All Eyes On Bangkok'S Flood Barriers As New Wave Arrives Today

[george]

All eyes on Bangkok's flood barriers as new wave arrives today

Jeerapong Prasertpolkrung, Prapasri Osathanon

The Nation October 27, 2011 1:09 am

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra warned yesterday that there was a 50/50 chance that much of Bangkok would be inundated in the coming days but insisted that Suvarnabhumi Airport would not be flooded.

The prime minister said new factors were compounding the seriousness of the situation and it would be hard to fend off all the flood water from Bangkok. She insisted, however, that the government was making urgent efforts to drain the water away from the capital.

"What we're doing today is to try to delay [flood water] so it will not burst into Bangkok to the point where people have no time to prepare," she said.

Asked whether all areas of Bangkok would be flooded, the prime minister said it would depend on how the major dykes and barriers in the east, north and west of the city fare. In the worstcase scenario - barriers in all three directions failing - all of Bangkok would flood, but with different areas experiencing water levels between 10 centimetres to more than a metre. Elevated expressways and tollways would thus still be able to function, Yingluck stressed.

She ordered flood defences at three spots around the capital be reinforced, but decided not to relocate the Flood Relief Operation Centre (FROC) from Don Mueang Airport despite rising water levels at and around the airport. If relocation is eventually made necessary, she added, it would not be to Chon Buri province as speculated, but to another location in the capital.

"The FROC can remain at Don Mueang because it has the [connecting] Don Muang Tollway," she said. "Other more suitable places are being looked into, however."

The prime minister said evacuees were free to return to their home provinces if they wished to do so. Breached floodwalls, such as the one in Muang Ake residential estate just north of Bangkok, are being fixed with large sandbags, though leakage and breaches continue to be a problem elsewhere.

She also reiterated that the FROC was committed to giving full and accurate information to the public. As for problems facing the floodprevention effort, Yingluck said sand was running out despite the fact that in some provinces, soccer pitches have been dug up for sand. "We're now trying to get sand from other provinces."

Yingluck pleaded for understanding from all parties, saying that nobody had predicted the mass of water would be this big and that it would travel so fast.

"Within one day, water will definitely arrive. Residents living close to the [Chao Phraya] river, please evacuate within three hours" of this warning.

"Do not be complacent," she warned.

The prime minister added that flood waters were forecast to remain in the city for two weeks to a month but that the situation would not be as severe as in many other provinces, some of which have endured higher floods for two or three months.

FROC chief Pracha Promnok led a meeting of concerned agencies yesterday to discuss measures to deal with a worse case scenario for Bangkok flooding. These included issuing warnings, and evacuating people to Kanchanaburi, Suphan Buri, Ratchaburi, Petchaburi, Chon Buri and Nakhon Ratchasima. The FROC committed to providing transport for people evacuating to flood relief centres in these provinces.

-- The Nation 2011-10-27

[BigRick]

The owner of the place I live just build a 1m cement retaining wall around the entire property(Honesty impressive) using a workforce of around 60 they are still out there finishing it. I have been walking down to the canal every other hour the water level is still the same is not dropping. I guess we will wait and see. I live in the Victory monument neighborhood.

[Familyonthemove]

Yes, we are now sporting some nifty flood barriers at the entrance to my building. Impressive stuff. And there was a team dredging all the road drains at 1:00 am this morning around Asoke.

[webfact]

Residents in flood-prone Bangkok urged to leave

by Thanaporn Promyamyai

BANGKOK, October 27, 2011 (AFP) - Thai authorities urged residents in flood-prone areas of Bangkok to evacuate Wednesday, warning them that the arrival of a massive deluge of water was imminent.

A huge runoff from the north equivalent to 480,000 Olympic swimming pools is expected to reach the capital at the same time as seasonal high tides, the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said.

"The floodwater has reached the inner city," it said in a statement, putting the expected volume of water at 1.2 billion cubic metres.

The government has ordered a five-day holiday from Thursday for 21 provinces including Bangkok, to allow the city's residents to prepare for the inundation or leave.

"I would like to ask Bangkok people who are already affected or could be affected soon to consider evacuating to other places," said Thongthong Chantarangsu, spokesman for the country's Flood Relief Operations Centre (FROC).

"Food and deliveries will become more difficult," he added. FROC said it was working on providing extra shelters across the city of 12 million people.

Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said that a large amount of water "will get to Bangkok tonight", after Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said flood barriers might not be able to hold back the deluge.

