Bangkok's Sukhumvit Sois 48, 50 Flooded

[IMA_FARANG]

Everything is dry Sukhumvit 77 , and up to Bang Na .

----------------

Thank you for that information.

Soi 50 if I still recall correctly is on the of the opposite side of the road road from the Rex Hotel which is Soi 34...again if I remember correctly. That is a known low point in elevation on Sukhumvit road, so naturally water runs down and pools there...even during heavy raibstorms.

I used to live in Soi 38, so I know the area well.

There was once a German girl living in the Soi 38 where I lived. A German guy asked her out to dinner and drinks. It was during the rainy season, and Soi 50 was flooded from a heavy thunderstorm. On their way home their taxi broke down and they had to wade to Soi 38. The German girl lost her lost her favorite high heel shoes in the water and the German guy litterly jumped into the storm drain to pull one of them out of the water in that storm drain.

They became a pair...and I was told that about a year later when he went back to Germany she went with him... eventually marrying him.

So Soi 50 and Soi 34 on the other side of the road are fixed in my mind.

That was long ago, before the storm drain pumps were put in however.

Edited October 28, 2011 by IMA_FARANG

[Payboy]

Soi 50 is on the same side of Sukhumvit road as The Rex.

[Geekfreaklover]

Everything is dry Sukhumvit 77 , and up to Bang Na .

----------------

Thank you for that information.

Soi 50 if I still recall correctly is on the of the opposite side of the road road from the Rex Hotel which is Soi 34...again if I remember correctly. That is a known low point in elevation on Sukhumvit road, so naturally water runs down and pools there...even during heavy raibstorms.

I used to live in Soi 38, so I know the area well.

There was once a German girl living in the Soi 38 where I lived. A German guy asked her out to dinner and drinks. It was during the rainy season, and Soi 50 was flooded from a heavy thunderstorm. On their way home their taxi broke down and they had to wade to Soi 38. The German girl lost her lost her favorite high heel shoes in the water and the German guy litterly jumped into the storm drain to pull one of them out of the water in that storm drain.

They became a pair...and I was told that about a year later when he went back to Germany she went with him... eventually marrying him.

So Soi 50 and Soi 34 on the other side of the road are fixed in my mind.

That was long ago, before the storm drain pumps were put in however.

Nice story but you are thing off much further down the road near Prong Phom - soi 50 is between klong prakanong and On Nut near the tescos lotus not far from the overpass.

Edited October 28, 2011 by Geekfreaklover

[sirchai]

TAN News at 4pm indicated the breach has been fixed already and they were pumping water back. Maybe just loose reporting, or my loose hearing

No, you are right, the problem is solved

Director of Klong Toei District, Wiparat Chainanukit, revealed that a ten-meter flood barricade built along the Phra Khanong canals are in the process of being rebuilt.

But i do not find my car any more....

[asiavox]

Wow two streets in the whole of Bangkok, what a joke, yes lets all run.........

It is this type of attitude that excuses the government of the responsibility of informing the Bangkok masses in a 'timely' manner. The fact is that if Bangkok were told to evacuate one week ago, people would have stayed. They would have looked around at all the dry ground and thought 'where is the evidence'. Bangkok barriers begin to fail, the northern section of the city is inundated and still people will look around their little world and say, 'where is the evidence'.

This is not a flaw and I am not picking on the poster; it is human nature. In psychology, denial is a subconscious defense mechanism characterized by refusal to acknowledge painful realities, thoughts, or feelings. We were all blessed with this defense mechanism.

I myself was the same way in Chiang Mai at the end of September... we were being told that water was incoming and I looked for all of the reasons that this would not effect 'me'. I was as much a putz as the poster with this comment and shame on both of us.

My house and my business ended up being flooded by just over 1.5 meter flood levels. I was stranded on the second floor of my office building for 4 days, with food, water, electricity, Internet and it was still hell. I cannot comprehend in my worst imaginings what going through 3 or 4 weeks would be like. My advice is to pay heed to the government warnings, think worst case, and evacuate... including Sukhumvuit and Silom. You will realize that, once the water hits, your options are considerably reduced.

My post is to warn people not to fall into false comforts (and to later throw in some political commentary)... it is safer to avoid denial and give some thought about what life would be like with water levels up to your chest or neck (and that is for tall people). My thoughts go out to all of you in BKK... I hope that the water does not reach central areas but the reality is that you have an ocean of water above you and, any breach in flood defenses, physics takes over and water level inside the city will find equilibrium with levels outside of the barriers.

It is truly a scary thought, that it could happen in BKK; please do not be unprepared. In my opinion, any actions over the past couple of days, and in the coming days, are individual decisions... shame on anyone that wants to use this potential disaster for caterwauling, mudslinging, and general uneducated tripe we endure so much on this forum.

It is time to stop the armchair quarterbacking and take care of yourselves and your neighbors. If you are not in the flood effected areas, even some positive karma in this time of need is going to take this country a lot further than the moanings of a bunch of expat curmudgeons.

Perhaps if more than a small fraction of farangs on this forum understood the Thai language and ways, you would know that the work that is being accomplished and the level of support and cooperation of Thai people is humbling, regardless of shirt color. I am not a PTP supporter by any stretch but I think Yingluk is doing an outstanding job and I am certain beyond doubt that every decision she is making is with the intention to be in the best interest of the Thai people. That is all anyone can hope for or ask for, so lay off people.

Thai culture is 'amazing' and most of those of us that live here have realized this at some point in time... it is a shame that many of us have let this slide so easily as we return to our western ways and pick at every bloody detail like we are king shit of the universe (generally speaking, of course).

