Thailand Live Wednesday 19 Oct 2011

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BMA Orders Immediate Evacuation of Areas Surrounding Klong 6

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has issued an immediate evacuation order for communities surrounding the Klong 6 area north of Sai Mai District. Approximately 200 households have been told to evacuate.

The BMA also revised an earlier warning for six eastern Bangkok districts including Bangkaen, Sai Mai, Kannayao, Klong Sam Wa, Meenburi, Nong Jok, and Lad Krabang. Residents are now being asked to relocate to other areas if possible.

-- Tan Network 2011-10-19

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Cold spell moving to the North of Thailand

BANGKOK, 19 October 2011 (NNT)- The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has warned residents in flood ravaged zones to brace for cold weather.

Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Mr. Wiboon Sanguanpong said the cold spell was moving towards the Northern provinces of Thailand from China and the temperature could drop by 2-3 degree Celsius.

The cold temperature could also be expected in flooded areas, according to Mr. Wiboon, children and the elderly have been told to keep themselves warm while wading in the floodwater and drinking alcohol should be avoided.

Consuming a high level of alcohol believing that it could keep the body warm could lead to a seizure. It could also lead to a life threatening situation especially an intoxicated person could get drowned in the floodwater.

The Department has also warned those staying a tent to take extra precautions when lighting a fire to keep warm or to cook food. They must make sure it is being put out after use as fires tend to spread quickly in gusty winds. Those who need help under any emergency situation can call 1784 for help.

-- NNT 2011-10-19

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Evacuation near floodwall @ Klong Hok Wa(Saimai) where barrier will b raised to 3.5 ms. 2 schools readied for 1,000 evacuees /via@news1005fm

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Thanks Yanni...RT @bangkokgovernor: Together we can. http://yfrog.com/kgjzqisj /via@veen_NT

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Department of Highways suggests motorists to check traffic at least 1 hour before setting off

BANGKOK, 19 October 2011 (NNT) – The Department of Highways (DOH) adviced people to check traffic conditions before going out.

Mr Wanchai Phakluck, Director-General of DOH, announced that due to the flood problem, certain highways have been inundated so severely that communication is not possible. To facilitate the passers-by and let the traffic flow and safe, DOH requests the cooperation from the commuters to avoid the flooded roads and the roads which officails from DOH and Department of Rural Roads, police officers and officials from Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation have prohibited, and use the roaded recommended by officials instead.

According to the report on the current flood situation released by the Bureau of Highways Maintenance Management on 19 October 2011, there are 115 roads, on which 55 spots are accessible and 75 spots are not, in 23 provinces afftected by the flood.

For convenience and safety, drivers should be more careful while driving and should check the traffic conditions at least one hour before getting off or frequently while being on the way. To receive information about traffic routes or need help, one can call 1586 DOH hotline or call Highway Police at 1193 24 hours a day.

-- NNT 2011-10-19

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Bank of Thailand's Monetary Policy Committee keeps policy interest rate unchanged at 3.50% due to of slow down of world economy and nationwide flooding /MCOT

Chulalongkorn Uni has delayed the start of its second semester from Oct 26 to Nov 7 /TAN_Network

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Announcement of Warning on Flooding Situation in Bangkok (19/10/2011)

Since there have been some complications upon the operation of the dykes at Khlong 3, Khlong 4, Khlong 5 and Khlong 6 of Pathumthani Province imposing further extents of the problems as the volume of over flowing floods from the above Khlongs would combine with the mass volume of the flood from the northern parts of Bangkok resulting the total volume of more than 1,200 million cubic meters. The massive volume of the flood would over flow into the Rangsit Plain affecting the dykes protecting the City of Bangkok and, consequently, the following districts could be inundated:

1. Sai Mai District

2. Khlong Sam Wa District

3. Bang Khen District

4. Nong Chok District

5. Min Buri District

6. Lad Kra Bang District

7. Kan Na Yao District

Hence, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) informs the above situation of the flood and requests the general public to follow the situation very closely, remain calm and prepare the relocation of belongings including replacing electrical outlets to a higher level. BMA will report the development of the situation and issue announcement every three hours so the public could be instructed and prepare appropriate measures accordingly.

