Thai Govt To Boost Food Supply In Flood-Braced Bangkok

[Lite Beer]

Thai govt to boost food supply in flood-braced Bangkok

by Thanaporn Promyamyai

BANGKOK, October 23, 2011 (AFP) - The Thai government said Sunday it would set up a distribution centre in Bangkok to help replenish empty supermarket shelves as residents readied for floods that have so far largely spared the capital.

Deputy Prime Minister Kittirat Na-Ranong said making essential supplies available in one central place would allow stores whose supply chains have been interrupted to quickly stock up "as many items are missing from the shelves."

Supermarkets in the city have been busy with people loading up on food and bottled water as the low-lying capital remained on alert to be hit by the deadly floods that have plagued other parts of the country for weeks.

"Companies that produce consumer products have not been much affected (by the floods), so we will try to deliver products to a wider area," said Kittirat, who is also Thailand's commerce minister.

The government also said it would discuss in a cabinet meeting on Tuesday measures to help the nation's hundreds of flood-affected factories get back on track, with financial aid and tax incentives among the ideas mooted.

Three months of heavy monsoon rains have killed more than 350 people in Thailand and damaged the homes and livelihoods of nine million people.

More than 110,000 evacuees have been forced to seek refuge in 1,743 shelters from waters that the government has described as unstoppable.

In the capital, the authorities are battling the slowly advancing floods on several fronts, with parts of the northern outskirts of Bangkok already under waist-deep water.

The city centre remained dry as a sunny weekend drew to a close.

Residents however stayed on the alert after Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra told the city to prepare for possible inundation up to one metre (three feet) deep.

She also warned it could take six weeks for the flooding to recede.

The government is desperately trying to drain billions of cubic metres of water from upcountry out to sea through rivers and canals in and around the city by opening sluice gates in the capital -- a risky strategy.

"There are several factors that we can't control. The water is coming in two directions," Yingluck told reporters.

"Bangkok residents will be affected because water will flow down, particularly through the Saen Saeb canal (which crosses the city centre) and the drainage system which will help water to be diverted out quickly."

Another major test is expected between October 28 and 30 when seasonal high tides flow up the Chao Phraya, meeting run-off water from the north.

Thai troops on Sunday reinforced vulnerable barriers along Bangkok's Chao Phraya river after a sudden rise in the water level but no new flooding was reported.

The swollen river briefly overflowed Saturday in parts of five central Bangkok districts -- including near the political heartland -- prompting a race to fix the leaks.

The Bangkok authorities have urged about 3,000 people living on the banks of the Chao Phraya on the river side of the flood barriers to move to emergency shelters.

In the north of the city, meanwhile, the floods were closing in Bangkok's second-largest airport, Don Mueang, part of which has been turned into a refuge for thousands of evacuees and is defended by walls of sandbags.

The planned food distribution centre would also be located at the Don Mueang airport compound, the government said.

Most of Thailand's top tourist destinations and the capital's main airport have so far been unaffected.

Tens of thousands of soldiers and police have been mobilised to maintain order.

The government's flood relief centre said that floodwater in Pathum Thani province, just north of Bangkok, had been found to contain toxic chemicals and pollution experts were investigating the cause.

Conditions are desperate for flood victims who stayed behind, some using homemade floating devices in waters up to their necks.

"I've never seen anything like this in my life," Boonchu Thongtha told AFP in Rangsit, Pathum Thani where the water is chest deep.

"I can't go to the toilet, I can't do anything. My biggest fear is to not have food to eat. Our stored food is finished. I don't know what to do. We have nine people in the family," the 62-year-old told AFP.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-10-23

[Payboy]

The government's flood relief centre said that floodwater in Pathum Thani province, just north of Bangkok, had been found to contain toxic chemicals and pollution experts were investigating the cause.

One by one they're forced to let those cats out of the bag.

[DocN]

I am really interested, how they are going to boost supply, when from tomorrow onwards...or Tuesday...or...whatever...the whole city is 1,5 meters submerged?! My local 7elevens and Family Markets are all on even ground (means 1,5 meter under) and I am ...what...to swim to Tesco, 5 kilometers through turds and crocodiles?

[janverbeem]

Well at least that would qualify you for the next olympics.

[Pib]

And how and where is this "one" new supply center going to get its supplies for redistribution? Just more political BS statements....statements like this keep coming-out to fool many into thinking the govt has this flooding situation under control....simply wave their (the govt) magic wand and everything will be fine.

[animatic]

The government's flood relief centre said that floodwater in Pathum Thani province, just north of Bangkok, had been found to contain toxic chemicals and pollution experts were investigating the cause.

One by one they're forced to let those cats out of the bag.

Hard to imagine all those industrial estates had time to empty and scrub up all the tanks and stuff they couldn't move.... There has logically to be a hugely toxic cocktail floating towards Bangkok from 2-3 sides.

[TAWP]

It is a little bit sad that it took FROC so many days after shortage has been reported on Twitter and forums for many days...

