Thailand Live Sunday 23 Oct 2011

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Thailand Live Sunday 23 October 2011

News, Bits and Tweets

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Keep up to date with live updates from the news, hour by hour.

For breaking news,national, regional and international news updates on a daily basis only, this thread is closed to commentary so that those who wish to follow the news can find it here...

Commentary is still open for Thailand news in the relevant thread posted in News Clippings.

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Related topic: Thailand Live Saturday 22 Oct 2011

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Today's Thailand weather and forecasts:

Follow this link: http://weather.thaivisa.com/

[Lite Beer]

Prayuth tells estate residents to get ready for evacuation

Panya Thiewsangwan,

Nantida Puangthong

The Nation on Sunday

Follow this link:http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/507168-prayuth-tells-estate-residents-to-get-ready-for-evacuation/page__view__findpost__p__4786176

[Lite Beer]

About 2.5m people hit by floods in 28 provinces

The Nation on Sunday

The ongoing flood disaster has ravaged 175 districts as of now in 28 provinces, affecting 2.45 million people, and the death toll stood at 356 deaths with two persons missing, the National Flood Relief Centre at Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport reported yesterday.

Seventy-seven rural highways in 15 provinces were damaged while 18 Northern Route train services were suspended. Northeastern Route trains bound for Bangkok continued to use the Bangkok-Makkasan-Chachoengsao route without going through Samsen, Bang Sue or Don Muang stations, they said.

The Royal Thai Navy reported that there would be high tides 2.30-2.35 metres above mean sea level from October 27-31.

-- The Nation 2011-10-23

[Lite Beer]

Prapa Canal wall cracks

The Nation on Sunday

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/507170-prapa-canal-wall-cracks/page__view__findpost__p__4786182

[Lite Beer]

Bangkok water gates not fully opened: Governor

The Nation on Sunday

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/507171-bangkok-water-gates-not-fully-opened-governor/page__view__findpost__p__4786188

[Lite Beer]

Flood will last for weeks

The Nation on Sunday

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/507172-flood-will-last-for-weeks/page__view__findpost__p__4786193

[Lite Beer]

Kalasin faced with serious situation as wall gives way

The Nation on Sunday

The situation in the northeastern province of Kalasin remained critical as flood barriers along Chi River gave way, letting in water and leading to the subsequent evacuation of 2,000 families in Kamalasai and Khong Chai districts.

Several sections of the flood barriers along Chi River running through Yang Talad, Khong Chai and Kamalasai districts were ruptured, especially Kamalasai that saw six 100-metre-long sections breached. So far, about 400 soldiers plus 500 officials and volunteers have managed to repair three of them while they were deterred by the strong torrents at the other three locations. The flood water poured into 2,000 homes in Tambon Chao Than, Thanya, Dong Ling in Kamalasai district and Tambon Lam Chi in Khong Chai district.

Kalasin Governor Wiroj Jiwarangsan ordered emergency evacuation while some 100,000 rai of farmlands were inundated. The main road from Kamalasai to Roi Et became impassable with flood waters almost a metre deep. Warnings were issued that if officials couldn't fix the floodwall, the rest of Khong Chai and Kamalasai districts would be submerged in four weeks.

Wiroj said the barrier bust was due to the Ubolrat Dam releasing 40-50 million cubic metres of water per day in the past 10 days. He said the province's 38km-long flood barrier along Chi River had withstood flood waters last year but this year it couldn't, so he had set up foundation pillars and metal sheet piles to strengthen it hence the problem should be solved in 5-7 days.

In Buri Ram, Mul River continued to rise and yesterday caused Chi River to flood thousands of rai of rice fields and houses of 10 villages in Sateuk and Krasang districts. Two villages were marooned as main roads were under water more than a metre high.

In Nakhon Ratchasima's Pimai district, Mul riverside homes were hit by 70cm-deep flood while Suranaree University of Technology in Muang district sent 80 flat-bottomed boats to assist flood victims in the Central provinces

-- The Nation 2011-10-23

[Lite Beer]

Mobile units treat over 720,000 people

The Nation on Sunday

Public Health Minister Wittaya Buranasiri yesterday said 200 medical mobile units were dispatched per day and so far they had treated a total of 720,128 patients who fell ill due to the flooding condition, mostly from Hong Kong Foot.