My belief is that Thailand will survive this catastrophe better than any other country I can imagine. It is the reason I love this country and it's people and I understand that I am an outsider being welcomed into a world different than any I knew before.

Couldn't agree with you more, as a foreigner living here in Bangkok, I would say that PM Yingluck did a pretty good job, making tough decisions that would affect her standing among the Bangkokians and Elites by letting more flood water flow through Bangkok and it's border.

I would not consider her tears to be that of weakness, but rather tears of compassion for the making decision that will cause the suffering of some people in the hope of saving more people. Most Thai Politicians will rather keep Bangkokians and the Elites happy and let the majority suffers.

Because of the tough decisions she made, people in Ayutthaya, Lopburi and Nakhon Sawan finally have hope of seeing dry land after their homes were submerged in flood water for months.

[TAWP]

Well our part of ratburana flooded this am during the hide tide.

Not a tweet heard anywhere-guess we are not hiso enough to warrant the nation's interest.

Lol

Tweeters can be everyday people that report their observations. Sign up.

[khaan]

Wow two streets in the whole of Bangkok, what a joke, yes lets all run.........

It is this type of attitude that excuses the government of the responsibility of informing the Bangkok masses in a 'timely' manner. The fact is that if Bangkok were told to evacuate one week ago, people would have stayed. They would have looked around at all the dry ground and thought 'where is the evidence'. Bangkok barriers begin to fail, the northern section of the city is inundated and still people will look around their little world and say, 'where is the evidence'.

This is not a flaw and I am not picking on the poster; it is human nature. In psychology, denial is a subconscious defense mechanism characterized by refusal to acknowledge painful realities, thoughts, or feelings. We were all blessed with this defense mechanism.

I myself was the same way in Chiang Mai at the end of September... we were being told that water was incoming and I looked for all of the reasons that this would not effect 'me'. I was as much a putz as the poster with this comment and shame on both of us.

My house and my business ended up being flooded by just over 1.5 meter flood levels. I was stranded on the second floor of my office building for 4 days, with food, water, electricity, Internet and it was still hell. I cannot comprehend in my worst imaginings what going through 3 or 4 weeks would be like. My advice is to pay heed to the government warnings, think worst case, and evacuate... including Sukhumvuit and Silom. You will realize that, once the water hits, your options are considerably reduced.

My post is to warn people not to fall into false comforts (and to later throw in some political commentary)... it is safer to avoid denial and give some thought about what life would be like with water levels up to your chest or neck (and that is for tall people). My thoughts go out to all of you in BKK... I hope that the water does not reach central areas but the reality is that you have an ocean of water above you and, any breach in flood defenses, physics takes over and water level inside the city will find equilibrium with levels outside of the barriers.

It is truly a scary thought, that it could happen in BKK; please do not be unprepared. In my opinion, any actions over the past couple of days, and in the coming days, are individual decisions... shame on anyone that wants to use this potential disaster for caterwauling, mudslinging, and general uneducated tripe we endure so much on this forum.

It is time to stop the armchair quarterbacking and take care of yourselves and your neighbors. If you are not in the flood effected areas, even some positive karma in this time of need is going to take this country a lot further than the moanings of a bunch of expat curmudgeons.

Perhaps if more than a small fraction of farangs on this forum understood the Thai language and ways, you would know that the work that is being accomplished and the level of support and cooperation of Thai people is humbling, regardless of shirt color. I am not a PTP supporter by any stretch but I think Yingluk is doing an outstanding job and I am certain beyond doubt that every decision she is making is with the intention to be in the best interest of the Thai people. That is all anyone can hope for or ask for, so lay off people.

Thai culture is 'amazing' and most of those of us that live here have realized this at some point in time... it is a shame that many of us have let this slide so easily as we return to our western ways and pick at every bloody detail like we are king shit of the universe (generally speaking, of course).

My belief is that Thailand will survive this catastrophe better than any other country I can imagine. It is the reason I love this country and it's people and I understand that I am an outsider being welcomed into a world different than any I knew before.

Couldn't agree with you more, as a foreigner living here in Bangkok, I would say that PM Yingluck did a pretty good job, making tough decisions that would affect her standing among the Bangkokians and Elites by letting more flood water flow through Bangkok and it's border.

I would not consider her tears to be that of weakness, but rather tears of compassion for the making decision that will cause the suffering of some people in the hope of saving more people. Most Thai Politicians will rather keep Bangkokians and the Elites happy and let the majority suffers.

Because of the tough decisions she made, people in Ayutthaya, Lopburi and Nakhon Sawan finally have hope of seeing dry land after their homes were submerged in flood water for months.

" I would say that PM Yingluck did a pretty good job, making tough decisions that would affect her standing among the Bangkokians and Elites by letting more flood water flow through Bangkok and it's border. "

I second that! And for all those on Thai Visa that repeatedly criticise the way the authorities are handling this disaster, considering the overwhelming size of what is happening I remember about how those clowns handled the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico last year

[MaxYakov]

Well our part of ratburana flooded this am during the hide tide.

Not a tweet heard anywhere-guess we are not hiso enough to warrant the nation's interest.

Lol

Was this you on Thai Tele late this morning?

If it is, you got about 5 seconds of fame, if that.

Maybe another 14 min. 55 sec. awaits you this season.

