Bangkok Floods Could Last Weeks: Thai PM

[OzMick]

I stand corrected!

Must admit, it sounded like <deleted> when I first heard of it.

BIG NB - glass doesn't work, stops the UV.

[Crushdepth]

kills all bacteria

Except for the billions that survive along with viruses, amoebas etc.

Principle

Exposure to sunlight has been shown to deactivate diarrhea-causing organisms in polluted drinking water. Three effects of solar radiation are believed to contribute to the inactivation of pathogenic organisms:

• UV-A interferes directly with the metabolism and destroys cell structures of bacteria.
• UV-A (wavelength 320-400 nm) reacts with oxygen dissolved in the water and produces highly reactive forms of oxygen (oxygen free radicals and hydrogen peroxides), that are believed to also damage pathogens.
• Cumulative solar energy (including the infrared radiation component) heats the water. If the water temperatures rises above 50°C, the disinfection process is three times faster.

At a water temperature of about 30°C (86°F), a threshold solar irradiance of at least 500 W/m² (all spectral light) is required for about 5 hours for SODIS to be efficient. This dose contains energy of 555 Wh/m² in the range of UV-A and violet light, 350 nm-450 nm, corresponding to about 6 hours of mid-latitude (European) midday summer sunshine.

At water temperatures higher than 45°C (113°F), synergistic effects of UV radiation and temperature further enhance the disinfection efficiency.

[edit] Process for household application

SODIS instructions for using solar water disinfection.

• Colourless, transparent PET water or pop bottles (2 litre or smaller size) with few surface scratches are chosen for use. The labels are removed and the bottles are washed before the first use.
• Water from contaminated sources are filled into the bottles. To improve oxygen saturation, bottles can be filled three quarters, shaken for 20 seconds (with the cap on), then filled completely and recapped. Very cloudy water with a turbidity higher than 30 NTU must be filtered prior to exposure to the sunlight.
• Filled bottles are then exposed to the sun. Bottles will heat faster and to higher temperatures if they are placed on a sloped sun-facing corrugated metal roof as compared to thatched roofs.
• The treated water can be consumed directly from the bottle or poured into clean drinking cups. The risk of re-contamination is minimized if the water is stored in the bottles. Refilling and storage in other containers increases the risk of contamination.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_water_disinfection

For tap water, even if a little contaminated, it should be fine - at least better than doing nothing, or spouting crap.

Edit to change wrong link

Thanks I'll try that with my empties.

[chadintheusa]

One thing I would really like to know...

how do I boil tap- water, when I don't have a gas stove and the electricity is cut???

With my hot breath?

DocN, if you don't have urgent responsibilities to attend to, and if you have the means, I would encourage you to leave the city and go elsewhere. If you do not have the means, look through your closet to see if you have a red shirt. That should gain you entry to one of the evacuation centers. Good Luck.

Bro, most of condo's just NOT allowed any gas tanks, balloons or whatever. Use electric one, or use your gas tank somewhere else (not in da condo) - and that's it.

Does your condo allow massive amounts of water, cholera outbreaks, or crocodiles? Face it the rules may have changed considering the situation.

[w11guy]

One thing I would really like to know...

how do I boil tap- water, when I don't have a gas stove and the electricity is cut???

With my hot breath?

She is speaking to the vast majority who have electricity and are able to boil their water. Stop being so pedantic.

[w11guy]

One thing I would really like to know...

how do I boil tap- water, when I don't have a gas stove and the electricity is cut???

With my hot breath?

DocN, if you don't have urgent responsibilities to attend to, and if you have the means, I would encourage you to leave the city and go elsewhere. If you do not have the means, look through your closet to see if you have a red shirt. That should gain you entry to one of the evacuation centers. Good Luck.

Stupid comment. You don't need any particular color shirt to be able to stay at an evacuation centre.

[slapout]

lighten up a tad, Guy, we need some humor in the situation, now and again. I would put a red shirt on my pet gorilla, if I was approaching one of the centers, just for insurance on getting in.

[Misterwhisper]

Still bone dry in my area and even according to a inundation model published today all I can expect is 10-21 centimetres. That won't even reach up to the first step of my main entrance.