Of the flood victims in 37 provinces, 97,520 people suffered from stress - 4,202 of them were highly stressed and 5,882 were depressed and 807 were deemed at risk of suicide, he said.

Wittaya said two medical units were added in Nonthaburi; one at the Bang Plu intersection in Bang Bua Thong district with five beds, four doctors and eight nurses and the other of about the same size at Bang Yai district.

-- The Nation 2011-10-23

[Lite Beer]

Powers and limitations of Disaster Act

The Nation

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2007 is the key law empowering Interior Ministry's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and provincial administrations to tackle natural calamities.

In past cases of disaster, provincial governors were the main enforcers of the law.

Under extreme circumstances, Article 31 prescribes for the prime minister to intervene and override local governments, including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, to mitigate the disaster.

By issuing a disaster warning for the capital, the central government aims to take control of the city's sluice gates to coordinate flood control and drain run-off into the sea via eastern Bangkok.

The act has a more limited mandate than the emergency decree. The disaster provisions apply mainly to civilian officials and the prime minister is obligated to issue a separate order to involve the military in flood control.

-- The Nation 2011-10-23

[Lite Beer]

Chiang Mai horticulture exhibition postponed

The Nation on Sunday

The International Horticultural Exposition Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2011 organising committee has agreed to postpone the fair and will now be held in Chiang Mai from December 14, 2011 to March 14, 2012 (92 days) due to the ongoing flood crisis.

The event was originally due to begin on November 9 but was later rescheduled to start on December 16. But the Agriculture Department yesterday morning notified Royal Park Rajapruek director Thassanee Srimongkol the new date. The fair had to postponed because of the worrying flood situation in the country, she said.

-- The Nation 2011-10-23

[Lite Beer]

Thammasat Rangsit campus flooded as dyke breached

The Nation on Sunday

Pathum Thani's Thammasat University Rangsit Campus was flooded after the earthen dyke in front of the nearby Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) was breached early yesterday. However, there has been no evacuation of 3,800 flood victims from the university's Gymnasium 1 yet.

AIT was hit by two-metre-deep floods, which also spilled over to the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and caused a 20cm-deep flood at Yungthong and Talad Wicha roads and Thammasat Primary School. Officials used off-road trucks to evacuate residents in the athletics dormitories to safer ground. Some 340 soldiers were repairing the busted floodwalls of AIT and NSTDA and should be able to control the floods, although they would have to be on watch around the clock for any more cracks. GMC trucks and flat-bottomed boats are ready to help with evacuation if necessary.

-- The Nation 2011-10-23

[Lite Beer]

Situation improving in Nakhon Sawan City

The Nation on Sunday

Nakhon Sawan City Mayor Jittakasem Nirojthanarat yesterday reported that flood waters in the municipality had lowered by 1.2 metres and expected them to recede completely by October 26, but the amount of garbage had doubled from the usual 140 tonnes per day.

He said some parts of Sawanvithi, Romchat and Kosi roads were now passable for small vehicles. Many people had started to return home while some 700 water pumps were in place to drain water out of the city area. He warned residents that water level beyond the floodwalls was one metre higher than inside, hence they shouldn't yet tear down floodwalls or bring their belongings down. Jittakasem also instructed officials to distribute EM (effective micro-organisms) balls to tackle polluted flood water.

-- The Nation 2011-10-23

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL

Will Yingluck give precedence to reconciliation over politics?

The Nation

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/507177-will-yingluck-give-precedence-to-reconciliation-over-politics/page__view__findpost__p__4786285

[Lite Beer]

Flood Prevention to Deal with Another Round of High Tides

The Government has prepared flood prevention plans to cope with another round of high tides, which is likely to take place between 28 and 30 October 2011.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said that the Royal Irrigation Department had worked out the plans, which involve water drainage, floodgate control, and the closure of certain dams to slow down water flow.

She believed that these plans would be able to control the impact of high tides during the period. Fortunately, water levels in several flood-hit provinces have begun to recede. The Government earlier issued an announcement to consolidate power on flood control under the 2007 Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act in order to deal effectively with the current flooding situation. A joint committee, comprising the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Royal Irrigation Department, has also been set up to manage water drainage more efficiently.

The Prime Minister said that run-off from the North would pass through Bangkok and that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration had opened all sluice gates in order to drain water to the sea as soon as possible. She urged Bangkok residents to move valuable and electrical items to higher ground to avoid possible flooding.