[satiariyan]

It is a little bit sad that it took FROC so many days after shortage has been reported on Twitter and forums for many days...

However, fair enough a government doesn't base its actions on Tweets and TV-posters...

[whybother]

It is a little bit sad that it took FROC so many days after shortage has been reported on Twitter and forums for many days...

However, fair enough a government doesn't base its actions on Tweets and TV-posters...

Maybe it should. It doesn't seem to be very good at getting current information from elsewhere.

[thaicbr]

It is a little bit sad that it took FROC so many days after shortage has been reported on Twitter and forums for many days...

However, fair enough a government doesn't base its actions on Tweets and TV-posters...

Yes. You are correct BUT IT SHOULD know what the hell is going on.. And twitter ect actually come from the people who are there on the ground............... Who didn't know that there was going to be a break down in logistics?

Yingluck and her dumbo advisors because they are to busy talking about what to do than doing it.

If they had actually given the correct info to companies like CP, Lotus and BigC in a timely fashion then some of the problems would not have occurred.

PS the idea of a government distribution centre just shows how off the reservation this guy is.

Edited October 23, 2011 by thaicbr

[OzMick]

Looks like Boonchu took the PM's advice not to hoard food as the govt will supply. Well - he's waiting, what's for dinner Yingluk?

[hammered]

The government's flood relief centre said that floodwater in Pathum Thani province, just north of Bangkok, had been found to contain toxic chemicals and pollution experts were investigating the cause.

One by one they're forced to let those cats out of the bag.

Hard to imagine all those industrial estates had time to empty and scrub up all the tanks and stuff they couldn't move.... There has logically to be a hugely toxic cocktail floating towards Bangkok from 2-3 sides.

I think you'll find the much maligned plodrasop is actually telling the truth that this is a total disaster and evryone should stop lying

[hyperdimension]

The Thai government said Sunday it would set up a distribution centre in Bangkok to help replenish empty supermarket shelves as residents readied for floods that have so far largely spared the capital.

Shouldn't the food go straight to the people who need it instead of replenishing supermarket shelves?

Is this just an exploitation of an opportunity to skim some profit?

[hyperdimension]

Looks like Boonchu took the PM's advice not to hoard food as the govt will supply. Well - he's waiting, what's for dinner Yingluk?

Food will be there "soon".

Everybody should relax and stop buying extra food. Yingluck has told us that there will be enough to feed every single one of the hundreds of thousands of people across the country (and possibly millions if Bangkok is flooded) who have and will be affected:

"The government will oversee the distribution of all consumer goods and ensure that they are sufficient and available for everyone."

don't stockpile goods," Yingluck said.

Edited October 24, 2011 by hyperdimension

[Jerry555]

"My biggest fear is to not have food to eat".

It's not the water , the biggest problem will be the food as Thai are used to eat all day they will be completely confused when there's nothing

or not enough .

We all know for weeks/months this was coming but as Thai aren't able to even think 5 minutes ahead nobody thought of building up some

stock of bottled water and food till it was to late .

They should know by now that they can't trust there government that is lying there ass of to prevent people panicking but i'm pretty shore

there's a lot more to come .

[zydeco]

Just got back from the Salaya Lotus. Just about everything is gone. No bottled water, no soda water, no bottled Pepsi or Coke even. Shelves almost as empty except for some farang food. Found lots of Campbell's Pork n Beans (with no pull tab--you need a can opener, which seems to be a rare item around here), instant mash potatoes, peanut butter and some pasta. A little toilet paper and paper towels but the supply sinking fast. Even the junk food aisle was almost empty--no crackers, chips, or peanuts. The only thing there, amazingly enough, were lots of bags of tortilla chips. So--bought some cheese and tonight I'll have nachos--without the jalepenos. BTW, might be a good idea for the government to let the grocery stores restock. I don't want government to do it, because they would need to recreate the stores' delivery systems and transport. Do you really want FROC handling that?

[bkkjames]

If as the article says-no effect on food supply, can someone from Cp, big C, tesco etc kindly advise when they plan to restock their shelves?

[hammered]

Some of the big distribution centers (north of BKK) are out of action. Some roads are closed. Mass panic buying and hoarding empties shelves. It is not going to be solved quickly. Hopefully the new Don Muang distribution point will help logistically. CP have also announced they will take stock from provincial distribution centers and send it to BKK. In Chonburi many 7/11s yesterday lacked bread, water, noodles etc as either local panic buying took hold or an invasion of Bangkokians seeking supplies occured

[bkkjames]

So if (and its a big if) the city in the days ahead is well and truly under water, will the govt seek help from outside in terms of basic supplies (food)?

We are talking 12 million people without access to drinkable water potentially.

Most roads in bangkok are passable but no water for days now in most shops.

