Thailand Live Monday 24 Oct 2011

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DonMueng district alone, has a population of 165,000. District is under 24hr-watch list. (via thaipbs.or.th) /via@Tulip_Oum

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Phuket dispatches more flood relief for Bangkok

Phuket Governor Tri readies to raise the Red Cross flag to see the flood-relief convoy head off to Bangkok.

Photo: Warisa Temram

The 'Rh-' group of the Phuket Red Cross lend a hand. The group donated food and clothes valued at 50,000 baht.

Follow this link:

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Water is flowing out from Sam Saen Soi 5 into the Bang Khun Prom Intersection beneath the Rama 8 bridge /TAN_Network

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[Eng ver.] Announcement on Flooding Situation in Bangkok 24 Oct 2011

by The Bangkok Governor on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 4:54pm

M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, the Governor of Bangkok, said that thus far the most important note to convey to the public is that it needs to be very watchful of the situation at all times even though all relevant indicators have not yet showed that the highest level of alert is now required. It is anticipated that Bangkok will have rainfall all this week but BMA has opened all the sluice gates with no implementation of policy of emptying all the canals to make way for the drainage of rainfall. Yesterday at 3.00 pm. the sea level was recorded at 0.98 m. and it is expected that the level will be as high as those in the past two days. However, the level of water in Khlong Tawee Watana is higher than that of yesterday at 2.30 m. with the gates presently being opened at 1.20 m. The level of water in Khlong Prapa remains unchanged and unfortunately the water overflowed Khlong Prem Prachakorn and rushed to the areas of Don Mueang District inevitably affecting the inner areas of Bangkok. The eastern parts of Bangkok remain inundated with some problems at the Bang Plad District.

The Governor stressed that if the flood influxes into the city, the overall situation could turn very critical and BMA will inform the public 24 hours in advance. BMA had designated earlier the areas of the six districts as being the areas to be so watchful of. The Governor also requested cooperation from operators of boats running along canals to keep their speed very low so as not to cause waves pounding homes and properties along the banks. The residents living out of the barriers and have not yet moved to seek temporary shelter at centers of flood relief operation of BMA are urged to take extreme cautions.

Today BMA convened a meeting of the relating agencies which several interesting resolutions and measures are adopted. All agencies must implement every measure to prevent palaces from the impacts of the flood and should any mishap happen, swift actions must be taken. BMA will further attempt to seek effective solutions for the prevention of the flooding at Don Mueang area. BMA is determined to maintain the accessibility to the Don Mueang International Airport and the Flood Relief Operation Center since FROC has important responsibilities in taking cares of people of the whole country and also the center of operation for the flood reliefs. BMA sets to take good care of the location of FROC until the Prime Minister deems necessary to move the Center to another place. The Governor related that today he expects a meeting with the Prime Minister.

M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra also emphasized that the main responsibilities of BMA are to provide cares to the people of Bangkok but it should be noted that BMA is also taking cares of people of the country since Bangkok is the capital and is also the locations of all government centers. The safety and security of people of Bangkok imply also those of everyone in Thailand.

BMA has requested meetings with the management of the Lad Krabang and Bang Chan Industrial Estates since they are one of the centers of economic. Now BMA will join with the managements of the two estates in reinforcing the strength and the height of the barriers already constructed. Moreover, BMA has prepared examinations on chemical toxic substances so safe environment would be provided. BMA has also requested the Metropolitan Electricity Authority to specially monitor electrical systems of the drainage system of the City. Finally, the Governor said that BMA is in dire needs of assistance in filling sand bags so volunteers are kindly invited to join and share their efforts. The meeting venue is at Krung Thep Kreetha Road intersecting with Rom Klao Road of the Lad Krabang District.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=182197261862818

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Don Muang domestic terminal opens for flights. No flight cancellation. /RT @veen_NT:

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The Government Public Relations Department

Royal Advice on Flood Prevention in Bangkok (24/10/2011)

As Bangkok is the country’s most important economic area, measures have been implemented to protect the city from flooding. The Government has also adopted His Majesty the King’s advice on efforts to deal effectively with the flooding situation.

All relevant agencies have dredged canals in order to widen waterways, while weeds in various canals have also been eliminated to facilitate water flow.