BMA would like the general public to be assured that the administration will perform our tasks with the utmost accountability. Furthermore, the administration has already devised the evacuation and mitigation plan for the public which could be further consulted at www.bangkok.go.th and the offices of the above districts or at the Center of the Protection and Flood Relief Operation, BMA tel. no. 1555

M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra

Governor of Bangkok

Dated October 19, 2011

Source: http://thailand.prd.go.th/view_around_thailand.php?id=5924

-- thailand.prd.go.th 2011-10-19

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Fire at Toshiba's paper warehouse at Bangkadi Industrial Estate in Pathum Thani http://yfrog.com/h819049910j /TAN_Network

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BOT maintains policy rate

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161 bank branches closed

The Nation

As of 12am today, a number of 161 bank branches have been closed, due mainly to the closure of Future Park Rangsit - a major shopping mall in the North of Bangkok which houses 28 bank branches.

According to the Bank of Thailand, the number of 65 closed bank branches are in Pathum Thani (including 28 branches in Future Park Rangsit), 56 in Ayutthaya, 23 in Nakhon Sawan, 13 in Nonthaburi, 2 in Chai Nat and one each in Lop Buri and Bangkok.

-- The Nation 2011-10-19

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THAI introduces special service to Phitsanulok

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BKK governor issues 2nd warning for communities around Hok Wa Canal to evacuate to Saimai or Rittiyawannalai 2 schools /

Natl Police Commission unanimously votes in Pol Gen Priewpan Damapong, former brother in law of former PM Thaksin, as police chief /

/TAN_Network

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Seven Bangkok districts at risk of flooding

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Democrats hard at work at Bangkadi Industrial Estate in Pathum Thani http://yfrog.com/nuuiqolj

Democrat's Abhisit, Korn, Chamni inspects Bangkadi Industrial Estate http://yfrog.com/g096bwj

/TAN_Network

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PM Yingluck: Flood Crisis out of Govt's Control

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Bangchak president: Solar power plant in Ayutthaya's Bang Pa-in district submerged under 1 metre of water, oil depot safe /MCOT

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Phuket Landslide Update: Patong Hill slides continue

LIVING ON THE EDGE: Phuket motorists make their way past the problematic

section of Patong Hill road. Photo by Ulf Mikaelsson.

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SET index closed at 938.19, down 14.56; Bt/USD30.53; GBP47.89; AUD31.29; EUR42.01; CAD29.98; HKD3.92; SGD24.04; JPY39.55

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Bkk governor's nxt press con is 9 pm. /via@tulsathit

Flood after heavy rain on Phra Arthit Road. http://yfrog.com/h8lzqykgj /TAN_Network

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PATTAYA NEWS

German resident of North Pattaya drugged and robbed:

100,000 Baht fire at French Couple’s house in East Pattaya:

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AFP: Flood-hit Thailand holds benchmark rate steady

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Suvarnabhumi dykes heightened to 4 metres

The Nation

The Suvarnabhumi International Airport Wednesday heightened its earthen dykes to four-meter-high and piled up one-meter-high sandbag barriers along surrounding roads, in a bid to prevent flood.

Airports of Thailand (AOT) acting director Somchai Sawasdipol said that the Highway Department since October 10 helped heightened and strengthened the dykes, which would complete today (Oct 20). While the Lat Krabang Canal would be dredged to help support more excessive water, the airport also worked with the Royal Irrigation Department to drain floodwater in the airport's south into the sea speedily. The airport also set up a sandbag making center by volunteers to assist flood-affected people.

-- The Nation 2011-10-19

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PM calls urgent meeting with military leaders and BKK governor at Flood Relief Operation Center to discuss flooding /TAN_Network

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AFP: Thai PM picks Thaksin in-law as police chief

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Heavy rain forecast for Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phattalung and Songkhla until Friday /TAN_Network

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Democrat Party to launch charity football games for flood victims

BANGKOK, 19 October 2011 (NNT) – Democrat Party MP’s will next week launch charity football matches to raise funds for the flood victims.

In the first game, Democrat MP’s will meet a team of Channel 3 actors. The second game will be an encounter between Songkla FC players and 2011 SEA Games players.

