Thailand Live Tuesday 25 Oct 2011

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4:50pm Heavy flood at Arun Amarin intersection under elevated Borommaratchachonnani. Cars/motorcycles avoid /@forestmat /RT @RichardBarrow:

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NHA opens shelters for 8,106 evacuees

The Nation

National Housing Authority opens six shelters in Bangkok and peripheral provinces for 8,016 flood victims.

In a statement, Ampha Rungpiti, deputy governor of the state agency, said that the Flood Reliefs Operations Centre has requested for such emergency shelters.

She said that the shelters can accommodate 750 evacuees in Nong Chok, 250 in Romklao, 856 in Phraruangprasit, 3,160 in Samut Prakan, and 3,000 in Samut Sakhon (2 shelters).

The NHA has asked for bedding materials from the Social Development and Human Security Ministry.

-- The Nation 2011-10-25

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Volunteers needed at Thai Red Cross to pack flood-relief bags. 7am-8pm. Registration closed in the afternoon. Call 1664. pls /via@veen_NT

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5pm Big storm coming in from the east of Bangkok now in area around Suvarnabhumi Airport /via@RichardBarrow

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FROC Announcement: Oct 25 at 4.20 PM

The Flood Relief Operations Center held an announcement with representatives from the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority and Metropolitan Electricity of Thailand present. They both reassured the public that there'll be enough electricity and clean water for the public to use even when flood water breaches the inner areas of Bangkok.

The chief of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA) assured the public that additional measures have been implemented to ensure that tap water is clean and safe to be used by the public. Concern about the hygiene standard of tap water is on the rise after flood water from the north spilled into the Prapa (Waterworks) Canal earlier last week. The MWA chief admitted certain parts of Bangkok have seen some discoloration and foul smell in tap water but he reassured the public that more measures have been put in to place to treat the water. He believes the quality of tap water will be restored in 1 day.

In addition the MWA is confident there'll be enough tap water for public consumption during the floods. 2.5M-high flood barriers have been erected at four treatment plants and various distribution centers. The water authority said the only problem to supplying tap water is the lack of electricity. The public is advised to reserve just a small amount of tap water to be used in a case of extreme emergency.

The representative of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) also reassured the public that the distribution of electricity won't be affected by the floods. Based on its experience from the floods in 1995 and 2006, the electricity authority is confident enough electricity will be provided to residents in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan. The MEA chief urged the public to be extra cautious when using electrical appliances during flooding.

In the case where electrical appliances have been relocated to higher ground, members of the public are advised to ensure that they are dry, the appliances and the floor are dry when they use one.

If you have failed to switch off the main power breaker in the house before it became flooded, you are advised to immediately move to a dry area outside the house and immediately call the MEA. The MEA can be contacted at 1130 or 02-2563388-89, 02-2563222.

-- Tan Network 2011-10-25

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Chao Phraya to overflow this weekend: Bangkok governor

The Chao Phraya River appears set to overflow in Bangkok this weekend, as rising seawater level will add the woes to the country's raging flood crisis.

"The Chao Phraya River's water level in Bangkok will likely rise to 2.6 metres (above normal sea level) over the coming weekend. It's going to be higher than the embankment," Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said Tuesday.

-- The Nation 2011-10-25

Forecast of tides in Bangkok

http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/ShowPrediction.aspx?PortID=6882A&PredictionLength=7

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UTCC is not operating as emergency evac ctr, froc messed up again http://bit.ly/vkeayd

/RT @veen_NT: RT @anilsoi11

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Rajavithi Hospital evacuates 18 critical patients to Hua Hin Hospital

Eighteen critical patients, accompanied by medical teams, and necessary medical supplies were transported Tuesday from Bangkok's Rajavithi Hospital to Hua Hin Hospital in Prachuap Khiri Khan after the National Flood Relief Center warned people in nine Bangkok districts of high flood.

As a precaution before the flood would hit the hospital, the caravan of rescue workers' 30 off-road trucks and some ambulances from Ruam Katanyoo and Por Tekteung foundations started the transport Tuesday afternoon until today (October 26). The critical patients would be at Ban Pong, Photharam, Ratchaburi and Hua Hin hospitals.