Edited October 28, 2011 by MaxYakov

[robokop]

Wow two streets in the whole of Bangkok, what a joke, yes lets all run.........

http://earthobservat...d=76234&src=nha

look at the before and after picture

remember the whole of bangkok will not flood at once !, it does take a bit of time, and untill you are in a flood, you will realise how quick the water can come ....... or if a flood wall breaks, the water can come in dangerously quick

better to be safe , rather then sorry !, as if they dont evacuate and bkk does flood heavily and they DIDNT give out a warning, what would people say then?

If it doesnt flood, GREAT , but they took precatuions, if it DOES flood, then they have made the right choice

Very true comment-common sense unlike some of the other posts. It is the duty of elected officals to protect the lives of the public, so overeacting is better than under reacting. Worse rainy season in 50 years, so one must think about the safety of the public. If people are evacuated and some areas not flooded so what. People can just go back home. Writer is correct, 100%, right choice has been made.

[mmcmartin]

Wow two streets in the whole of Bangkok, what a joke, yes lets all run.........

It is this type of attitude that excuses the government of the responsibility of informing the Bangkok masses in a 'timely' manner. The fact is that if Bangkok were told to evacuate one week ago, people would have stayed. They would have looked around at all the dry ground and thought 'where is the evidence'. Bangkok barriers begin to fail, the northern section of the city is inundated and still people will look around their little world and say, 'where is the evidence'.

This is not a flaw and I am not picking on the poster; it is human nature. In psychology, denial is a subconscious defense mechanism characterized by refusal to acknowledge painful realities, thoughts, or feelings. We were all blessed with this defense mechanism.

I myself was the same way in Chiang Mai at the end of September... we were being told that water was incoming and I looked for all of the reasons that this would not effect 'me'. I was as much a putz as the poster with this comment and shame on both of us.

My house and my business ended up being flooded by just over 1.5 meter flood levels. I was stranded on the second floor of my office building for 4 days, with food, water, electricity, Internet and it was still hell. I cannot comprehend in my worst imaginings what going through 3 or 4 weeks would be like. My advice is to pay heed to the government warnings, think worst case, and evacuate... including Sukhumvuit and Silom. You will realize that, once the water hits, your options are considerably reduced.

My post is to warn people not to fall into false comforts (and to later throw in some political commentary)... it is safer to avoid denial and give some thought about what life would be like with water levels up to your chest or neck (and that is for tall people). My thoughts go out to all of you in BKK... I hope that the water does not reach central areas but the reality is that you have an ocean of water above you and, any breach in flood defenses, physics takes over and water level inside the city will find equilibrium with levels outside of the barriers.

etc, etc. .. cut in the interst of length.

Don't count on Thailand surviving this better than most countries. And it did not handle this well at all in fact. In a civilized country you don't have the prime minister ordering the agencies in charge of flood management to listen to pseudo-experts that were brought in to pay back political favors yet have no expertise in flood management. You don't have different arms of the government giving different accounts of what's going on and giving conflicting orders on diverting flood waters or building levees. And no civilized country would refuse help from the US navy in a time of need just to save face. There is much that could have been done to lessen the impact of the floods and you will see how the amazing Thais act in desperate circumstances as they already have by gouging people like they do.

'In a civilized country', <deleted> ??? Are you blind to political incompetence in every country? Civilized!!! Get out of Dodge man! Thanks spermwhale for proving the point. You are a sheep falling in with a bunch of ascerbic bystanders and a garbage tabloid newspaper. If you took the time to learn the realities of the situation your insight might be useful.

BTW the US Embassy categorically denies that Thailand refused help from the vaunted US Navy and that they are working in close cooperation. Your other comments are regurgitated rhetoric and that usually means it tastes much worse coming out than it did going in; not worth adressing. Study your subject and form some educated thoughts before you carry on with this type of uninformed, unproductive hype.

Edited October 28, 2011 by mmcmartin

[arthurwait]

She and her cabinet are the elite. Did you not see the thread of their assets ? Their assets are in Bangkok.

Edited October 28, 2011 by george
Excessive quoting /george

[cbc]

Wow two streets in the whole of Bangkok, what a joke, yes lets all run.........

http://earthobservat...d=76234&src=nha

look at the before and after picture

remember the whole of bangkok will not flood at once !, it does take a bit of time, and untill you are in a flood, you will realise how quick the water can come ....... or if a flood wall breaks, the water can come in dangerously quick

better to be safe , rather then sorry !, as if they dont evacuate and bkk does flood heavily and they DIDNT give out a warning, what would people say then?

If it doesnt flood, GREAT , but they took precatuions, if it DOES flood, then they have made the right choice

Right on Boater. I agree with you.Some of these critics on here are a joke!What would they do in this situation.Seems they criticize every thing the government does.If they can do better then go to the FROC headquaters and fess up.If you don't like the job the government is doing,(the complainers i mean ) then by all mean's go back to your own country.Nobody is keeping you here.We are guests here and not here to ctitique everything they do.After all,it's their country and they can run the show.

[Just1Voice]

While my sympathies go out to ALL who are affected by this disaster, the more pragmatic, or critical side, if you will, fixes the blame for this squarely on the shoulder of the Thai. Not the AVERAGE Thai, but those with money, power, and who have had the ability to prevent this.

The flood problem has been staring every government of Thailand in the face for YEARS, and no one has done anything about it.

For too many YEARS, the rich and elite, and let's face it, mostly from BKK, have been allowed to encroach on what is supposed to be protected forest land to cut down trees and brush to build their mansions, private residences and resorts, destroying the natural habitat that absorbs and retains water.

For too many YEARS the rich and elite have built, or have allowed to have built, factories, housing projects, condos and other structures in areas that were previously natural run off areas for the rain.