Since the flooding situation might persist for four to six weeks in many areas of the country, the Government has prepared several plans to improve the living conditions in various evacuation centers. The plans include occupational training and lesson teaching, aimed at generating employment for the affected people after flood water recedes.

The Government has arranged altogether 1,743 evacuation centers nationwide which can accommodate more than 800,000 people. About 113,000 affected people have so far stayed at these centers. In Bangkok, 158 schools in 24 districts have been designated temporary shelters.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance has set aside 50 billion baht to assist flood-hit small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) operators. Commercial banks will extend loans under this program, while the Small Business Credit Guarantee Corporation will guarantee not less than 30 percent of the amount of a loan.

Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department

[Lite Beer]

FLOODING SITUATION UPDATE:

Useful Links & Contact Numbers

Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department

[Lite Beer]

Good news this morning. Water level slightly down in Khlong Prapa at Samakee road./Via@AndersInNon

[Lite Beer]

FLOODING SITUATION IN BANGKOK: UPDATE (23/10/2011)

M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, the Governor of Bangkok, said that the level of the Chao Phraya River is remarkably high and thus causes flooding in several areas next to the River. However, the overall situation has not reached the critical point yet but needs to be closely watched. At the Lower Khlong Hok Wa in Sai Mai District the water receded for 3 cm. whereas the level of the flood in most areas of the eastern part of Bangkok were very stable with only a minor changes of 1- 2 cm. in some areas.

However, there still three areas that are very worthwhile to be pointed out:

1. The area of the intersection of Phaholyothin Road and Khlong Rangsit. It is unfortunate that now the flooding is reaching the Royal Thai Air Force Memorial Site at the beginning of Vibhavadi Rangsit Road and expected to reach the Don Mueang Airport soon.

2. The level of water in the Khlong Prem Prachakorn is still increasing.

3. The level of the Chao Phraya River causes a great concern to Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) since the rapid and unexpected rise of the river up to the level of 2.40 m. was recorded and the consequences of which are flooding in the areas of 5 districts namely, Dusit, Pranakorn, Sampanthawong, Bang Plat and Bangkok Noi. Several of those areas had been fixed with only a few are under the operation of fixing.

The Governor stressed that upon the inspection of Siriraj Hospital it was found thatthere are problems of water leakages through its barrier along the Chao Phraya River. The barrier was constructed by the hospital for a long time ago so BMA had deployed the taskforces to fix the leakages and also to reinforce the barrier to the height of 3.00 m. from 2.80 m.

The Governor warned that the situation along the River would caught BMA and people residing along the river off guard. Since the high tide of the river would be around 4.00 pm. today so BMA strongly urges those living outside the barrier along the river in 13 districts comprising of 27 communities and about 1,200 households to move to the centers of flood relief operation of each district.

The Governor would like the general public to clearly note that this announcement is not a notice for evacuation but it is intended to urge the public concerned for a move to temporary shelters for the sake of safety. However, those residing within the barrier, if feel unsecured, may also move to seek temporary shelters at the centers.

Regarding the attention required for patients in the hospitals and community health centers of BMA, it should be noted that the preparation plan had been devised for a long time ago. In implementing this plan, BMA now moves all the patients from the Lat Krabang Hospital to Sirindthorn Hospital, both of which belong to BMA so that the former hospital will have all beds available for those incoming patients affected by the flooding.

Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department

[Lite Beer]

Amazing pic in Bkk Post of a train from Ayutthaya pushing through floods at Don Muang #ThaiFloodEng pic.twitter.com/UxAFWiEo/Via@RichardBarrow

[Lite Beer]

Watch out! 3 crocodiles r out around Dream World area! the biggest one is around 3 meters./Via@fastbreak_nash

Crocodile facts: ten things you didn't know about crocodiles

As fears in Thailand grow over crocodiles on the loose in floodwater, we list ten unusual facts about the predatory reptiles.

By Ian MacKinnon in Bangkok

1. Crocodiles can swim at 25mph just with the help of their powerful tail.

2. Farmed crocodiles can reach 1.5 metres (5ft) in length in just one year.

3. When crocodiles sit on river banks with their mouths opens, it's not aggression. They're trying to cool off as they sweat through their mouths.