Hua Hin Hospital director Dr Niran Chantrakul said the main building's fifth floor, which could support 31 beds, were prepared to support Rajvithi patients. The 200bed Hua Hin Hospital was currently supporting 350 inpatients, as many flood-hit patients were moved there.

-- The Nation 2011-10-25

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BBL facilitates emergency withdrawals

The Nation

Bangkok Bank has stocked up more cash at branches and ATMs that still function amid heavy floods that have forced temporary closure on 283 bank branches nationwide.

In a statement, the bank said it has closely monitored over 800 branches and 6,000 ATMS which are still operational. The bank stands ready to close more branches and ATMs in some areas to avoid short circuits.

For information of operational branches and ATMs, call 1333 press 24.

-- The Nation 2011-10-25

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Hotels offer special rates for flood victims

The Nation

As the floodwaters from the north creep even nearer to Bangkok, most public schools in affected areas have been made into shelters.

City folk who are forced to evacuate but wish to live more comfortably and continue working in the city can now also now check in at various hotels in Bangkok, many of which are offering special priced rooms to the flood victims.

Thai Hotels Association has accommodation at 31 hotels for flood victims at rates of between Bt600 to Bt1,200 a night in downtown Bangkok. Those with rooms at Bt900 a night for victims include the Rembrandt on Sukhumvit 18, Ibis on Sathorn, and the Pinnacle in Lumpini.

Outside Bangkok, hotels in Chon Buri, Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri are also giving special rates to those affected by floods. Pattaya has a Facebook page called Pattaya Grand Sale, which offers special longstay rates.

If you're interested, call hotels around Bangkok, or check with the association or the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

-- The Nation 2011-10-25

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17.20 Dykes under Krungthon Bridge breaches more. Water crossed Ratchavithi Rd. toward Bang Plad junction (via @ktnews/Via@Porpich

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Forestry officials make rafts for Bangkokians

The Nation

Phitsanulok - Forestry officials from Protected Areas Regional Office 11 are assembling 1,000 rafts to donate to flood victims in Bangkok.

Some areas of the capital are under one to two metres of water but rubber boats, which are in high demand, are all sold out.

The Forestry Department has assigned its officials nationwide to make rafts.

Those from Protected Areas Regional Office 11 are two metres square and can carry up to 200 kilograms.

After a test run on the Nan River, the rafts would be sent to Bangkok.

-- The Nation 2011-10-25

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FLOOD CRISIS

Semester opening in 12 provinces postponed

The semester opening for all 1,067 schools in 12 flood-hit provinces has been postponed to November 15.

Education Minister Worawat Uaapinyakul said the Cabinet meeting yesterday approved the ministry's proposal to let the schools, including those in Bangkok, wait to November 15 to start classes.

If the flooding lasts two to three months, the semester break would be extended until it was safe to travel to school, he said, urging parents and students to follow the news from the ministry's website at www.moe.go.th.

Only Thammasat University's Rangsit Campus was allowed to open on November 28.

The ministry has already set aside Bt700 million for zerointerest loans to floodaffected teachers, he added.

-- The Nation 2011-10-25

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Don Mueang Airport halts all flight services at 5pm

BANGKOK, Oct 25 – Don Mueang Airport, Thailand’s main domestic airport which also houses the government's flood crisis centre, will suspend all flight operations at 5pm today for the safety of passengers, according to Group Captain Kanputt Mungklasiri, director of Don Mueang Airport.

The airport director denied reports that the runway has been flooded, saying the flight suspension is a precautionary and preventative measure done for safety reasons.

Normally, 160 daily flights operate from the former main international airport by Nok Air and Orient Thai Airlines.

Thailand’s budget carrier Nok Air announced suspension of all flight services as water has flowed into the northern tier of the airport and has now nearly reached the areas where the airport’s electronic control system is housed.

Nok Air halted flight operations since noon, with flights diverted to Suvarnabhumi Airport, according to Patee Sarasin, Nok Air chief executive officer.

Mr Patee said the airline expected to resume operating flights on Nov 1, explaining that the company was uncertain whether Suvarnabhumi Airport will be flooded. The airline has opted to wait and see what the situation will be at both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports.

Owing to the suspension, Mr Patee said, Nok Air passengers could reschedule their tickets.

Orient Thai Airlines began diverting all domestic flights from Don Mueang Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport at 3pm.