For too many YEARS construction has run rampant with absolutely NO thought of the consequences to nature and the results of their actions.

Money and Greed are the mantras which drive those who have the ability, and authority to change things, but didn't because there wasn't a profit in it for them, or it wasn't politically "expedient" to do so.

If I could be like Moses and strike a deal with God, I wouldn't part any sea, but I'd sure as hell send the flood waters to the residence of EVERY politician, every "hi-so", every "elite", while keeping high and dry the REAL Thai who struggle from day to day just to survive and provide for their families. Maybe then the much needed changes would actually happen, and not just be sound bites about how "we won't let it happen again" that are forgotten as soon as the camera is turned off.

This may sound cold and callous, but if it takes BKK being flooded for those who have the ability to actually do something about it to finally DO something about it, then maybe that will be a good thing. Maybe this will be the wake up call, or lesson that things HAVE to change, that long term, viable projects have to begin A.S.A.P. so that no Thai has to suffer like this again.

[philw]

Wow two streets in the whole of Bangkok, what a joke, yes lets all run.........

It is this type of attitude that excuses the government of the responsibility of informing the Bangkok masses in a 'timely' manner. The fact is that if Bangkok were told to evacuate one week ago, people would have stayed. They would have looked around at all the dry ground and thought 'where is the evidence'. Bangkok barriers begin to fail, the northern section of the city is inundated and still people will look around their little world and say, 'where is the evidence'.

This is not a flaw and I am not picking on the poster; it is human nature. In psychology, denial is a subconscious defense mechanism characterized by refusal to acknowledge painful realities, thoughts, or feelings. We were all blessed with this defense mechanism.

I myself was the same way in Chiang Mai at the end of September... we were being told that water was incoming and I looked for all of the reasons that this would not effect 'me'. I was as much a putz as the poster with this comment and shame on both of us.

My house and my business ended up being flooded by just over 1.5 meter flood levels. I was stranded on the second floor of my office building for 4 days, with food, water, electricity, Internet and it was still hell. I cannot comprehend in my worst imaginings what going through 3 or 4 weeks would be like. My advice is to pay heed to the government warnings, think worst case, and evacuate... including Sukhumvuit and Silom. You will realize that, once the water hits, your options are considerably reduced.

My post is to warn people not to fall into false comforts (and to later throw in some political commentary)... it is safer to avoid denial and give some thought about what life would be like with water levels up to your chest or neck (and that is for tall people). My thoughts go out to all of you in BKK... I hope that the water does not reach central areas but the reality is that you have an ocean of water above you and, any breach in flood defenses, physics takes over and water level inside the city will find equilibrium with levels outside of the barriers.

It is truly a scary thought, that it could happen in BKK; please do not be unprepared. In my opinion, any actions over the past couple of days, and in the coming days, are individual decisions... shame on anyone that wants to use this potential disaster for caterwauling, mudslinging, and general uneducated tripe we endure so much on this forum.

It is time to stop the armchair quarterbacking and take care of yourselves and your neighbors. If you are not in the flood effected areas, even some positive karma in this time of need is going to take this country a lot further than the moanings of a bunch of expat curmudgeons.

Perhaps if more than a small fraction of farangs on this forum understood the Thai language and ways, you would know that the work that is being accomplished and the level of support and cooperation of Thai people is humbling, regardless of shirt color. I am not a PTP supporter by any stretch but I think Yingluk is doing an outstanding job and I am certain beyond doubt that every decision she is making is with the intention to be in the best interest of the Thai people. That is all anyone can hope for or ask for, so lay off people.

Thai culture is 'amazing' and most of those of us that live here have realized this at some point in time... it is a shame that many of us have let this slide so easily as we return to our western ways and pick at every bloody detail like we are king shit of the universe (generally speaking, of course).

My belief is that Thailand will survive this catastrophe better than any other country I can imagine. It is the reason I love this country and it's people and I understand that I am an outsider being welcomed into a world different than any I knew before.

Couldn't agree with you more, as a foreigner living here in Bangkok, I would say that PM Yingluck did a pretty good job, making tough decisions that would affect her standing among the Bangkokians and Elites by letting more flood water flow through Bangkok and it's border.

I would not consider her tears to be that of weakness, but rather tears of compassion for the making decision that will cause the suffering of some people in the hope of saving more people. Most Thai Politicians will rather keep Bangkokians and the Elites happy and let the majority suffers.

Because of the tough decisions she made, people in Ayutthaya, Lopburi and Nakhon Sawan finally have hope of seeing dry land after their homes were submerged in flood water for months.

Thank you both............

Looks like some balance and reason exists on TV.

[connda]

Is this all a ruse?

Who is guarding the banks and the gold shops?

I understand that they have imported some jet ski operators and tuk tuk drivers from Phuket to help guard the valuables and protect the tourists!

[Tanlic]

It's getting a bit like one of those movies when the guy is walking through the woods and just before he's mauled by a winged predator, the birds get startled and fly off.

I was in Udomsuk today speaking to a shop owner who had sold almost all her stock and was heading out of Bangkok.

I'm not great at topography but if Udomsuk floods I reckon lower Sukhhumvit will be under 40ft of water

Tried to tell her the chances of the floods coming anywhere near her must be remote but she reckons tomorrow the place will be turned into a swimming pool.

If tha Nasa satelite is anything to go by I won't be buying a boat anytime soon

http://cernunosat05.cern.ch/gp/flex/tha/

It was taken yesterday but the flood looks a long long way from Sukhumvit which most farang regard as central Bangkok

.