That's all fine and dandy but everything is inter-connected and you can't servuive very long in your house/condo if the corner 7 is out of food/water, the gas shop is closed because it can get delivery of canisters and you can't cook anything, if many restaurants are flooded or closed again because they can get deliveries of raw materials through the water or the factories producing or the distribution centers sending stuff to retailers are flooded. What happens if you can't get money from ATMs if they are out of money because the re-fill trucks can't get to them or the electricity is out or wherever they print/store new currency is flooded. What happens if enough oil refineries production is interrupted and gasoline/diesel becomes in short supply...again, no deliveries of anything to stores/restos and you yourself can't refill your car and little taxi/motocye services to get to a store/resto or even to the airport to evacuate.

I ALWAYS have enough non-perishable food and water (even beer and wine) in the house to last me a couple of weeks, if not longer, flooding or not. It's called 'housekeeping'. And if I can't get out of the house, I won't need any cash either. If electricity is cut, I have plenty of batteries to run camping lights. Oh, and I have candles and matches, too. I don't own any factory, so I won't be too distressed if no 'raw materials' come through.

Panicking is the worst possible reaction and best left to 'lemmings'.

Please tell me, friend, what is your point?

And it's still bone dry here.

[chadintheusa]

Bkk governor has added Lard Prao & Wangthongland to high-risk areas.

Wang Thong Land? Sounds like Nana plaza is about to flood, everybody out of the ladyboy bars!! But we already knew it was a high risk area.

[serenitynow]

Bro, most of condo's just NOT allowed any gas tanks, balloons or whatever. Use electric one, or use your gas tank somewhere else (not in da condo) - and that's it.

Good info. That means mine will be coming home hidden in a duffle bag. Better to get kicked out for using a gas stove during a dire emergency than to drink unboiled water for a few days.

Apologies for my initial post. It was harsher than I intended- so I edited it.

No offense taken...if it was meant to be harsh...I didn't get it!

I am not too experienced with "camping equipment" and where to buy it...this is a "first time" for me...being trapped in a condo with no drinking water by a toxic wave of floodwater.

Thanks for your advise...much more appreciated, that the one I got from one of the usual government - bashers.

I gave you genuine advice based on the best information available. If you can afford to leave, do so. If not, see if you can find a red shirt. Seriously.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/508020-don-meung-flood-relief-shelter/

[OzMick]

lighten up a tad, Guy, we need some humor in the situation, now and again. I would put a red shirt on my pet gorilla, if I was approaching one of the centers, just for insurance on getting in.

Well, that's OK for your gorilla, but what about you?

If you find a red shirt with GUARD on it, he would probably get a spot near a window.

[Skywalker69]

lighten up a tad, Guy, we need some humor in the situation, now and again. I would put a red shirt on my pet gorilla, if I was approaching one of the centers, just for insurance on getting in.

You are so right.

Here is one joke for you guys.

A camel and an elephant met on a djungletrack. The elefant; You´r a funny looking one with your nuts on your back.

The camel looked at the elephant and said. Look whom is talking, the one with his dick in his face.

Stay safe and dry.

[keepwalkingthewalkingman]

One thing I would really like to know...

how do I boil tap- water, when I don't have a gas stove and the electricity is cut???

With my hot breath?

Put it in a clear PET plastic bottle and leave in the sun for 6 hours - kills all bacteria and probably hot enough for coffee.

good idea laverda

you still drive one ?.. hmmm never seen in bkk

[tlansford]

One thing I would really like to know...

how do I boil tap- water, when I don't have a gas stove and the electricity is cut???

With my hot breath?

charge the batteries on your notebook well in advance and have your 3G stick ready, then place the pot on a stand in front of your computer screen - the flames from the TVF news forum should boil the water in record time.

Warning, if placed to close, you risk vaporizing your water rather than boiling it.

[lazeeboy]

she better check for splinters whan she gets down from that fence ....50-50 are they sure ..

[blackthorn2005]

"But I'm fifty percent confident that the inner zone of Bangkok will not be completely flooded,"

Does that mean that she is 50 certain that Bangkok will be completely flooded? To be fair that is far more confidence than people of Thailand have in their PM at this point.

Is her glass half empty or half Flooded?

[satiariyan]

Still bone dry in my area and even according to a inundation model published today all I can expect is 10-21 centimetres. That won't even reach up to the first step of my main entrance.