During the holiday 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.

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, also began to evacuate some of its residents, including spotted deer and antelopes, while structures were provided for lions to climb up to safety.

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.

The country's worst flooding crisis in decades has been plagued by contradictory information from national and local authorities, confusing Bangkok residents who have been bracing for the onslaught of water for days.

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

She said a "worst-case scenario" would see parts of the low-lying city inundated by "more than one metre" of water.

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

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, and the premier advised people to boil tap water before consuming it.

More than 370 people have been killed in the three-month flood crisis caused by unusually heavy monsoon rains, damaging the homes of millions of people and forcing tens of thousands into evacuation centres.

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

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

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 2011-10-27

[Ponbkk]

I would think after reading the report that the current crisis team seems a bit focused on proving in their own minds that they understand things like science, while the statement "the water is moving much faster than expected", for one, proves otherwise. Could it be suggested that a last chance be given that the important issue of what happens AFTER the great flood, whether it is this morning (as predicted last night) or today and tomorrow (seems to be today's prediction) or in 'conjunction with the moon' this weekend (as predicted Tuesday night) or early next week, as seems to be the prediction of persons qualified to make such predictions, be gotten onto very soon..The water will get here when it gets here. That food and health crisis is already here.

Edited October 26, 2011 by Ponbkk

[metisdead]

Just a reminder that posts using derogatory nicknames or intentional misspelling of people’s names will be deleted. If you don’t want your post to be deleted, spell people’s names correctly.

[londonthai]

the best is just to leave, pack up everything to the upper floor and let the neighbours watch after the house. There is no food in the shops, those who stocked themselves with whatever there was on the shelves, won't be able to survive for 2 weeks - 1 month on it.

in the villages people do eat water plants and fish, in bangkok it would be much more difficult, even because of the pollution

[me313]

The stereotype I heard about Thailand was that they eat cats and dogs (because I brought my cat to Thailand) so now, perhaps, that myth will become reality in Bangkok when the food supply is at a critical low............

[noitom]

Residents in flood-prone Bangkok urged to leave

by Thanaporn Promyamyai

BANGKOK, October 27, 2011 (AFP) - Thai authorities urged residents in flood-prone areas of Bangkok to evacuate Wednesday, warning them that the arrival of a massive deluge of water was imminent.

A huge runoff from the north equivalent to 480,000 Olympic swimming pools is expected to reach the capital at the same time as seasonal high tides, the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said.

"The floodwater has reached the inner city," it said in a statement, putting the expected volume of water at 1.2 billion cubic metres.

The government has ordered a five-day holiday from Thursday for 21 provinces including Bangkok, to allow the city's residents to prepare for the inundation or leave.

"I would like to ask Bangkok people who are already affected or could be affected soon to consider evacuating to other places," said Thongthong Chantarangsu, spokesman for the country's Flood Relief Operations Centre (FROC).

"Food and deliveries will become more difficult," he added. FROC said it was working on providing extra shelters across the city of 12 million people.

Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said that a large amount of water "will get to Bangkok tonight", after Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said flood barriers might not be able to hold back the deluge.

During the holiday 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.

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, also began to evacuate some of its residents, including spotted deer and antelopes, while structures were provided for lions to climb up to safety.

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.

The country's worst flooding crisis in decades has been plagued by contradictory information from national and local authorities, confusing Bangkok residents who have been bracing for the onslaught of water for days.

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

She said a "worst-case scenario" would see parts of the low-lying city inundated by "more than one metre" of water.

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

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, and the premier advised people to boil tap water before consuming it.

More than 370 people have been killed in the three-month flood crisis caused by unusually heavy monsoon rains, damaging the homes of millions of people and forcing tens of thousands into evacuation centres.

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

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

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 2011-10-27

It's a shame that the government continues to focus on their skills at predicting the outcome for Bangkok and adding to this insane daily drama as if the rest of the people don't count. It's a shame that the large Thai companies don't open facilities for helping people. Disease fighting centers, medical and food supply facilities, evacuation resources - trucks, warehouses..etc.. Here they are - check out what they have done so far on their web sites. Little if anything - What about the big Thai companies? What are they doing? Any of them setting up relief centers or medical emergency facilities? Where are they - Red Bull, Charoen Phopkhand, Singha, Thai Air, Preuksa, Seafresh, Bangkok Bank, SCB, Ayudha, PTT, True, AIS, Siam Cement, Central Group, Raimon Land...etc.. ? It's time they were called out - Their lack of support and resources is a national disgrace.