[Geekfreaklover]

I'm not expert on topography either but from experience of living in Bangkok Udom Suk it is much more prone to flooding than the lower Suk after heavy rainfall - but that may be down to the drainage. I think the storekeeper may have a point. I live on soi 68 and many of my neighbours are preparing to move away tomorrow or over the w/end.

[noitom]

Is this all a ruse?

Who is guarding the banks and the gold shops?

I have it on good authority that Nemo is guarding the banks, and Charlie the Tuna has been assigned the gold shops.

never mind just the gold shops and banks, they are the obvious places that Charlie The Tuna would guard. But there will probably be many rogue gangs going house to house with pickup trucks scavaging anything left behind or taking it away from the people staying behind on the second floor - the cash, jewelry, anything that walks except the dog.

[losworld]

Wow two streets in the whole of Bangkok, what a joke, yes lets all run.........

It is this type of attitude that excuses the government of the responsibility of informing the Bangkok masses in a 'timely' manner. The fact is that if Bangkok were told to evacuate one week ago, people would have stayed. They would have looked around at all the dry ground and thought 'where is the evidence'. Bangkok barriers begin to fail, the northern section of the city is inundated and still people will look around their little world and say, 'where is the evidence'.

This is not a flaw and I am not picking on the poster; it is human nature. In psychology, denial is a subconscious defense mechanism characterized by refusal to acknowledge painful realities, thoughts, or feelings. We were all blessed with this defense mechanism.

I myself was the same way in Chiang Mai at the end of September... we were being told that water was incoming and I looked for all of the reasons that this would not effect 'me'. I was as much a putz as the poster with this comment and shame on both of us.

My house and my business ended up being flooded by just over 1.5 meter flood levels. I was stranded on the second floor of my office building for 4 days, with food, water, electricity, Internet and it was still hell. I cannot comprehend in my worst imaginings what going through 3 or 4 weeks would be like. My advice is to pay heed to the government warnings, think worst case, and evacuate... including Sukhumvuit and Silom. You will realize that, once the water hits, your options are considerably reduced.

My post is to warn people not to fall into false comforts (and to later throw in some political commentary)... it is safer to avoid denial and give some thought about what life would be like with water levels up to your chest or neck (and that is for tall people). My thoughts go out to all of you in BKK... I hope that the water does not reach central areas but the reality is that you have an ocean of water above you and, any breach in flood defenses, physics takes over and water level inside the city will find equilibrium with levels outside of the barriers.

It is truly a scary thought, that it could happen in BKK; please do not be unprepared. In my opinion, any actions over the past couple of days, and in the coming days, are individual decisions... shame on anyone that wants to use this potential disaster for caterwauling, mudslinging, and general uneducated tripe we endure so much on this forum.

It is time to stop the armchair quarterbacking and take care of yourselves and your neighbors. If you are not in the flood effected areas, even some positive karma in this time of need is going to take this country a lot further than the moanings of a bunch of expat curmudgeons.

Perhaps if more than a small fraction of farangs on this forum understood the Thai language and ways, you would know that the work that is being accomplished and the level of support and cooperation of Thai people is humbling, regardless of shirt color. I am not a PTP supporter by any stretch but I think Yingluk is doing an outstanding job and I am certain beyond doubt that every decision she is making is with the intention to be in the best interest of the Thai people. That is all anyone can hope for or ask for, so lay off people.

Thai culture is 'amazing' and most of those of us that live here have realized this at some point in time... it is a shame that many of us have let this slide so easily as we return to our western ways and pick at every bloody detail like we are king shit of the universe (generally speaking, of course).

My belief is that Thailand will survive this catastrophe better than any other country I can imagine. It is the reason I love this country and it's people and I understand that I am an outsider being welcomed into a world different than any I knew before.

Couldn't agree with you more, as a foreigner living here in Bangkok, I would say that PM Yingluck did a pretty good job, making tough decisions that would affect her standing among the Bangkokians and Elites by letting more flood water flow through Bangkok and it's border.

I would not consider her tears to be that of weakness, but rather tears of compassion for the making decision that will cause the suffering of some people in the hope of saving more people. Most Thai Politicians will rather keep Bangkokians and the Elites happy and let the majority suffers.

Because of the tough decisions she made, people in Ayutthaya, Lopburi and Nakhon Sawan finally have hope of seeing dry land after their homes were submerged in flood water for months.

I didn't know your english was so good Yingluck:) You should go get your hair done instead of writing on this board. Here's a tip for you - expats aren't allowed to vote and even if we could we would need more than the 300 baht you are paying in Isaan:)

[serenitynow]

I would not consider her tears to be that of weakness, but rather tears of compassion for the making decision that will cause the suffering of some people in the hope of saving more people. Most Thai Politicians will rather keep Bangkokians and the Elites happy and let the majority suffers.

Because of the tough decisions she made, people in Ayutthaya, Lopburi and Nakhon Sawan finally have hope of seeing dry land after their homes were submerged in flood water for months.

Because of the decisions she failed to make is the reason they were flooded at all. Gravity has come to rescue them now.

[steve187]

Wow two streets in the whole of Bangkok, what a joke, yes lets all run.........

Where are you??

[teetersb]

While my sympathies go out to ALL who are affected by this disaster, the more pragmatic, or critical side, if you will, fixes the blame for this squarely on the shoulder of the Thai. Not the AVERAGE Thai, but those with money, power, and who have had the ability to prevent this.

The flood problem has been staring every government of Thailand in the face for YEARS, and no one has done anything about it.