According to the book Harmony with Nature: The Royal Wisdom of King Bhumibol, published by the Government Public Relations Department (PRD) on the occasion of His Majesty’s seventh cycle, or 84th, birthday anniversary this year, the mitigation and prevention of flooding involve three issues: blocking flood water, draining excess water, and finding appropriate locations for water retention.

Flooding in Bangkok is normally caused by three phenomena in combination. The first one is caused by excess water from the North, with the monsoon causing heavy rains in the North and the Northeast from July to August, including influences from tropical storms, resulting in downpours in the watershed areas, with flood water reaching Bangkok around September to October.

The second phenomenon is caused by tidal surges in the Gulf of Thailand from October to November when the tide reaches its peak, obstructing the flow from the Chao Phraya River. The third one is caused by rainwater, with heavy rains in Bangkok and the central plains due to tropical storms.

His Majesty commanded the embankments to be built in twofold, for the inner and the outer city, and drained off to the sea in Samut Prakan, as the solution to flooding in Bangkok. He also gave several ideas for accelerating water drainage to the sea, so that people living outside the embankment would not have to face stagnant flood waters. His Majesty initiated the Khlong Lat Pho Floodgate Project in Samut Prakan province to serve as a shortcut for the Chao Phraya River to drain into the sea more quickly, and this will help tackle flooding in Bangkok and its vicinity.

He granted the Kaem Ling – Monkey’s Cheek – irrigation project for the solving of recurrent floods in Bangkok and its vicinity. It was when Bangkok suffered a great flood in 1995 that His Majesty got the idea of building lakes, swamps, or reservoirs, to store flood water and release it into the sea when the water is lower, like the monkey temporarily holding bananas in its cheeks.

His Majesty the King suggested that the Royal Irrigation Department construct embankments around the area to the east of Bangkok to prevent flooding; they form Rom Klao Road, otherwise known as the “royal-initiative embankment.”

Across Bangkok, there are currently more than 20 flood storage swamps working as monkey cheek pouches, some under the supervision of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the others under other government units or private organizations.

Source: http://thailand.prd.go.th/view_inside.php?id=5942

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The disabled assist flood victims

BANGKOK, 24 October 2011(NNT)- The Association of the Physically Handicaped and the Autism Foundation of Kalasin province and relelated agencies donated mealboxes and drinking water to Kalasin Red Cross Society to be distributed to flood victims.

Kalasin Provincial Social Develpoment and Human Security Officer Mr Sai Triamthaisong, President of Council of Persons with Disabilities of Northeastern Thailand Association Mrs Somkid Sutthiprom, representatives from Intellectual Development and Support Association, Association for Blind Occupation Promotion, Association of Blinded Masseur, Kalasin Autism Foundation and Association of Physically Handicaped of Pai sud-distritc, Kalasin province handed over 460 mealboxes and drinking water to Ms Wanee Jiwarungsan, President of Kalasin Red Cross Society to assist Kalasin residents who are encountering the current flooding.

Receiving the donations, President of Kalasin Red Cross Society thanked all agencies for their kind donations and assistance for the flood victims, reflecting the admirable spirits of Kalasin people. Those suffering from flood can receive fresh food, rice and eggs from Kalasin Red Cross Society. Also those who want to help with cooking and packing stuffs for flood victims are welcome.

-- NNT 2011-10-24

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5:03pm Samsen outbound rd is closed from BangLumphu intersection to BangKunProm, due to high flood water. /@fm91trafficpro

Khlong Toei market - plenty of food, plenty of people http://pic.twitter.com/vGO9YZ9g /via@freakingcat

16.30 Water from Bang Kruay overflowed sirindhorn for 1.5 km. but vehicles can still pass (via @Rawangpai ) /via@Porpich

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Min of Labor set up shelter for flood-affected foreign migrant workers in Nakorn Pathom. Hotline: 1694 http://goo.gl/jyW1D /via@Thai_Talk

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Sam Saen Rd From Central Bank to Banglumpoo Closed

Traffic has been completely closed off on Sam Saen Rd from Bang Khun Prom Intersection to Banglumpoo as water from the Chao Phraya River flows onto traffic lanes.