Sorry to say, but they will soon have to deal with the aftermath - disease, massive health and medical issues, contamination, monumental health disaster - Cholera, Typhoid, leptospirosis., Dengue., who knows what, etc? I feel bad for the Thai people who relied on higher levels in their commercial and government sector to back them up in times of emergency are now stuck because of selfish, self centered, self absorbed, elite, privileged arrogance.

[EvolvingApe]

The stereotype I heard about Thailand was that they eat cats and dogs (because I brought my cat to Thailand) so now, perhaps, that myth will become reality in Bangkok when the food supply is at a critical low............

Seems a little nasty in writing, hopefully you aren't so crass in real life.

[EvolvingApe]

The stereotype I heard about Thailand was that they eat cats and dogs (because I brought my cat to Thailand) so now, perhaps, that myth will become reality in Bangkok when the food supply is at a critical low............

Seems a little nasty in writing, hopefully you aren't so crass in real life.

If it's a real reflection of your personality though don't you think it a bit much, coming on a web forum based in a city facing a humanitarian crisis and laughing at them, telling them they'll be forced to eat dogs and cats while dying?

[Foggy Bottom]

Breaking News

British Airways have responded to the UK Foreign Office's travel warning advisory against flying into Bangkok

They are to relaunch BOAC and a much missed service

[prvtdetdave]

After monitoring this from beginning till now and finding missing script from ex-certs, I have concluded.

the new PM. has done a great job with what she has had to work with.

All the obstructionist and other who have thwarted her every move will pay a price for this I am sure.

These elitists who have used every chance to criticize instead of help won't be as powerful once this is all said and done.

Again unfortunate (understatement) the Thai people suffer at the hands of the rich and powerful who could have done so much more.

For those here who continue to criticize, what have you done to help or help your neighbor?

[whybother]

After monitoring this from beginning till now and finding missing script from ex-certs, I have concluded.

the new PM. has done a great job with what she has had to work with.

All the obstructionist and other who have thwarted her every move will pay a price for this I am sure.

These elitists who have used every chance to criticize instead of help won't be as powerful once this is all said and done.

Again unfortunate (understatement) the Thai people suffer at the hands of the rich and powerful who could have done so much more.

For those here who continue to criticize, what have you done to help or help your neighbor?

"All the obstructionist and other who have thwarted her every move"

Who had been obstructionist?

What moves?

I she had actually been doing something, there might have been something to obstruct.

[frodo]

It's a shame that the government continues to focus on their skills at predicting the outcome for Bangkok and adding to this insane daily drama as if the rest of the people don't count. It's a shame that the large Thai companies don't open facilities for helping people. Disease fighting centers, medical and food supply facilities, evacuation resources - trucks, warehouses..etc.. Here they are - check out what they have done so far on their web sites. Little if anything - What about the big Thai companies? What are they doing? Any of them setting up relief centers or medical emergency facilities? Where are they - Red Bull, Charoen Phopkhand, Singha, Thai Air, Preuksa, Seafresh, Bangkok Bank, SCB, Ayudha, PTT, True, AIS, Siam Cement, Central Group, Raimon Land...etc.. ? It's time they were called out - Their lack of support and resources is a national disgrace.

From the breaking news section today:

"Thaicom Foundation presented 20 floating toilets and 1,000 emergency toilet sets through Thaksin Shinawatra's three children." That was highly generous of the Shinwatra siblings.

[whybother]

From the breaking news section today:

"Thaicom Foundation presented 20 floating toilets and 1,000 emergency toilet sets through Thaksin Shinawatra's three children." That was highly generous of the Shinwatra siblings.

I'm surprised they didn't come from Chalerm and his son "Mr Happy Toilet".

[mijan24]

The stereotype I heard about Thailand was that they eat cats and dogs (because I brought my cat to Thailand) so now, perhaps, that myth will become reality in Bangkok when the food supply is at a critical low............

Obviously your experience in South East Asia is very limited - supermarkets are short stocked (farang items) but it is not a famine - We are in Thailand Thai food is still plentiful everywhere maybe it comes back to that old adage "when in Rome do as the Romans do".

[siampolee]

SummaryThe Ministry of Finance reported that1. Thailand had been affected by the storm Nock Ten since July 2011 until now. It caused flash flood over 27 provinces which caused severe damages to a large number of agriculturists, people and entrepreneurs. Aids had been provided timely and urgently.