For too many YEARS, the rich and elite, and let's face it, mostly from BKK, have been allowed to encroach on what is supposed to be protected forest land to cut down trees and brush to build their mansions, private residences and resorts, destroying the natural habitat that absorbs and retains water.

For too many YEARS the rich and elite have built, or have allowed to have built, factories, housing projects, condos and other structures in areas that were previously natural run off areas for the rain.

For too many YEARS construction has run rampant with absolutely NO thought of the consequences to nature and the results of their actions.

Money and Greed are the mantras which drive those who have the ability, and authority to change things, but didn't because there wasn't a profit in it for them, or it wasn't politically "expedient" to do so.

If I could be like Moses and strike a deal with God, I wouldn't part any sea, but I'd sure as hell send the flood waters to the residence of EVERY politician, every "hi-so", every "elite", while keeping high and dry the REAL Thai who struggle from day to day just to survive and provide for their families. Maybe then the much needed changes would actually happen, and not just be sound bites about how "we won't let it happen again" that are forgotten as soon as the camera is turned off.

This may sound cold and callous, but if it takes BKK being flooded for those who have the ability to actually do something about it to finally DO something about it, then maybe that will be a good thing. Maybe this will be the wake up call, or lesson that things HAVE to change, that long term, viable projects have to begin A.S.A.P. so that no Thai has to suffer like this again.

+1 :jap:

[LTGTR]

Giant sponge?

TAN News at 4pm indicated the breach has been fixed already and they were pumping water back. Maybe just loose reporting, or my loose hearing

No, you are right, the problem is solved

[minikev]

WELL SAID. It made me stop and think I hope it does the same for many others.

[qualtrough]

Wow two streets in the whole of Bangkok, what a joke, yes lets all run.........

It is this type of attitude that excuses the government of the responsibility of informing the Bangkok masses in a 'timely' manner. The fact is that if Bangkok were told to evacuate one week ago, people would have stayed. They would have looked around at all the dry ground and thought 'where is the evidence'. Bangkok barriers begin to fail, the northern section of the city is inundated and still people will look around their little world and say, 'where is the evidence'.

This is not a flaw and I am not picking on the poster; it is human nature. In psychology, denial is a subconscious defense mechanism characterized by refusal to acknowledge painful realities, thoughts, or feelings. We were all blessed with this defense mechanism.

I myself was the same way in Chiang Mai at the end of September... we were being told that water was incoming and I looked for all of the reasons that this would not effect 'me'. I was as much a putz as the poster with this comment and shame on both of us.

My house and my business ended up being flooded by just over 1.5 meter flood levels. I was stranded on the second floor of my office building for 4 days, with food, water, electricity, Internet and it was still hell. I cannot comprehend in my worst imaginings what going through 3 or 4 weeks would be like. My advice is to pay heed to the government warnings, think worst case, and evacuate... including Sukhumvuit and Silom. You will realize that, once the water hits, your options are considerably reduced.

My post is to warn people not to fall into false comforts (and to later throw in some political commentary)... it is safer to avoid denial and give some thought about what life would be like with water levels up to your chest or neck (and that is for tall people). My thoughts go out to all of you in BKK... I hope that the water does not reach central areas but the reality is that you have an ocean of water above you and, any breach in flood defenses, physics takes over and water level inside the city will find equilibrium with levels outside of the barriers.

It is truly a scary thought, that it could happen in BKK; please do not be unprepared. In my opinion, any actions over the past couple of days, and in the coming days, are individual decisions... shame on anyone that wants to use this potential disaster for caterwauling, mudslinging, and general uneducated tripe we endure so much on this forum.

It is time to stop the armchair quarterbacking and take care of yourselves and your neighbors. If you are not in the flood effected areas, even some positive karma in this time of need is going to take this country a lot further than the moanings of a bunch of expat curmudgeons.

Perhaps if more than a small fraction of farangs on this forum understood the Thai language and ways, you would know that the work that is being accomplished and the level of support and cooperation of Thai people is humbling, regardless of shirt color. I am not a PTP supporter by any stretch but I think Yingluk is doing an outstanding job and I am certain beyond doubt that every decision she is making is with the intention to be in the best interest of the Thai people. That is all anyone can hope for or ask for, so lay off people.

Thai culture is 'amazing' and most of those of us that live here have realized this at some point in time... it is a shame that many of us have let this slide so easily as we return to our western ways and pick at every bloody detail like we are king shit of the universe (generally speaking, of course).

My belief is that Thailand will survive this catastrophe better than any other country I can imagine. It is the reason I love this country and it's people and I understand that I am an outsider being welcomed into a world different than any I knew before.

Well said! I thought we might perhaps ship 30 cm here, we now have 1.7 meters (Pathum Thani, not too far from National Monument). I am one inch from the water coming in our first floor, which obviously is not flush with the ground. Ditto for your remarks on the Thais. What I have seen with my own eyes is a people getting along and helping each other cope with the flood. I have seen none of the acrimony and sheet hatred that is too frequently found here on TVF.

[anterian]

Just a local update [ I am just a bit West of Bang Bua Thong ]. The water rose another cm overnight, it is now at 70 cm deep. Yesterday there was a noticeable flow towards Bangkok, today the water seems stationary. Trees are dying and falling over everywhere, could become yet another hazard.

[qualtrough]

Wow two streets in the whole of Bangkok, what a joke, yes lets all run.........