[zydeco]

Some of the big distribution centers (north of BKK) are out of action. Some roads are closed. Mass panic buying and hoarding empties shelves. It is not going to be solved quickly. Hopefully the new Don Muang distribution point will help logistically. CP have also announced they will take stock from provincial distribution centers and send it to BKK. In Chonburi many 7/11s yesterday lacked bread, water, noodles etc as either local panic buying took hold or an invasion of Bangkokians seeking supplies occured

I could use some restocking of my 7/11 on Phutthamonthon Sai 3. I just got the last 3 cans of A&W Root Beer. They do still have wine and whiskey in stock!

[MarkusRellstab]

Some of the big distribution centers (north of BKK) are out of action. Some roads are closed. Mass panic buying and hoarding empties shelves. It is not going to be solved quickly. Hopefully the new Don Muang distribution point will help logistically. CP have also announced they will take stock from provincial distribution centers and send it to BKK. In Chonburi many 7/11s yesterday lacked bread, water, noodles etc as either local panic buying took hold or an invasion of Bangkokians seeking supplies occured

here a report from my friend in Rangsit from today.

All vital functions of this suburb seem to die offslowly. After restricted communications since a while (the communication groundnetwork stopped operating) as the wireless network is completely saturated,waterworks ceased operation yesterday morning. Now we are on our emergencywater; a filled garbage can and rows of filled-up bottles. Strict water restrictionpolicy is now in vigor for all inmates, as a matter of survival - for the onesremaining in this area, another burden. No place to go …The water is now insome places so deep, that it is hardly possible to walk through. The boat isthe only communication with the outside world. But what outside world? Allaround is only a sea of brackish water. Where is the land? It remembers me amovie called “Water World”. Soon the pirates will arrive ….

Then the cable TV broke down just before 08.00 Hr in the morning. Now we weretotally blind: very poor internet access, no television, no radio. There mustbe somehow a media God, because suddenly late afternoon, the cable TV came backto life and Somchai of Jayasoft even managed to get me a 100 hours Internet package.

There are many dramatic events, due to the wrong estimation of the size of thisflood by the authorities. Thammasat University in Rangsit opened a gymnasium asa temporary shelter for 3,500 people of Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-In, victim of theflooding since "the fall of Ayutthaya" on 8 October. At this momentthere is a water front hundred kilometer wide from Nakhon Sawan to Bangkok overa distance, close to 300 Km in many places 2-3 meter deep. Flood prevention atRangsit Campus failed and the university compound was flooded yesterday with alevel varying from 30 cm until 2 meters of water. People are still able to stayat the center, but the electricity broke down and all supplies for the refugeeswere flooded. Will be harsh times for the refugees.

[zydeco]

Markus, maybe not "Waterworld" but "Apocalypse Now: Redux". Seriously, it sounds apocalyptic. I cannot believe how relatively well Thai people are taking this. Back home people would have almost resorted to cannibalism by now.

[TAWP]

Markus, maybe not "Waterworld" but "Apocalypse Now: Redux". Seriously, it sounds apocalyptic. I cannot believe how relatively well Thai people are taking this. Back home people would have almost resorted to cannibalism by now.

That is what might be a closer scenario if BKK is flooded and even the refugees in the shelters are feeling that there is no backup left...

[Xonax]

We haven´t been able to buy bottled water in Bangkok for three days now, and before that the water was limited to 6 small bottles per person, so not possible to stockpile.

If we cannot get bottled drinking water now, what can we expect when the flood comes to Bangkok? How many Bangkokians will have to die, now that the government plans to flood bangkok with the water from the flooded provinces up north???

[meom]

^

Have a Xanax and chill.

Plenty of water machines all over the place where you can buy water.

Even tap water is still ok.

Store up on Yaba and you won't desire food for a week or so.

Edited October 24, 2011 by meom

[whybother]

Tesco will close its stores nationwide, due to suppliers unable to make delivery in time. /via @news1005fm

[whybother]

Tesco will close its stores nationwide, due to suppliers unable to make delivery in time. /via @news1005fm

Tesco spokesman says only closing stores in flooded areas NOT all stores,checking w senior person - stand by /via@seacorro

[Xonax]

If as the article says-no effect on food supply, can someone from Cp, big C, tesco etc kindly advise when they plan to restock their shelves?

The problem is that they are not able to restock their shelves. Tesco Lotus has just today decided to close all shops in whole Thailand, because they are unable to restock their shelves.

[whybother]

If as the article says-no effect on food supply, can someone from Cp, big C, tesco etc kindly advise when they plan to restock their shelves?

The problem is that they are not able to restock their shelves. Tesco Lotus has just today decided to close all shops in whole Thailand, because they are unable to restock their shelves.

Actually, they've said they are only closing stores in flooded areas.

Various tweets from earlier today:

Tesco will close its stores nationwide, due to suppliers unable to make delivery in time. /via @news1005fm

Tesco spokesman says only closing stores in flooded areas NOT all stores,checking w senior person - stand by /via@seacorro

Tesco Lotus says NO decision to shut ALL stores. Company will make statement later today /via@seacorro

[hammered]

According to thaiflood, Tesco Lotus official statement says they are only closing stores where there is risk to staff. Some of the panic tweets and panic reporting only cause problems it seems