-- Tan Network 2011-10-24

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Riverside Roads Affected by Flooding

Traffic has been completely closed off on Sam Saen Rd from Bang Khun Prom Intersection to Banglumpoo as water from the Chao Phraya River flows onto traffic lanes.

Commuters are also advised to avoid Chareonkrung Road, from Si Phraya to Yaowarat as water rises. Smaller vehicles are having a hard time passing through the area.

-- Tan Network 2011-10-24

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Don Muang Airport Opens for Business with 20% Less Staff

The chief of Don Muang Airport says despite the approaching flood water, the airport remains open for business as usual. The airport urges travelers to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before boarding time.

By Monday (Oct 24) flood water has reached the road in front of Don Muang Airport. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has vowed to do its best to prevent the airport from being flooded. The location is currently being used as the Flood Relief Operations Center (FROC).

Both Orient Thai and Nok Air, which operate out of Don Muang, will continue to open for business. However, travelers are urged to allow at least 2 hours for check-in as the airport now operates with 20 percent less staff due to the flood crisis.

If the flood water continues to rise above 30cm the airport plans to dig new drainage tunnels to allow the flood water to be drained out of the airport as soon as possible.

-- Tan Network 2011-10-24

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17.03 Water overflowed Maharat Rd. toward Tha Prachan by footpath level. Small vehicles should avoid (via @fm91trafficpro ) /via@Porpich

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Industrial estates to be rehabilitated within 45 days after water recedes with government financial support: Commerce Minister /MCOT

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17.15 Water overflowed half of Phahonyothin Rd. outbound in front of Air Force Base http://twitter.com/phong_spring/status/128414016673550337/photo/1 (via @SpringNews_TV ) /via@Porpich

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Moody’s Investors Service: Thailand Will Lose 2% of Its GDP Due to Flooding

Moody’s Investors Service reports that Thailand is likely to lose two percent of its 2011 gross domestic product. On a positive note, it pointed out that the government has enough fiscal space to handle the crisis. Dow Jones is reporting that Moody’s Investors Service predicted that the country’s GDP would expand around 2.8 percent overall in 2011. However, the floods will not affect Thailand’s “creditworthiness”.

In a related development, Thailand’s Tourism and Sport Ministry has revealed that the country is losing about 7,000 visitors each day. From the average of 40,000 arrivals a day, numbers have contracted after flooding approached the outskirts of Bangkok.

-- Tan Network 2011-10-24

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17.22 High flooded on Charunsanitwong Rd. from Soi 80-74. Small cars can't pass anymore & traffic-jammed (via @js100radio ) /via@Porpich

17.38 Water overflowed in front of Pata Pinklao by foorpath level yfrog.com/odfjxsoj (via @fm91trafficpro & /via@i_wahnjeab ) /via@Porpich

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Industrial estates to be rehabilitated within 45 days after water recedes: Commerce Minister

BANGKOK, Oct 24 – Thailand’s seven industrial estates that were flooded will be rehabilitated within 45 days after floodwaters recede with government financial aid, Deputy Prime Minister/Commerce Minister Kittirat Na Ranong said Monday.

After meeting with engaged agencies and industrial entrepreneurs of the flooded industrial tracts—which comprise a significant portion of Thailand’s industrial capacity—the Factory Land, Saha Rattana Nakhon, Bang Pa-in, Rojana and Hi-Tech in the nearby central province of Ayutthaya, as well as the Bangkadi and Nava Nakorn estates in Pathum Thani.

Once the water level starts to recede or is stable, floodwaters will be pumped out immediately.

He said that the government's plan for financial support is so that production can resume as soon as possible. A budget of several hundred billion baht is expected to initiate rehabilitation, including loans for entrepreneurs to buy new machinery and a budget of over Bt25 billion for reconstruction of basic infrastructure.

The deputy prime minister said the Thai government was certain international banks would also assist Thailand.

Eight sets of committees, one of which to be chaired by the prime minister or a deputy premier, will be set up for the rehabilitation plan in order to build a prevention system, with the help of foreign experts, for future flooding. Another seven sets will be from the seven flooded industrial estates to comprise each committee.

The project will be proposed at tomorrow’s cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile, Nipit Arunwong Na Ayutthaya, Nava Nakorn managing director, viewed that if the water level recedes by mid-November, rehabilitation can be complete within 45 days, and production can resume in the first quarter next year as the government promises. But the pledge is based on the premise that no further water will again flood the areas currently under water. It that happens, he suggested, it will affect investor confidence.