2. The Ministry of Finance reviewed and determined measures to assist the flood victims as follows.

2.1 Financial measureFinancial measures had been directed to 8 specialized financial institutions, namely, Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, Government Savings Bank, Government Housing Bank, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand, Islamic Bank of Thailand, Export-Import Bank of Thailand, Small Business Credit Guarantee Corporation and Secondary Mortgage Corporation and Krungthai Bank Public Ltd. This was to help the existing clients of the banks in terms of debt freezing, extension of debt settlement, reduction of the interest rate, offering loans to new clients and the public for vocational rehabilitation and fixing damaged houses and buildings with the lower rate of interest and reduction of criteria.

Interesting link as it has the synopsis of Thai Cabinet meetings, so it seems as if there was awareness of the gravity of the situation yet nothing constructive to mitigate the impact of the floods was discussed it seems i.e. flood prevention and control. This meeting was held in September 2011

Edited October 27, 2011 by siampolee

[geriatrickid]

The stereotype I heard about Thailand was that they eat cats and dogs (because I brought my cat to Thailand) so now, perhaps, that myth will become reality in Bangkok when the food supply is at a critical low............

Food may be low in Bangkok, but no one is starving. There are strategic food inventories on several military bases outside the flooded areas. The military is tasked with providing the logistics and the oversight. The planning has been going on for several weeks. Large orders have been made for key active pharmaceutical ingredients as well as vaccines and essential medications. Multiple NGOs have been planning and preparing for the flood aftermath. The reason food supplies are now scare is because of panic buying and hoarding. As well, many large retail chains started to hold back supplies as they knew that it was better to wait until really needed than to risk having it lost in the supply chain once the flood hits the warehouses and retail outlets.

[whybother]

Food may be low in Bangkok, but no one is starving. There are strategic food inventories on several military bases outside the flooded areas. The military is tasked with providing the logistics and the oversight. The planning has been going on for several weeks. Large orders have been made for key active pharmaceutical ingredients as well as vaccines and essential medications. Multiple NGOs have been planning and preparing for the flood aftermath. The reason food supplies are now scare is because of panic buying and hoarding. As well, many large retail chains started to hold back supplies as they knew that it was better to wait until really needed than to risk having it lost in the supply chain once the flood hits the warehouses and retail outlets.

Retail chains holding back supplies!! Good one GK.

[frodo]

The stereotype I heard about Thailand was that they eat cats and dogs (because I brought my cat to Thailand) so now, perhaps, that myth will become reality in Bangkok when the food supply is at a critical low............

Food may be low in Bangkok, but no one is starving. There are strategic food inventories on several military bases outside the flooded areas. The military is tasked with providing the logistics and the oversight. The planning has been going on for several weeks. Large orders have been made for key active pharmaceutical ingredients as well as vaccines and essential medications. Multiple NGOs have been planning and preparing for the flood aftermath. The reason food supplies are now scare is because of panic buying and hoarding. As well, many large retail chains started to hold back supplies as they knew that it was better to wait until really needed than to risk having it lost in the supply chain once the flood hits the warehouses and retail outlets.

Hoarding is a nice way to put it. This was taken in Makro a few days ago near Bangna. I had asked the clerk if some of the crates from above could be brought down for I can purchase a few items. I was told that a few people had already purchased all of these and she then pointed around the entire store indicating these few people owned everything. Greed and obvious profiteering. Sickening to see things such as this.

[chmiroau]

After monitoring this from beginning till now and finding missing script from ex-certs, I have concluded.

the new PM. has done a great job with what she has had to work with.

All the obstructionist and other who have thwarted her every move will pay a price for this I am sure.

These elitists who have used every chance to criticize instead of help won't be as powerful once this is all said and done.

Again unfortunate (understatement) the Thai people suffer at the hands of the rich and powerful who could have done so much more.

For those here who continue to criticize, what have you done to help or help your neighbor?

The biggest here here for this comment.

I can see the strain on the PM's face. She is an unfortunate pawn of the dynasty that is her family. She was thrust into the election late in the game so that the powers that be could win the election. Now as she is the figure head she is the one that everyone is pointing fingers at.

For me, I keep getting conflicting and misconstrued information about what is happening. My neighbourhood is divided as to what is going to happen. Half of the residents have protected themselves, half of them are simply not worried, it depends on who you are listening to. For me, an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure (sounds better than a kilo of prevention or a tonne of cure doesn't it?)