It is this type of attitude that excuses the government of the responsibility of informing the Bangkok masses in a 'timely' manner. The fact is that if Bangkok were told to evacuate one week ago, people would have stayed. They would have looked around at all the dry ground and thought 'where is the evidence'. Bangkok barriers begin to fail, the northern section of the city is inundated and still people will look around their little world and say, 'where is the evidence'.

This is not a flaw and I am not picking on the poster; it is human nature. In psychology, denial is a subconscious defense mechanism characterized by refusal to acknowledge painful realities, thoughts, or feelings. We were all blessed with this defense mechanism.

I myself was the same way in Chiang Mai at the end of September... we were being told that water was incoming and I looked for all of the reasons that this would not effect 'me'. I was as much a putz as the poster with this comment and shame on both of us.

My house and my business ended up being flooded by just over 1.5 meter flood levels. I was stranded on the second floor of my office building for 4 days, with food, water, electricity, Internet and it was still hell. I cannot comprehend in my worst imaginings what going through 3 or 4 weeks would be like. My advice is to pay heed to the government warnings, think worst case, and evacuate... including Sukhumvuit and Silom. You will realize that, once the water hits, your options are considerably reduced.

My post is to warn people not to fall into false comforts (and to later throw in some political commentary)... it is safer to avoid denial and give some thought about what life would be like with water levels up to your chest or neck (and that is for tall people). My thoughts go out to all of you in BKK... I hope that the water does not reach central areas but the reality is that you have an ocean of water above you and, any breach in flood defenses, physics takes over and water level inside the city will find equilibrium with levels outside of the barriers.

It is truly a scary thought, that it could happen in BKK; please do not be unprepared. In my opinion, any actions over the past couple of days, and in the coming days, are individual decisions... shame on anyone that wants to use this potential disaster for caterwauling, mudslinging, and general uneducated tripe we endure so much on this forum.

It is time to stop the armchair quarterbacking and take care of yourselves and your neighbors. If you are not in the flood effected areas, even some positive karma in this time of need is going to take this country a lot further than the moanings of a bunch of expat curmudgeons.

Perhaps if more than a small fraction of farangs on this forum understood the Thai language and ways, you would know that the work that is being accomplished and the level of support and cooperation of Thai people is humbling, regardless of shirt color. I am not a PTP supporter by any stretch but I think Yingluk is doing an outstanding job and I am certain beyond doubt that every decision she is making is with the intention to be in the best interest of the Thai people. That is all anyone can hope for or ask for, so lay off people.

Thai culture is 'amazing' and most of those of us that live here have realized this at some point in time... it is a shame that many of us have let this slide so easily as we return to our western ways and pick at every bloody detail like we are king shit of the universe (generally speaking, of course).

My belief is that Thailand will survive this catastrophe better than any other country I can imagine. It is the reason I love this country and it's people and I understand that I am an outsider being welcomed into a world different than any I knew before.

Don't count on Thailand surviving this better than most countries. And it did not handle this well at all in fact. In a civilized country you don't have the prime minister ordering the agencies in charge of flood management to listen to pseudo-experts that were brought in to pay back political favors yet have no expertise in flood management. You don't have different arms of the government giving different accounts of what's going on and giving conflicting orders on diverting flood waters or building levees. And no civilized country would refuse help from the US navy in a time of need just to save face. There is much that could have been done to lessen the impact of the floods and you will see how the amazing Thais act in desperate circumstances as they already have by gouging people like they do.

If you have such a low opinion of Thais why would you patronize a Web board focused on Thailand?? Thailand obviously wasn't for you (failed relationship, failed business??) so why not move on?

[qualtrough]

Wow two streets in the whole of Bangkok, what a joke, yes lets all run.........

It is this type of attitude that excuses the government of the responsibility of informing the Bangkok masses in a 'timely' manner. The fact is that if Bangkok were told to evacuate one week ago, people would have stayed. They would have looked around at all the dry ground and thought 'where is the evidence'. Bangkok barriers begin to fail, the northern section of the city is inundated and still people will look around their little world and say, 'where is the evidence'.

This is not a flaw and I am not picking on the poster; it is human nature. In psychology, denial is a subconscious defense mechanism characterized by refusal to acknowledge painful realities, thoughts, or feelings. We were all blessed with this defense mechanism.

I myself was the same way in Chiang Mai at the end of September... we were being told that water was incoming and I looked for all of the reasons that this would not effect 'me'. I was as much a putz as the poster with this comment and shame on both of us.

My house and my business ended up being flooded by just over 1.5 meter flood levels. I was stranded on the second floor of my office building for 4 days, with food, water, electricity, Internet and it was still hell. I cannot comprehend in my worst imaginings what going through 3 or 4 weeks would be like. My advice is to pay heed to the government warnings, think worst case, and evacuate... including Sukhumvuit and Silom. You will realize that, once the water hits, your options are considerably reduced.

My post is to warn people not to fall into false comforts (and to later throw in some political commentary)... it is safer to avoid denial and give some thought about what life would be like with water levels up to your chest or neck (and that is for tall people). My thoughts go out to all of you in BKK... I hope that the water does not reach central areas but the reality is that you have an ocean of water above you and, any breach in flood defenses, physics takes over and water level inside the city will find equilibrium with levels outside of the barriers.

It is truly a scary thought, that it could happen in BKK; please do not be unprepared. In my opinion, any actions over the past couple of days, and in the coming days, are individual decisions... shame on anyone that wants to use this potential disaster for caterwauling, mudslinging, and general uneducated tripe we endure so much on this forum.

It is time to stop the armchair quarterbacking and take care of yourselves and your neighbors. If you are not in the flood effected areas, even some positive karma in this time of need is going to take this country a lot further than the moanings of a bunch of expat curmudgeons.