Meanwhile, national flag carrier Thai Airways (THAI) is still operating normally at Suvarnabhumi airport but is closely monitoring the flood situation, according to Samat Poom-on, director of THAI’s Crisis Management & Operations Centre (CMOC).

Initially, the company has prepared six optional airports and two emergency airports for further consideration if the situation worsens.

Previously, the airline moved some additional equipment for on-ground services to U-Tapao Airport in the eastern province of Chon Buri. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-10-25

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5.22pm: Maintenance area of THAI at Don Mueang Airport yfrog.com/h7pvptgj by @Nationphoto /Via@tucky_nt

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Rainfalls in several areas in BKK, Sukhumvit, Din Daeng, Bang Na, Silom, Siam, Lad Prao via @Trisdee/Via@tucky_nt

[photo] water came out from the drains at Srinakharin-Onnut intersect at 1pm. Now rain will make it worse lockerz.com/s/150138541/Via@veen_NT

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Pinklao, Arunamarin junction, flooded in a few minutes with the high tide, from Thonburi canal. #ThaiFloodEng http://t.co/lUZhDhff/Via@danceinbangkok

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Bank of Thailand injects money for commercial banks to revive flood-hit industrial sectors

BANGKOK, Oct twenty fifth - United States's Central Bank, the Bank of United States (BoT), and the Bank of Tokyo on Monday signed an Accord to cooperate in Supporting Liquidity for foreign Entrepreneurs affected by flooding. The Emergency Assistance is being provided in the form of Eng. Baht-Denominated credit through both Eng and foreign Banks, said BoT Governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul on Tuesday. A Number of Japanese-owned businesses in United States have been critically-affected by flooding after Seven industrial Estates were Submerged. Under the Agreement, the Business owners are. Japanese government allowed to use government assets such as Bonds as Collateral to Seek loans from foreign Banks, including Japanese Eng Banks holding Bonds, for the Rehabilitation of Japanese industries. The BoT is ready to offer loans with a Market Interest rate within 1 to 2 weeks. and with no Limits of the Loan Amount prescribed, Mr. Prasarn said. Regarding Eng Commercial Banks, after the Flood Recedes, the BoT Will offer the Eng institutions loans to help Entrepreneurs Revive their Flood-affected businesses. The BoT also discussed with the US Federal. Reserve, Bank of England and United States's Bundesbank for Similar Cooperation to help foreign Banks with insufficient Eng Baht to offer additional loans for customers of their own nationals, whose businesses have been affected by this Season's floods. Under the cooperative Agreement which is yet to be reached. , the foreign Banks are expected to have Collateral to Seek loans from the BoT to Extend credit to their customers. Meanwhile, the BoT Reported 13 Commercial Banks have temporarily Closed 283 branches including 132 in Pathum Thani, sixty-third in Nonthaburi, forty sixth in Ayutthaya, 18. in Nakhon Sawan, 21 in Bangkok, one in Chai Nat, one in Lopburi and the other in Uthai Thani. (MCOT online news).

-- TNA 2011-10-25

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REHABILITATION

Coca-Cola mobilises supports for Thailand

The Nation

The Coca-Cola system in Thailand promises Bt30 million grant for "Reunite to Relieve and Rebuild Thailand" programme which is designed to help affected people in the short and long term.

Inclusive of Coca-Cola (Thailand) Ltd, ThaiNamthip Ltd. and Haad Thip Plc, the group plans to work closely with Thai Red Cross Society and Habitat for Humanity Thailand to implement a sustainable framework of 'Relief' and 'Rebuilding'.

With the matching contribution from the Coca-Cola Foundation, the Coca-Cola system has promised Bt30 million grant for the programme and the fund will be distributed through 'Namthip' bottled-water distribution, emergency donations, and volunteer activities.

All commercial advertising for all Coca-Cola brands will be put on hold and committed advertising space will be devoted to raising money for the Thai Red Cross and the Habitat for Humanity and mobilising volunteer support for immediate flood relief and rebuilding houses and schools after the flood recedes. From today until mid November, all TVCs and out-of-home media will be dedicated to support this programme. In addition, Coca-Cola's website and digital media will be used to provide consumers with more information on the program and to direct them to where they can donate and register to do volunteer work.