That's all fine and dandy but everything is inter-connected and you can't servuive very long in your house/condo if the corner 7 is out of food/water, the gas shop is closed because it can get delivery of canisters and you can't cook anything, if many restaurants are flooded or closed again because they can get deliveries of raw materials through the water or the factories producing or the distribution centers sending stuff to retailers are flooded. What happens if you can't get money from ATMs if they are out of money because the re-fill trucks can't get to them or the electricity is out or wherever they print/store new currency is flooded. What happens if enough oil refineries production is interrupted and gasoline/diesel becomes in short supply...again, no deliveries of anything to stores/restos and you yourself can't refill your car and little taxi/motocye services to get to a store/resto or even to the airport to evacuate.

Stop whining. Go get gas-annisters for a month. Go withdraw cash for a month... Go get stable food for a month, etc --- or also realize you aren't preparered and therefore better get out of town right away... just DO SOMETHING rather than being so helpless.

[tlansford]

kills all bacteria

Except for the billions that survive along with viruses, amoebas etc.

Principle

Exposure to sunlight has been shown to deactivate diarrhea-causing organisms in polluted drinking water. Three effects of solar radiation are believed to contribute to the inactivation of pathogenic organisms:

• UV-A interferes directly with the metabolism and destroys cell structures of bacteria.
• UV-A (wavelength 320-400 nm) reacts with oxygen dissolved in the water and produces highly reactive forms of oxygen (oxygen free radicals and hydrogen peroxides), that are believed to also damage pathogens.
• Cumulative solar energy (including the infrared radiation component) heats the water. If the water temperatures rises above 50°C, the disinfection process is three times faster.

At a water temperature of about 30°C (86°F), a threshold solar irradiance of at least 500 W/m² (all spectral light) is required for about 5 hours for SODIS to be efficient. This dose contains energy of 555 Wh/m² in the range of UV-A and violet light, 350 nm-450 nm, corresponding to about 6 hours of mid-latitude (European) midday summer sunshine.

At water temperatures higher than 45°C (113°F), synergistic effects of UV radiation and temperature further enhance the disinfection efficiency.

[edit] Process for household application

SODIS instructions for using solar water disinfection.

• Colourless, transparent PET water or pop bottles (2 litre or smaller size) with few surface scratches are chosen for use. The labels are removed and the bottles are washed before the first use.
• Water from contaminated sources are filled into the bottles. To improve oxygen saturation, bottles can be filled three quarters, shaken for 20 seconds (with the cap on), then filled completely and recapped. Very cloudy water with a turbidity higher than 30 NTU must be filtered prior to exposure to the sunlight.
• Filled bottles are then exposed to the sun. Bottles will heat faster and to higher temperatures if they are placed on a sloped sun-facing corrugated metal roof as compared to thatched roofs.
• The treated water can be consumed directly from the bottle or poured into clean drinking cups. The risk of re-contamination is minimized if the water is stored in the bottles. Refilling and storage in other containers increases the risk of contamination.

http://en.wikipedia....er_disinfection

For tap water, even if a little contaminated, it should be fine - at least better than doing nothing, or spouting crap.

Edit to change wrong link

Nice practical information, thanks.

And as someone else mentioned, the portable gas bottles with the burner on top is very practical, too.

[Arkady]

50% sure. That means she doesn't have a view.

But last night the script was written by some one who seemed to want to leave some room for positive surprise, after the government has been responsible for so many negative surprises with their assurances that they can protect this, that or the other, only to see each fall to the waves a day later. Basically, the script reader and all the script writers were caught with their pants down and none has a clue what is happening and those who do are not allowed at turn at the mic.

[Lite Beer]

Bangkok floods could last weeks: Thai PM

by Boonradom Chitradon

BANGKOK, October 26, 2011 (AFP) - Thailand's premier warned nervous Bangkok citizens on Wednesday that incoming floods could last for four weeks, as waters inched nearer the city centre on the eve of an emergency five-day holiday.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra told reporters that the capital's flood barriers might not be able to hold back a mass of run-off water from the north as the country grapples with its worst flooding in decades.

"But I'm fifty percent confident that the inner zone of Bangkok will not be completely flooded," she said, toning down comments from a day before when she said flooding in central Bangkok was "highly likely".

The crisis has been plagued by contradictory information from national and local authorities, confusing the city's 12 million residents who have been bracing for the onslaught of water for days now.

Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said late Wednesday that a large amount of water was moving closer to the city. "It will get to Bangkok tonight," he said.