Perhaps if more than a small fraction of farangs on this forum understood the Thai language and ways, you would know that the work that is being accomplished and the level of support and cooperation of Thai people is humbling, regardless of shirt color. I am not a PTP supporter by any stretch but I think Yingluk is doing an outstanding job and I am certain beyond doubt that every decision she is making is with the intention to be in the best interest of the Thai people. That is all anyone can hope for or ask for, so lay off people.

Thai culture is 'amazing' and most of those of us that live here have realized this at some point in time... it is a shame that many of us have let this slide so easily as we return to our western ways and pick at every bloody detail like we are king shit of the universe (generally speaking, of course).

My belief is that Thailand will survive this catastrophe better than any other country I can imagine. It is the reason I love this country and it's people and I understand that I am an outsider being welcomed into a world different than any I knew before.

Couldn't agree with you more, as a foreigner living here in Bangkok, I would say that PM Yingluck did a pretty good job, making tough decisions that would affect her standing among the Bangkokians and Elites by letting more flood water flow through Bangkok and it's border.

I would not consider her tears to be that of weakness, but rather tears of compassion for the making decision that will cause the suffering of some people in the hope of saving more people. Most Thai Politicians will rather keep Bangkokians and the Elites happy and let the majority suffers.

Because of the tough decisions she made, people in Ayutthaya, Lopburi and Nakhon Sawan finally have hope of seeing dry land after their homes were submerged in flood water for months.

" I would say that PM Yingluck did a pretty good job, making tough decisions that would affect her standing among the Bangkokians and Elites by letting more flood water flow through Bangkok and it's border. "

I second that! And for all those on Thai Visa that repeatedly criticise the way the authorities are handling this disaster, considering the overwhelming size of what is happening I remember about how those clowns handled the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico last year

Thirded! Nobody would say that the government has made no mistakes, but considering the magnitude of this crisis, years in the making, and the fact that the government has been in power a little over two months I think they have done a creditable job. We had food deliveries to our flooded house on the first day, boats and trucks were arranged to help, and all the Thais here have pitched in to help each other. BTW. you forgot Katrina.

[DoctorG]

I wish people on here would just stick to the situational reports, which I find to be very useful. Let's leave the "blame game" to another time, and then let the Thais sort it out. It has nothing to do with we falangs. Most of us are merely guests in their country, and should behave as such. I don't give a ratz arz about Thai politics, and neither should you.

[Markaew]

Wow two streets in the whole of Bangkok, what a joke, yes lets all run.........

It is this type of attitude that excuses the government of the responsibility of informing the Bangkok masses in a 'timely' manner. The fact is that if Bangkok were told to evacuate one week ago, people would have stayed. They would have looked around at all the dry ground and thought 'where is the evidence'. Bangkok barriers begin to fail, the northern section of the city is inundated and still people will look around their little world and say, 'where is the evidence'.

This is not a flaw and I am not picking on the poster; it is human nature. In psychology, denial is a subconscious defense mechanism characterized by refusal to acknowledge painful realities, thoughts, or feelings. We were all blessed with this defense mechanism.

I myself was the same way in Chiang Mai at the end of September... we were being told that water was incoming and I looked for all of the reasons that this would not effect 'me'. I was as much a putz as the poster with this comment and shame on both of us.

My house and my business ended up being flooded by just over 1.5 meter flood levels. I was stranded on the second floor of my office building for 4 days, with food, water, electricity, Internet and it was still hell. I cannot comprehend in my worst imaginings what going through 3 or 4 weeks would be like. My advice is to pay heed to the government warnings, think worst case, and evacuate... including Sukhumvuit and Silom. You will realize that, once the water hits, your options are considerably reduced.

My post is to warn people not to fall into false comforts (and to later throw in some political commentary)... it is safer to avoid denial and give some thought about what life would be like with water levels up to your chest or neck (and that is for tall people). My thoughts go out to all of you in BKK... I hope that the water does not reach central areas but the reality is that you have an ocean of water above you and, any breach in flood defenses, physics takes over and water level inside the city will find equilibrium with levels outside of the barriers.

It is truly a scary thought, that it could happen in BKK; please do not be unprepared. In my opinion, any actions over the past couple of days, and in the coming days, are individual decisions... shame on anyone that wants to use this potential disaster for caterwauling, mudslinging, and general uneducated tripe we endure so much on this forum.

It is time to stop the armchair quarterbacking and take care of yourselves and your neighbors. If you are not in the flood effected areas, even some positive karma in this time of need is going to take this country a lot further than the moanings of a bunch of expat curmudgeons.

Perhaps if more than a small fraction of farangs on this forum understood the Thai language and ways, you would know that the work that is being accomplished and the level of support and cooperation of Thai people is humbling, regardless of shirt color. I am not a PTP supporter by any stretch but I think Yingluk is doing an outstanding job and I am certain beyond doubt that every decision she is making is with the intention to be in the best interest of the Thai people. That is all anyone can hope for or ask for, so lay off people.

Thai culture is 'amazing' and most of those of us that live here have realized this at some point in time... it is a shame that many of us have let this slide so easily as we return to our western ways and pick at every bloody detail like we are king shit of the universe (generally speaking, of course).

My belief is that Thailand will survive this catastrophe better than any other country I can imagine. It is the reason I love this country and it's people and I understand that I am an outsider being welcomed into a world different than any I knew before.

A little too much sugar for the Thai culture in this post to suit me. Granted, this is a serious topic, but let's not get soupy here.