With this dichotomy happening I can only wonder what it would be like to be in a position where it wasn't just my neighbourhood and how to help them, where I was in charge, control, in a decision making role where my decisions were televised minute by minute, twisted and turned to suit the differing factions, and then I have to realise that the information that I used to make my decisions was inaccurate to begin with, deliberate or not, she is in a tough position.

Still, politics are politics and the PM is ultimately responsible for his or her government. She was elected as the leader, she then made decisions as to who and where she would put people to run her cabinet. If it is these people that are making the false statements, then it is the PM who is responsible for the factor that she placed them in their positions. Heads could, should, have to roll after all this has been cleaned up.

[frodo]

After monitoring this from beginning till now and finding missing script from ex-certs, I have concluded.

the new PM. has done a great job with what she has had to work with.

All the obstructionist and other who have thwarted her every move will pay a price for this I am sure.

These elitists who have used every chance to criticize instead of help won't be as powerful once this is all said and done.

Again unfortunate (understatement) the Thai people suffer at the hands of the rich and powerful who could have done so much more.

For those here who continue to criticize, what have you done to help or help your neighbor?

Whether or not she is doing the best to her ability is beside the point. She was voted in and took the position knowing full well she is ultimately responsible. She chose her cabinet and those she wanted in her administration. Yingluck has the told the public over and over again that there were no outside influences in her choices made and that she gave positions to those most qualified. So be it. She is 100% responsible. Seeing things like this gives people the right to criticize her and ask that she step down.

A Cabinet member blocked the irrigation's plan to release the water from the dam in September."I shall assume the sole responsibility," he said./via@ThanongK

Link here

A member of her own chosen cabinet blocked the water from being drained, and all of this being experienced may have been avoided. She has done a lousy job by her own choices made.

I will continue to criticize her as is my right to do so. As far as helping my neighbors, I have done more than you can possibly imagine.

[hammered]

The stereotype I heard about Thailand was that they eat cats and dogs (because I brought my cat to Thailand) so now, perhaps, that myth will become reality in Bangkok when the food supply is at a critical low............

Food may be low in Bangkok, but no one is starving. There are strategic food inventories on several military bases outside the flooded areas. The military is tasked with providing the logistics and the oversight. The planning has been going on for several weeks. Large orders have been made for key active pharmaceutical ingredients as well as vaccines and essential medications. Multiple NGOs have been planning and preparing for the flood aftermath. The reason food supplies are now scare is because of panic buying and hoarding. As well, many large retail chains started to hold back supplies as they knew that it was better to wait until really needed than to risk having it lost in the supply chain once the flood hits the warehouses and retail outlets.

Hoarding is a nice way to put it. This was taken in Makro a few days ago near Bangna. I had asked the clerk if some of the crates from above could be brought down for I can purchase a few items. I was told that a few people had already purchased all of these and she then pointed around the entire store indicating these few people owned everything. Greed and obvious profiteering. Sickening to see things such as this.

Makro should be boycotted for allowing hideous exploitation like that.

[Samuian]

TiT Live!

Enjoy while the show is on and those who can!

[frodo]

The stereotype I heard about Thailand was that they eat cats and dogs (because I brought my cat to Thailand) so now, perhaps, that myth will become reality in Bangkok when the food supply is at a critical low............

Food may be low in Bangkok, but no one is starving. There are strategic food inventories on several military bases outside the flooded areas. The military is tasked with providing the logistics and the oversight. The planning has been going on for several weeks. Large orders have been made for key active pharmaceutical ingredients as well as vaccines and essential medications. Multiple NGOs have been planning and preparing for the flood aftermath. The reason food supplies are now scare is because of panic buying and hoarding. As well, many large retail chains started to hold back supplies as they knew that it was better to wait until really needed than to risk having it lost in the supply chain once the flood hits the warehouses and retail outlets.

Hoarding is a nice way to put it. This was taken in Makro a few days ago near Bangna. I had asked the clerk if some of the crates from above could be brought down for I can purchase a few items. I was told that a few people had already purchased all of these and she then pointed around the entire store indicating these few people owned everything. Greed and obvious profiteering. Sickening to see things such as this.

Makro should be boycotted for allowing hideous exploitation like that.

Absolutely agree with you. I've noticed that some stores such as Tops and Big C have limited the amount of certain goods that a customer can buy, which makes perfect sense.