4. Crocodiles display increased aggressiveness during the mating season, which is linked to the monsoon.

5. Each crocodile jaw has 24 teeth that are meant to grasp and crush, not chew. They swallow stones that grind food inside their stomachs, and also act as ballast

6. Ninety-nine per cent of crocodile offspring are eaten in the first year after birth, by large fish, herons, monitor lizards and adult crocodiles.

7. Crocodile skin is considered one of the finest, treasured for it durability and softness. It's a sign of status in tribal societies.

8. Some tribes, like those in New Guinea, venerate the crocodile and give themselves scarring to match that of a crocodile skin.

9. Crocodiles, which first appeared 240 million years ago, can live up to 80 years.

10. "Crying crocodile tears" – displaying fake sadness – comes from the myth that the reptiles weep when eating humans. They do wipe their eyes when feeding, but only because their eyes bubble and froth when eating.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/8831754/Crocodile-facts-ten-things-you-didnt-know-about-crocodiles.html

[Lite Beer]

FLOODING IN THAILAND: SITUATION UPDATE (22/10/2011)

Over the past several weeks, seasonal rains that are heavier than usual have resulted in widespread flooding in Thailand. While the flooding is having some impact on tourism, most key tourist destinations and attractions throughout Thailand have not been affected by the floods and almost all remain open. The floods are mainly affecting the provinces in central Thailand and a few provinces in the north and northeast. Flood waters in some provinces in northern Thailand has begun to subside. Provinces in the south of Thailand have not been affected by the floods. Ayutthaya has been the only tourist destination widely affected by the floods, while other provinces where tourists generally go have been slightly impacted.

Major tourist destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Sukhothai, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Pattaya, Ko Chang, Rayong, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Ko Samui, and all provinces in southern Thailand are experiencing normal weather conditions.

All airports in Thailand, including Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, have not been affected by the floods and are operating as per usual. Suvarnabhumi Airport has considerable flood protection measures in place and officials are monitoring the situation closely.

Flood waters are being drained through parts of Bangkok in a controlled manner. Most areas of central Bangkok where tourists normally go are not flooded and fully accessible. The government has enacted measures under which military personnel will help to protect central Bangkok and key transportation facilities such as Suvarnabhumi Airport from flooding.

Tourist destinations in the north, such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, are best accessed by air as some roads and railways in the central provinces are closed due to the floods. Provinces in southern and eastern Thailand remain fully accessible by road and train.

Train services from Bangkok to northern destinations are suspended due to the tracks being flooded. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is offering full refunds on tickets for travelers who want to cancel their trips to destinations where train service is suspended. Train services to other parts of Thailand are available as per normal.

Tourists planning to travel to the provinces affected by the floods are advised to check the latest weather forecasts for their destination and confirm arrangements with the transportation providers with which they will be travelling. Tourists can call the TAT Information Line at 1672 to check local conditions, or visit the Thailand Meteorological Department web site at http://www.tmd.go.th/en for updated weather forecasts.

Major events going ahead as scheduled include:

-- The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Fair 2011 opens in Chiang Mai on December 16 and runs until March 14, 2012

-- Phimai Festival, from November 9 - 13, at Phimai Historical Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province

-- The “5th Thailand International Balloon Festival” in Chiang Mai from November 25 - 27

Update for Bangkok

Most areas of central Bangkok where tourists normally go are not flooded and fully accessible. There is some flooding in areas along the banks of the Chao Phraya River due to the high level of water. Flood waters are being drained through parts of Bangkok in a controlled manner. Within the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, most flooding is occurring in outlying residential and industrial zones.

Most of the flooding now taking place in Thailand is in provinces to the north and east of Bangkok. Almost all of the Bangkok Metropolitan Area is protected by a large network of flood walls, levees, canals and drainage tunnels. The city government is using this network to expedite the water flow and minimize flooding in the city.

During periods of intensely heavy rain, there is some localized flooding of certain low-lying streets in Bangkok. These conditions are quickly cleared up by municipal work crews and the city's storm water drainage system.

Some low-lying areas in northern and eastern Bangkok that are outside of the city’s flood protection barriers have experienced rising water, but the flooding is being contained in certain locations.

Day trips and short trips to tourist attractions close to Bangkok, such as Pattaya, Hua-Hin, Damnoen Saduak Floating Marketing in Ratchaburi, and Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram remain unaffected by the floods and open to visitors. Tourists who would like to visit historical attractions can consider Sukhothai Historical Park in Sukhothai.