Intersted in becoming a part of the programme, call 02-576-5888 or visit www.icoke.co.th and www.facebook.com/livepositivelythailand

-- The Nation 2011-10-25

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Early closing for some Central branches

The Nation

Central Pattana Plc, the operator of Central shopping malls, are closing several branches today earlier than usual due to flooding that causes travelling inconvenience.

The malls in Chaeng Wattana, Rattanathibet, Ram Indra, Pinklao and Bangna will close doors at 8pm. Those in Lat Phrao and Rama III will close at 9pm. Central Plaza Rama II will close at 9.30pm. CentralWorld’s closing time remains at 10pm.

The company also announced that all unaffected branches would open as usual tomorrow.

-- The Nation 2011-10-25

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TR @nnanews: flood water overflows to abt 1000 residences along Mahasawat and Yuong Canal /Via@tonravee

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Bkk gov confident Lad Krabang Industrial Estate's 3.5M (above avg sea lvl) barrier is strong enough to withstand the flood./TAN_Network

Lad Krabang Industrial Estate covers >2,500 Rai of land,invmt value Bt89bln.Patients from Lat Krang Hospital moved to Sirindhorn Hospital/TAN_Network

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United States of America to Provide An Additional 15 Million Baht for Flood Relief in Thailand

October 20, 2011

The United States Government extends its condolences to the people of Thailand for the loss of life and damage caused by the flooding in the region. In our continued effort to assist the people of Thailand, we are providing an additional 15 million Thai baht in humanitarian assistance to support flood relief efforts in Thailand. The funding, which the U.S. is providing through the International Organization for Migration (IOM), will allow the Government of Thailand’s Department of Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation to obtain items such as water pumps, generators, water purification units, boats, motors and life vests, thereby increasing the Government of Thailand's capacity to deliver emergency relief supplies. The United States has already given 3 million Thai baht to the Thai Red Cross Society for emergency flood response activities.

United States disaster response specialists and Embassy personnel are closely monitoring the impact of the floods and assessing requirements for additional assistance, in close coordination with the Government of Thailand and international humanitarian relief agencies. USAID has also worked extensively with the Government of Thailand Department of Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation on Incident Command Systems and other disaster related training.

Our sympathies remain with the Thai people at this difficult time.

UNITED STATES EMBASSY

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Thailand to import food, drinking water to ease shortage

BANGKOK, Oct 25 -- The Thai government on Tuesday approved a plan to import food and drinking water to ease current and anticipated shortages following the worst flood in the nation’s history, according to Permanent-Secretary for Commerce Yanyong Phuangrach.

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/507833-thailand-to-import-food-drinking-water-to-ease-shortage/page__view__findpost__p__4793902

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BOT announced: Banks n other financial institutions will b opened during Oct 27-31 holiday #bangkokbiz /Via@ASEAN_NEWSROOM

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Honda Malaysia to shut down due to Thai flooding

Kuala Lumpur - Honda's Malaysia subsidiary said Tuesday it would halt production at its plant temporarily due to a shortage of parts caused by flooding in Thailand.

The company said it is studying the feasibility of sourcing parts from other countries until its suppliers’ production in Thailand returns to normal.

"We are doing all that we can within our capacity to recover the production here in Malaysia as soon as possible," Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive Yoichiro Ueno said.

Honda on Tuesday announced the shutdown of its plant that produces motorcycles in Bangkok due to increasing water level in the Thai capital.

Its car assembly plant in Ayutthaya was also hit since early this month and operation is still suspended.

-- The Nation 2011-10-25

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Hotels in Hua Hin and Cha-am offers 50% discount room rates for ppl affected by floods. twurl.nl/povdrd via @NochiPH /Via@veen_NT

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22/10 Volunteers needed at Bangkok University Kluaynamthai campus for cooking meal 8am-4pm #ThaiFloodEng via @SiamArsa http://t.co/xSyRs1Od/Via@ThaiFloodEng

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US Navy donates US$10,000 (ab Bt300,000) to Thai Red Cross, volunteer and donate blood to help #Thaiflood victims./Via@veen_NT

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"@NationChannel24: supply of power and water utilities in BKK would not be cut, authorities say fb.me/1mSIzewa4"/Via@biz_TheNation