The special matches will take place on Tuesday 25 October at 4 pm at Tinasulanont Stadium, Songkhla province. Tickets are available at 100 THB. All the proceeds will be donated to the flood victims.

-- NNT 2011-10-19

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Warning of flash flood and forest run-off

BANGKOK, 19 October 2011 (NNT) – The public relations unit of the Flood Relief Operations Center (FROC) announced that the National Disaster Warning Center (NDWC) had issued a warning of flash floods and forest run-off during 19-21 October 2011 due to the heavy and constant rain, particularly in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Songkhla.

Related officials were aroused to prepare for assisting the residents in the areas at risk, as well as to follow the news from the NDWC, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology.

As for the water situation in the South, run-off remains normal, yet tends to increase. Currently, the eastern part of the South is seeing more rain. Nakhon Si Thannarat is encountering minimal to medium rain which is likely to last a long period of time, possibly resulting in floods and overflow in streams. Meanwhile, the western side of the South is seeing regular rainfall and regular water situation.

-- NNT 2011-10-19

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Public Health Ministry: No flood victims suffer toxic leak

BANGKOK, 19 October 2011 (NNT) – The Public Health Ministry has allayed the public fears of toxin-related illnesses after Nava Nakorn Industrial Estate have been flooded, saying that there has been no report of patients suffering toxic intake so far.

Public Health Minister Wittaya Buranasiri said health officials dispatched to Nava Nakorn area and Thammasat University Hospital had not found anyone suffering from toxic chemicals. However, the Minister affirmed that inspection will be carried out on a regular basis to ensure people’s safety.

Meanwhile, Nava Nakorn board member Air Chief Marshal. Nopporn Chantawanit denied that there had been a chemical leak in the estate, adding that most manufacturers did not use dangerous chemicals in their production. Those having dangerous substances were told to store their materials at a high place of at least 10 meters. Wastewater must be treated before being discharged.

-- NNT 2011-10-19

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Princess Ubon Ratana encourages flood victims to fight

BANGKOK, 19 October 2011 (NNT) - Today at 13.00hrs Princess Ubon Ratana designated Dr Manus Nonuch, Policy & Plan Director of the Miracle of Life Foundation as her representative to hand over donation items, visit flood victims and give encouragement to officials at the Flood Relief Operations Center (FROC), Don Mueang Airport, following the 'One Heart...Help Flood Victims' project which aims at relieving the victims's sufferings and encouraging the people to continue with their lives.

Princess Ubolratana truly understands the sorrows of her citizens, expresses her concern and provides assistance to the victims. She remarked that she would always pass her encouragement to all Thais in order that they can fight against all current troubles. If the citizens are mentally strong , they will absolutely get through this crisis, she added.

-- NNT 2011-10-19

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Floods in Many Provinces Remain Worrisome

The flood situation remains critical in many provinces as consecutive days of torrential rain caused even more floods in many areas.

A large number of Uthai Thani locals traveled to observe the water level at the Thap Salao Dam in Lansak District after hearing a rumor that it has exceeded the dam's full capacity and officials are scrambling to increase the release of water from the dam.

The rumor has caused panic to locals who fear that the flood situation will be as bad as the one they saw in 1996.

Director of the Thap Salao Operation and Maintenance Project Prawet Yuanlae reiterated that the dam remains strong and is still be able to take in 190 million cubic meters of water.

Furthermore, the dam's watergates have not been opened yet.

In Maha Sarakham Province, a rise in the water level in the Chi River due to the continuous rain forced officials to evacuate 80 crocodiles from farms in Pone Ngam Subdistrict in Kosum Pisai District.

The floods have spread to 12 districts in the province, affecting over 200,000 people and 190,000 rai of farmland.

Heavy downpours for three consecutive days have resulted in an increase in the water level in Huay Saneng reservoir in Muang District.

The water-level rise has forced the Surin Irrigation Office to open all watergates to discharge water to prevent damage to the dam, causing inundation to the Surin-Buri Ram Highway.

In Ubon Ratchathani Province, communities along the Chi River are flooded with more than three meters deep water.

The water level in many canals has risen so high that main roads connecting to three lower northeastern provinces are submerged.

Officials are using pumps to drain out floodwater.

The rising water level was a result of consecutive days of heavy rain.

-- Tan Network 2011-10-19