Update for Ayutthaya

The province of Ayutthaya has been widely affected by the floods. This includes Ayutthaya's inner city island and world heritage sites. Tourist attractions on and outside the island of Ayutthaya have been temporarily closed due to the floods. Due to the disruptions caused by the floods, the TAT recommends that tourists avoid visiting Ayutthaya until the flood water subsides and tourist attractions have reopened.

Update for other popular tourist destinations

Information on the impact of the floods is provided for other popular tourist destinations by the following regions within Thailand.

--North

Water levels in some of the flood-affected areas in northern Thailand are subsiding and flood control measures are being relaxed. Most tourist attractions in northern Thailand have not been affected by the floods and are open for visitors. Tourist destinations in the north, such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Sukhothai, are best accessed by air as some roads and railways in the central provinces are still closed due to the floods.

Major tourist destinations in the North not affected by the floods include:

Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai

Lampang

Sukhothai

--Northeast

Several provinces in northeastern Thailand including Buri Ram, Khon Kaen, and Surin have been affected by flooding in low-lying agricultural areas and areas adjacent to major waterways. Localized flooding that occurred in Nakhon Ratchasima due to heavy rains was cleared by the city's drainage system.

The current flooding is having little impact on tourism as key tourist destinations and attractions in northeast Thailand are not damaged by the floods and remain open.

Major tourist destinations in the Northeast not affected by the floods include:

Loei

Nakhon Ratchasima

Ubon Ratchathani

Udon Thani

Activities affected by flooding:

The following national park remains open; however, water-related activities are not allowed:

Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima

-- Central

Major tourist destinations in the Central region not affected by the floods include:

Hua-Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan

Kanchanaburi

Koh Chang, Trat

Pattaya, Chonburi

Ratchaburi

Rayong

--South

No provinces in the South have been affected by the floods. This includes:

Chumphon

Phuket

Krabi

Ranong

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Songkhla

Narathiwat

Satun

Pattani

Surat Thani

Phang Nga

Trang

Phatthalung

Yala

Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department

[Lite Beer]

8:43am Rattanatibet inbound rd, at SaiMa intersection, is still commutable w/ 15cm-high flood water.~@fm91trafficpro /Via@Tulip_Oum

[Lite Beer]

About 4-5 crocodiles (2-3 metre long) were caught last night at Rangsit-Nakorn Nayok Rd., Klong 1-4 (via @can_nw )/Via@Porpich

[Lite Beer]

Democrat Chavanont Intarakomalsut says EmergencyDecree possible,decree says could be enacted to deal with natural calamities via SpringNews/TAN_Network

[Lite Beer]

BMA: Area of concern is Khlong Rangsit intersection of Paholyothin Rd; water level in Khlong Prem still rising/Via@JackPrinya

[Lite Beer]

U.S. Marines and Thai Military assess flood affected areas on U.S. Seahawk helicopter twitpic.com/74eeca/Via@USEmbassyBKK

[Lite Beer]

Floods major test for Thailand's novice PM

Focus by Daniel Rook

BANGKOK, October 23, 2011 (AFP) - Thailand's worst floods in decades are a baptism of fire for Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, observers say, as the political novice struggles to get a grip on a disaster that could define her career.

Follow this link:http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/507187-floods-major-test-for-thailands-novice-pm/page__view__findpost__p__4786545

[Lite Beer]

Yingluck denied to move FROC to Chonburi if flooded in BKK. She admitted that no law can control the water. (Via @nnanews ) /Via@Porpich

[Lite Beer]

Rangsit-Nakorn Nayok Rd.(in/out bound) at Klong 1-4,flooded early Sunday/Via@Biz_TheNation

Thung Song Hong waist-high flood;Rajchinee-Bon school submerged under 1 m. flood water/Via@Biz_TheNation

Thai stocks could fall below 900 pts level on concerns over domestic floods,ongoing euro debts crisis next week,brokers said/Via@Biz_TheNation

Cool temp,fog over NE,north.;widely scattered rain over lower central,east, the south/Via@Biz_TheNation

[Lite Beer]

Water now rising and in the road for the first time around Khlong Thanon, Sai Mai, about 1.5 KM east of Don Muang Airport /Via@sternos