Thai Industrial Estate Association President Anchalee Chavanit said basic infrastructure must be adjusted in the medium term by using an eco-town model to develop industrial estates in Ayutthaya in order to create confidence among investors. The government should sponsor the project, she added. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-10-24

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6PM Water overflowed Charoenkrung 22 Rd. by 30 cm. impassable! Songwat Rd. By 20 cm.,small vehicles passable (via @Rawangpai )

18.03 Live photo from in front of Bhumibhol Adulyadej Hospital, flooded by 10 cm. pic.twitter.com/aLiSKwJd (via @SpringNews_TV )

/via@Porpich

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MRT services usual despite concerns at Bang Sue, Kampangpetch, Paholyothin stationes /TANN

Oct24-Dr.Seri Supratid expects Pahol-Vipawadi run-off to reach Ladprao intersection next 2 day, then DinDeang./~@ittipat_Rw #thaifloodeng

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18.19 Cars parked on ground floor of Don Muang Airport must be moved out immediately! (via @fm91trafficpro & @kriszillaLive ) /via@Porpich

18.20 Water level in front of Air Force Base in Don Muang is 60 cm. (via RT @fm91trafficpro ) /via@Porpich

Yingluck: Govt will give BMA all it needs. Sukhumbhand: We'll do our best to protect FROC. /via@tulsathit

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18.19 Water overflowing Bang Yai Hospital area. Prueksa49 Villa is flooded by knee level (via @js100radio ) /via@Porpich

Massive re-stocking of Mama noodles in Tesco Lotus Seacon Square today /via@RichardBarrow: RT @dantilley:

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Emergency! Water Supply Governor now announces water supplier to stock water, it's already critical situation (via @Rawangpai ) /via@Pornpich

18.39 Pic of Bang Kruay, Nonthaburi right now http://t.co/URBzuJUH (via @SpringNews_TV ) /via@Pornpich

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18.44 High flooded in front of Jarunsanitwong Soi 96/2,small vehicles impassable (via @Kitti3Miti & @pareesaj ) /via@Pornpich

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Clarifying "water" tweet. 1. It's an advise so u have water during emergency. 2. It concerns tap water, not drinking water.

/via@tulsathit

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19.08 Bangkok governor suggested 26 October to be an official holiday (via @Voice_TV ) /via@Porpich

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21 fuel stations in BKK closed

The Nation

Floods cause temporary closure of 21 of total 782 fuel stations in Bangkok, according to the Energy Ministry.

Meanwhile, spokesman Patchara Naripthaphan said in a statement that fuel stations along highways have resumed operations.

"There’s sufficient supply of natural gas for vehicle to unflooded stations. We can assure all of no energy shortage during floods," he said.

He also denied reports that the ministry would delay the energy credit card scheme. The scheme to help lower fuel cost for public transport providers would be launched on Dec 1 as planned, he said.

-- The Nation 2011-10-24

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Residents of 6 districts brace for possible floods

Residents of Sai Mai, Don Mueng, Laksi, Bang Khen, Bang Sue, Chatuchak districts of Bangkok were warned at around midnight Sunday to move to higher grounds as flood could reach 80 cm. deep and the dykes may not hold up.

-- The Nation 2011-10-24

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3,000 evacuees at Thammasat evacuated to National Stadium

About 3,000 flood victims who were taking shelter at the Thammasat University's Rangsit Campus were furtherer evacuated to the Rajamangala National Stadium Monday morning, Thai PBS reported.

The evacuees had to be relocated after floodwaters gushed into the university's compound and kept rising.

Officials called for volunteers to help take care the evacuees at the stadium.

-- The Nation 2011-10-24

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FROC declares readiness to help BMA deal with possible flooding in six districts

The Flood Relief Operations Centre announced Monday that it would be ready to provide assistance to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to deal with possible flooding in six Bangkok districts.

FROC chief Justice Minister Pracha Promnok made the announcement after BMA Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra alerted residents of Don Mueang, Lak Si, Bang Khen, Chatuchak, Bang Sue and Sai Mai to make preparations for possible flooding.

-- The Nation 2011-10-24