Adding to the deluged kingdom's woes are fears of crocodiles on the loose from flooded farms -- another three were captured Wednesday in Nonthaburi province, north of the capital.

"They are between 1.7 and 1.8 metres (five and a half and six feet) long," an official from the fisheries department told AFP, adding that they knew of no attacks on humans by the escaped reptiles, whose numbers remain unclear.

A high tide this weekend is expected to surge up Bangkok's already swollen Chao Phraya river, and Yingluck said a "worst-case scenario" would see parts of the low-lying city submerged by "more than one metre" of water.

"Initially, the floods in Bangkok will last for two weeks to one month," she added.

More than 600 inmates, including some on death row, were moved on Wednesday from the notorious Bang Kwang prison on the Chao Phraya riverbank -- better known as the "Bangkok Hilton".

Workers at Dusit Zoo, also near the waterway, began to evacuate some of its residents, including spotted deer and antelopes, while structures were provided for lions to climb up to safety.

Many supermarkets were running low on essential items such as bottled water and eggs as residents stocked up on goods ahead of the expected deluge.

"The most critical shortage is drinking water," Yingluck said, advising people to boil tap water before consuming it.

On Tuesday, the government ordered a five-day holiday from October 27-31 for 21 provinces including Bangkok, to allow the city's residents to prepare for the inundation or leave.

Government offices will be closed and authorities have urged public and private companies to allow their staff the time off, but the central bank said financial markets and banks would not shut.

Public schools in Bangkok, currently on holiday, are not expected to reopen until November 15, and several international schools have also delayed the return of pupils.

The massive Chatuchak market, one of the city's most popular tourist attractions, will also be closed this weekend, local officials said.

Bangkok's main international airport, Suvarnabhumi, is operating as normal but the domestic Don Mueang airport in the north of the capital suspended flights until November 1 after waters started seeping onto the runways on Tuesday.

About 4,000 flood evacuees who had found refuge at a disused terminal on the compound were being moved to other shelters.

Despite the rising waters, Yingluck said the government would not move its flood relief centre, which is located on the second floor of one of the airport buildings.

unusually heavy monsoon rains, damaging the homes of millions of people and forcing tens of thousands into evacuation centres.

The disaster is expected to shave around one percent off Thailand's economic growth in 2011, according to the government, which on Tuesday announced a raft of measures to help flood-affected businesses in an bid to reassure investors.

Proposals to boost investor confidence include about $10 billion in soft loans and tax waivers.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-10-26

[serenitynow]

50% sure. That means she doesn't have a view.

But last night the script was written by some one who seemed to want to leave some room for positive surprise, after the government has been responsible for so many negative surprises with their assurances that they can protect this, that or the other, only to see each fall to the waves a day later. Basically, the script reader and all the script writers were caught with their pants down and none has a clue what is happening and those who do are not allowed at turn at the mic.

I hope you are right about a positive surprise. I hope this has been orchestrated to create the greatest perception of chaos and fear and that in the end little happens and the government come out looking like geniuses. I'm not laying any money on that mind you.

[lumply]

You're welcome here in Dubai ..oh BTW there is a dress code for most bars so the sleeveless shirt brigade would have to go thirsty.

Despite the rising waters, Yingluck said the government would not to move its flood relief centre, which is located on the second floor of one of the airport buildings.

Another statement that will prove to be false in the next couple days, FROC will abandon Don Muang like rats from a sinking ship anytime now. Maybe they would like to relocate to Dubai, I hear it's still dry there.

[Willeyeam]

I expect TAT will be putting out a new tourism promotion soon - "Visit Bangkok - The New Venice Of Asia - Gondolas and Thais dressed in stripy shirts will be touting at the airport in the near future - TAT WARNING TO TOURISTS -DO NOT TAKE ANY Gondola that refuses to use a meter or cannot sing "Oh Solo Mio"

Enjoy the thrill of White water rapids down Viphavadi Rangsit!

At last - Thai people discover the lost world of Atlantis! -

See Sohndi - Creature From The black Lagoon! - and now showing at Major Cineplex -"Brown Water Slow Death"

S.C.U.B.A Diving Certificates can be obtained at our new diving centre on Sukhumvit Soi 5, Muff diving certificates are still available at Soi cowboy and Nana Plaza.

