating at the airport are notified of water level every three hours, to ensure smooth aviation operations in Thailand despite the flooding in Don Mueang Airport.
Yesterday, the airport accommodated 945 flights, a new daily record since the opening.
Somchai yesterday briefed Japanese experts, brought in by Japan International Credit Agency which funded the airport’s construction, on the preparation steps. JICA’s experts were informed about the airport’s cooperation with all related agencies like the Highways Department and the Royal Irrigation Department.
The team of Japanese experts also received a briefing from the Flood Relief Operations Centre as well as Bangkok Metro Plc, the subway operator.
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Four Sub-districts in Jatujak Ordered to Evacuate
A-- Tan Network 2011-11-04
An evacuation order has been given to residents in 4 sub-districts of Jatujak District this morning.
Residents in Jatujak, Lad Yao, Sena Nikom and Chantarakasem sub-districts in Jatujak District have been ordered to evacuate to higher ground.
The Jatujak area has seen the level of flood water rises since Thursday, inundating various roads and key routes in the district.
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Many city canals 'illegally blocked'
Janjira Pongrai
The Nation November 4, 2011 2:05 am
Close inspection has uncovered that many structures have been built illegally on 26 waterways in eastern Bangkok, leading to estuaries being redirected or blocked altogether - one of the key reasons why it is taking so long to drain the floods, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said yesterday.
According to most uptodate maps, the Chuad Ta Thim canal in Bang Na district seems to have disappeared altogether and has been replaced by a luxury housing complex. In addition, many golf courses and apartments have allegedly been illegally built on canals, not to mention several slums along the riverside, sources involved with the inspection said. Suvarnabhumi Airport and several roads are also allegedly blocking waterways and water catchment areas.
The ministry's permanent secretary, Suphoj Towichukchaikul, said the inspection had been conducted before floods had arrived at key watergates south of Bangkok, and officials had discovered that stoplogs designed to control the flow of water had been used on several canals and that many were overgrown with weeds.
Obstacles like stoplogs were found in seven locations in the lower Sam Wa canal and have now been dismantled, he said, adding: "But there are several similar obstacles in all canals that contribute to slower drainage and flow. A proper inspection will have to be conducted soon."
The ministry, along with its Department of Water Resources (DWR), conducted an inspection of 26 canals across Bangkok, including those leading to estuaries in Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon provinces, from Monday to Wednesday.
He added that a number of sluice gates built and operated by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) were also narrowing canals and should be dismantled.
An inspection team led by deputy DWR directorgeneral Chaiyaphorn Siriphornphaibool demonstrated how canals were surveyed using the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) - a sonar device that can determine the depth, speed and velocity of the current and obstacles under water. Chaiyaphorn said this device was also used to survey most major rivers in the country and had produced accurate results.
The 26 canals inspected were categorised as Zone 1 comprising 16 canals, 35 per cent of which were covered with weeds and 31 per cent had blockages; Zone 2 consists six canals, 61 per cent of which have been intentionally narrowed; and Zone 3 has four, of which 17 per cent are overgrown. NOT VERY CLEAR, CAN'T CONTACT WRITER.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Preecha Rengsomboonsuk said directing water through channels partly associated with the Khlong Dan wastewater management project was being considered because this way, as much as 700,000 cubic metres of water could be drained out of Bangkok daily. "But since the project is currently part of a criminal investigation into alleged corruption and has been impounded under court orders, a careful study is needed prior to implementing the idea," he added.
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There was a bloke in a bar in Buriram the other day saying there was no floods it was all Govermentmedia propaganda nono
Did you see any? Stanley
what bar you been drinking at Binns the 1 with the sign out the front that say's mental patients
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Tourists assured of travelling convenience
The Nation November 4, 2011
The Tourism and Sports Ministry has come up with measures to facilitate foreign tourists' travelling to Suvarnabhumi Airport.
First, TAT and Thai Hotels Association should jointly check the number of tourists departing for the airport and provide transportation to Airport Rail Link Makkasan Station. State Railway of Thailand should be alerted, if train services are insufficiently provided.
Second, from the station, travellers should be escorted by police officers to the airport. Suvarnabhumi police should be alerted for the fast-track service.
Third, tourist police must work with Airports of Thailand in allocating special rest area for the travellers and facilitating late check-ins, flight changes, or others. The Immigration Office should also be contacted for fast-track service.
Tourism and Sports Permanent Secretary Suwat Sidthilaw, chairing a meeting on Wednesday when the measures were agreed upon, said that the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s data showed that as of Oct 27, tourist attractions in 20 provinces have been affected by the floods.
Though October marks the beginning of Thailand’s tourism high season, tourist arrivals to Thailand have slowed down sharply in October with the daily peak of 40,528 on Oct 1. The number slumped to 22,197 on Oct 31.
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Bangkok likely to flood, water expert
THE NATION ON SUNDAY November 6
The promise that the 20 districts in Bangkok which remain dry would not flood was now hardly credible, according to a lecturer from King Mongkut Institute of Technology Lat Krabang with expertise in water and flood management.
Drainage of flood water on both sides of the capital was disproportionate compared to the colossal mass of water threatening the capital, he said.
An attempt to drain flood water towards the east of Bangkok was in difficulty, as the eastern areas were higher than the inner city, and water tended to flow west. But the network of canals and drains in Bangkok's west were not able to cope with the volume of water, Asst Prof Khomsan Maleesee, of the KMITL's Faculty of Engineering, said.
