Pattaya supermarkets desperately short of food staples

PATTAYA: -- As we reported just a couple of days ago, while Pattaya and its environs have been spared any serious flooding, panic buying and general food shortages caused by the nationwide disaster are starting to have serious affects on the major supermarket chains in the city.

The Tesco-Lotus supermarket on Sukhumvit Road, where the accompanying photos were taken, was completely out of eggs, for example. Reports across Pattaya suggest this basic staple is almost impossible to find. Literally millions of chickens have been among the casualties of the worst floods to hit Thailand for more than half a century. With the population having doubled in that time, it’s no real surprise to see this inundation as being arguably the worst in the nation’s history. As of Wednesday morning almost 370 people had lost their lives in the three months since the country began experiencing serious flooding.

Among other staples, rice and milk are reaching critical shortages. Tinned foods, such as tuna, sardines, baked beans and the like have been snapped up by worried residents and visitors. Coffee, sugar, and bottled water are three other items becoming harder to find on the supermarket shelves.

Full story and pictures HERE

--IN PATTAYA NOW 2011-10-26

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Foodland was crushed with people today and most everyone had their carts filled to the rim with basic foodstuffs. Purchases of stables like water, rice, eggs, etc. are all limited as to quantity. Selection of most staples (milk/dairy, bakery, and packaged foods) and non-stables was noticeably down from normal. There is only one problem, except for canned meats, soups, and veggies, there is only so much perishable food one can buy at one time.

Also, home supplies (toothpaste, soaps/shampoos, etc.) were running down and even pet foods were not fully stocked. I don't know what people are expected to do when most of the food is gone...order fast-food delivery or eat out all meals

Edited October 26, 201114 yr by FarangBuddha

Threads like this really don't help, the panic then becomes self sustaining, supplies are coming through how else are people able to fill their shopping trolleys?

Threads like this really don't help, the panic then becomes self sustaining, supplies are coming through how else are people able to fill their shopping trolleys?

Well, just better to be prepared. They are now predicting flooded conditions for up to a month and supplies of basics are likely to continue to be strained. It's just common sense (and being responsible for one's family) to lay in a supply of the basics.

Well, just better to be prepared. They are now predicting flooded conditions for up to a month and supplies of basics are likely to continue to be strained. It's just common sense (and being responsible for one's family) to lay in a supply of the basics.

So depriving others??? Jug half empty mentality.

Well, just better to be prepared. They are now predicting flooded conditions for up to a month and supplies of basics are likely to continue to be strained. It's just common sense (and being responsible for one's family) to lay in a supply of the basics.

So depriving others??? Jug half empty mentality.

My not buying extra isn't going to stop the Thais and others' hording...just deprive me and my family of the food and water necessary to survive! If there was an official rationing system in place where one could be assured of available supplies fairly distributed that's another story...but it the situation now, it's everyone for themselves and if you don't look out for yourself, nobody else will.

This isn't some First Would country where you might be able to count on competent disaster assistance if it should become necessary. And even then, ala New Orleans, it can take days for help to arrive. I know there will be no flooding in Pattaya but due to flooding at factories and distribution centers up north and possible severed transportation links to Pattaya, we could very well end up with shortages of essentials. Don't forget, there may also be thousands of Bangkok residents who have fled here already or are heading our way who will also need to provision themselves from our stores.

PS: Just back from a second go-around at Foodland and don't bother going there if looking for rice and water, it's all gone. Stocks of many other items are running low. Hopefully, some more deliveries tomorrow.

Edited October 26, 201114 yr by FarangBuddha

Empty shelves sure sign of flood devastation

PATTAYA: -- The worst flooding in decades is not only affecting families directly in its path, but in one way or another, its effecting nearly everyone in the kingdom.

Locally, kind hearted citizens are setting up collection points for essential goods and cash to help the tens of thousands of victims, the Thai Navy is building temporary floating structures for those that have lost their homes, and in general, as they have done in the past, people are rushing to the aid of stricken people all over the country.

A side effect of the massive flooding is the increasingly evident disruption to commerce. Anyone who has gone shopping lately most certainly has noticed empty shelves, higher prices, and goods that were once found nearly everywhere are now difficult to find.

Full story and pictures HERE

-- Pattaya Mail 2011-10-28