Come and visit our new Water World at Ekamai - complete with water snakes, centipedes and crocodiles - take our new Tuk Tuk water chute ride - a Thrill for all the family!

Jet Ski operators from Phuket will soon be arriving to scam you soon - expect to be screwed out of thousands!

[Skywalker69]

One thing I would really like to know...

how do I boil tap- water, when I don't have a gas stove and the electricity is cut???

With my hot breath?

charge the batteries on your notebook well in advance and have your 3G stick ready, then place the pot on a stand in front of your computer screen - the flames from the TVF news forum should boil the water in record time.

Warning, if placed to close, you risk vaporizing your water rather than boiling it.

Also, don´t forget flashlight and batteries.

[expat4life]

"But I'm fifty percent confident that the inner zone of Bangkok will not be completely flooded," This means I don't know , right ?

[rubl]

"But I'm fifty percent confident that the inner zone of Bangkok will not be completely flooded,"

This means I don't know , right ?

I'm 100% confident that she meant what she said, but didn't know what it meant

[tonglen]

Im 10% confident in her 50% confidence.......

[uol123]

Interesting video clip to illustrate how serious the flood would affect Bangkok. English subtitle available.

[abkornburee]

So! That's really really stupid if that Phra or Monk spent 5000thb / month / dog. How many Thai people work and get paid for 5000-6500 thb per month.

How much they have to pay for rent the room and how much they have to pay for food how they can live with this salary, but someone ask people to donate money just for dogs.

Thailand should do the law like uk that what I see, if some people who want to have a dog then they have to pay about 100GBP for register .

So many People in Thailand they want to have a dog, but when they don't want they they just throwaway such as they will leave that dog to the temples, because they think the will not die.

I also have seen many times Thai people go out to take a walk with the dog outside but when dog poo on the the street, and the dog's owner don't care about the dog shit.

If that happen In the UK the owner have to clean.

Sorry my English not very well.

From 'Thailand Live'

.....Phra Phayom further said that the temple cares for nearly a thousand dogs and spends about five million baht on their food every month. Two other branches of the temple, in Ayutthaya and Buri Ram provinces, have been inundated as well. Phra Phayom expects it could take more than ten years to rehabilitate the temples. Over 400 stray dogs have been evacuated from the temple to Suan Kaew Foundation in Kanchanaburi's Sai Yok (ไทรโยค) District. The remaining dogs at the temple will be evacuated soon. The evacuated dogs have been put in cages to prevent them from disturbing residents. They will be brought back to the temple once the flood situation eases.

That's an average of over Bt.5,000/month for dog food for each dog. Quite a bit, if I may say so. With that many dogs, they should make their own dog chow. The bigger question is the downside of keeping so many dogs. It's one thing to be caring and compassionate, yet it should be balanced with being sensible. It's doubtful those 1,000 dogs are neutered, so the Phra is also harboring a breeding ground for dozens of new dogs a month. Regardless, that many dogs produces lots of feces, flies, and noise. Glad I'm not one of the neighbors.

Not sure how they do it in other countries, but in the US, unwanted dogs and strays are kept in an animal shelter for a month or so. Then, if they're not claimed or adopted, they're put to sleep. Some may think it cruel, but what's the alternative? A. Allow tens of thousands of strays to roam around untended, or B. (as Phra Phayom does it), maintain a breeding ground for strays, until it bursts at the seams.

[sirchai]

I'm 50% confident it will flood then!

"But I'm fifty percent confident that the inner zone of Bangkok will not be completely flooded,"

Means that 100% will be flooded...............

And I'm 100% confident that Ying doesn't know what she's talking about.....

But her "big, old, fat brother" might know how to use Korean pumps for her sister.( The ones she's wearing while she inspected the flood areas)....... I'm 50 % confident that all life came out of the ocean....

[hyperdimension]

One thing I would really like to know...

how do I boil tap- water, when I don't have a gas stove and the electricity is cut???

With my hot breath?

Put it in a clear PET plastic bottle and leave in the sun for 6 hours - kills all bacteria and probably hot enough for coffee.

Note that it probably should not be done as part of normal lifestyle, as it would not eradicate any toxic chemicals that are in the water. Also, the water should be filtered somehow beforehand to eradicate the solids floating in it. Filtration can be done using a piece of paper (folded into a cone) and a funnel. A top-half of a plastic bottle could be used as a funnel.