Saen Saeb canal in eastern Bangkok was not capable of taking a huge amount of water south through Sam Wa canal and the watergate with the same name. He said that the much-reported dispute at the gate and demolition of both shoulders of the structure should not be solely blamed for the swelling of Saen Saeb Canal or possible inundation of Bang Chan Industrial Estate.
"Whether the issue can be sorted out, flooding in inner city areas is likely. Don't make the villagers [who demolished the watergate] scapegoats. Let's get ourselves ready to cope with coming floods," he said.
Even the giant flood tunnel, five metres in diameter and five kilometres long, could only drain 5 million cubic metres (units) a day. But the amount of water sitting north of Bangkok totalled around a billion units.
"The two amounts between the drain-out and the fill-in volume are incomparable," he said.
"The only truth we must face now is that water must run down from north to south, and inevitably through Bangkok.
"It's now difficult to believe that 20 Bangkok districts earlier declared safe will not be flooded, even the crucial locations like Bang Chan and Lat Krabang industrial estates, which are located in areas where water [previously] flows. Both estates must watch out first for flood water coming via underground sewerage drains," he said.
Flood drainage was underway around the clock and hopefully expected to be sufficient to drain the flood water away, according to Suthep Noiphairoj, a deputy director-general of the Royal Irrigation Department.
Another 10 water pumps will be installed and working near Sam Wa Canal, in addition to five at Rangsit canals 12 and 13, and another 16 in Nakhon Nayok.
Garbage and water weeds are obstructing waterways and slowing down currents along with riverside slums and illegally-built structures on them, according to Chote Trachoo, permanent secretary of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, who cited a recent ministry study.
The slowest current speed that had been detected was 1 metre per second, at the beginning of the 26 canals surveyed, he said. Dredging of canal beds had been ordered along with collection of water-weeds. That work was expected to be done within the next few days.
Underwater structures called stop-logs were also found along with other debris at the bottom of Canals 9 to 12, and at six small watergates. They were another obstacle slowing the water flow.
He said the ministry had documented illegal buildings on the canals and would refer those details to the Marine Department (Transport Ministry) so the buildings could be demolished or moved as part of post-flood restoration work. "There should be a major overhaul of this issue after the flooding," he said.
The survey of 26 canals, mostly in eastern Bangkok, found various types of obstacles. Some do not have water-weeds but the current was slow due to canals being shallow. Some with stop-logs would be dredged so the current would flow quicker
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VW flood solution? boatsailing
TBWG sawadi burirampea burirampea burirampea
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Flood Crisis
More residents ordered out
The Nation November 8, 2011
Key link to South under threat, as more water pumps delivered to BMA
Flooding yesterday forced the evacuation of more Bangkok residents and threatened to cut Rama II, another key inter-provincial road.
The latest evacuation order was issued to people in Bang Chan, in Bangkok's Klong Sam Wa district.
To date, evacuation orders have affected 15 of Bangkok's 50 districts. Flooding is so serious in at least 12 districts that all residents have been advised to leave their homes.
But not all residents have agreed to move out of their homes in spite of the record flood and evacuation orders.
Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said yesterday that some 800,000 people had chosen to stay in seriously flooded areas.
"We are trying to help them by delivering relief items," he explained.
Inundation has shown no signs of easing in the capital. On Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, floodwater has already reached the Thai Rath newspaper office.
On Phaholyothin Road, it has already covered the area in front of Channel 7 TV station.
Although Skytrain services continue to operate as normal, passengers have found it hard to get buses to their destination after reaching Mor Chit station in the flooded Chatuchak district.
Run-off water from the north of the country has caused Bang Sue Canal to overflow in some areas. Some lanes of Ratchadaphisek Road, for example, had about 10cm of water.
On Lat Phrao Road, floodwater was much deeper. At Paowana Intersection, the water was about 80cm deep. Even buses were found stalled in the high water.
In Bangkok's east, officials at Bang Chan Industrial Estate were trying to pump out water that began to seep in.
In Bangkok's west, water on Phetkasem Road was heading toward Tha Phra Intersection. On the Ekachai-Bang Bon Road, water was about 15cm deep.
Floodwater was also heading toward Rama II Road, which serves as a main link between the capital and the South.
Motorists have already had to switch from major routes to secondary, circuitous roads to go to other parts of the country.
If Rama II is cut to traffic, transport between the South and other parts of the country will be much more difficult.
Deputy Bangkok City Clerk Jumpol Sampaopon, however, gave hope to people affected by the flood, saying it would end soon with the arrival of more pumps.
"We are due to get 71 pumps from the Flood Relief Operations Centre (Froc) today and will get 500 more from China soon," he said at a press conference.
He explained the installation of pumps at key spots would direct water to main canals like Thanon, Premprachakorn, Saen Saeb, Samsen, Bang Sue and Bang Khen.
"With cooperation from people and damming to prevent the influx of more run-off water from the northern part, we should be able to control the situation in 10 days," Jumpol said.
Also at the press conference was Froc director Pol General Pracha Promnok, who is also the justice minister.
Pracha said Froc and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) were working closely to try to drain floodwater out of Bangkok as fast as possible.
"We are channelling run-off water from the upper part of the country to the east and using pumps to drain floodwater in the capital," he said.
Pracha said Froc had spent between Bt40-50 million on pumps for the BMA. Some pumps from China had been bought while others were donated by China.
He said when all pumps were working, the authorities should be able to deliver good news to Bangkok residents.
Meanwhile, officials at the Hydrographic Department, said the Chao Phraya River level in Bangkok had risen from 1.63 metres to 2.07 metres above normal sea level.
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Thailand Flood Slow-moving tsunami
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alaOTZuNNI0