[Bangkokhatter]

The stereotype I heard about Thailand was that they eat cats and dogs (because I brought my cat to Thailand) so now, perhaps, that myth will become reality in Bangkok when the food supply is at a critical low............

Obviously your experience in South East Asia is very limited - supermarkets are short stocked (farang items) but it is not a famine - We are in Thailand Thai food is still plentiful everywhere maybe it comes back to that old adage "when in Rome do as the Romans do".

As you are obviously so well informed could you tell me where all this plentiful supply of Thai food is , cos it's certainly not in the 3 major supermarkets in my area...and as for bottled water not seen any on sale for days !!

[hammered]

After monitoring this from beginning till now and finding missing script from ex-certs, I have concluded.

the new PM. has done a great job with what she has had to work with.

All the obstructionist and other who have thwarted her every move will pay a price for this I am sure.

These elitists who have used every chance to criticize instead of help won't be as powerful once this is all said and done.

Again unfortunate (understatement) the Thai people suffer at the hands of the rich and powerful who could have done so much more.

For those here who continue to criticize, what have you done to help or help your neighbor?

Whether or not she is doing the best to her ability is beside the point. She was voted in and took the position knowing full well she is ultimately responsible. She chose her cabinet and those she wanted in her administration. Yingluck has the told the public over and over again that there were no outside influences in her choices made and that she gave positions to those most qualified. So be it. She is 100% responsible. Seeing things like this gives people the right to criticize her and ask that she step down.

A Cabinet member blocked the irrigation's plan to release the water from the dam in September."I shall assume the sole responsibility," he said./via@ThanongK

Link here

A member of her own chosen cabinet blocked the water from being drained, and all of this being experienced may have been avoided. She has done a lousy job by her own choices made.

I will continue to criticize her as is my right to do so. As far as helping my neighbors, I have done more than you can possibly imagine.

If what Tanong claims is true, and we have to bear in mind that he hasnt provided evidence and is a very extreme supporter of the yellow movement, the cabinet minister should resign or be sacked. Then again many north of Bangkok think the BKK governor should resign for refusing to allow the opening of flood gates (which we know to be true), something which Dr Seri has said guaranteed the immersion of Bangkok. We shouldnt be partisan in appointing blame. Unfortunately the divides will decide where people see blame as there are so many areas where mistakes have been made and so many people who have including of course Abhisit taking a holiday. Or maybe it should just be left for electorates to sort it out at the respective next set of elections as there is not going to be any agreement over who did what wrong and when even if some would like there to be, and in a democracy PM, government and governor performance is judged by those people answer to ie who elect them. And the outcome of that will likely depend a lot more on how the post flood situation goes.

Blame for natural disaster can be thrown around but how the clean up and reopening of industry goes is going to be a lot more critical as it affects people's ability to get over the crisis and move on. This politically will be a big one for PTP as right now they will have lost little of their traditional support but that could change if the factory workers dont get their work back although the chances of the votes going to the Democrats are virtually zero, so it may just be a dont vote as none of them are any good reaction if they feel they have been let down. Right now though the conventional wisdom of Bangkok never opens the gates and so we always flood north of the divide allows Bangkok to get the blame and in Bangkok the major criticism from north that the governor didnt open the gates provides cover for the governor with his electorate as it seems he was protecting BKK until Yingluck removed his authority, and how many listened to Dr Seri saying it was not opening the flood gates until too late that guaranteed a bigger BKK flooding?

Whatever way you look at it and whatever side people take it is still all about division politically speaking.

[Arkady]

"Asked whether all areas of Bangkok would be flooded, the prime minister said it would depend on how the major dykes and barriers in the east, north and west of the city fare. In the worstcase scenario - barriers in all three directions failing - all of Bangkok would flood, but with different areas experiencing water levels between 10 centimetres to more than a metre. Elevated expressways and tollways would thus still be able to function, Yingluck stressed."

This is just a regurgitation of her statement of two days ago. How helpful is that?

[OzMick]

Hoarding is a nice way to put it. This was taken in Makro a few days ago near Bangna. I had asked the clerk if some of the crates from above could be brought down for I can purchase a few items. I was told that a few people had already purchased all of these and she then pointed around the entire store indicating these few people owned everything. Greed and obvious profiteering. Sickening to see things such as this.

Has it occurred to you that she may have been lying to avoid work? Some retail staff have a great work ethic and vast knowledge of the products that they sell. I have been assured of this but have not yet encountered that phenomenon.