US Helicopters To Survey Thai Flooding: Pentagon

[webfact]

US helicopters to survey Thai flooding: Pentagon

WASHINGTON, October 29, 2011 (AFP) - Thailand has asked a US destroyer to extend its stay at a main port to allow American helicopters to survey deadly flood waters that have triggered an exodus from Bangkok, the Pentagon said Friday.

Two SH-60 Seahawk choppers aboard the USS Mustin will conduct "aerial reconnaissance for the Thai government," Captain John Kirby told reporters.

The ship docked at Laem Chabang a few days ago for a week-long stint but "the destroyer Mustin will be staying in Thailand a little bit longer now," he said. "The Thai government has asked to have it stick around to help out."

The guided-missile warship will prolong its stay at the port by about five or six days, he added.

As Thailand has faced its worst flooding in decades, the question of US military assistance has been a sensitive issue amid questions about how the Thai government has handled the crisis.

The US Navy initially sent an aircraft carrier and other ships to the area for possible assistance with relief efforts but the Bangkok government never issued a formal request for help and the vessels departed.

The Thai military also had said earlier it did not require assistance from US forces to contend with the flooding, which has gone on for three months and has left over 377 people dead, mostly in northern and central Thailand.

After US defense officials said Washington had received "mixed messages" from Bangkok, the Pentagon issued a statement praising Thailand's response to the flooding.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-10-29

[BuckarooBanzai]

Good News! The severity of the situation is apparently becoming more clear to some. I would guess this is just the start of international support. :clap2:

[Buchholz]

Thai U-turn

John Kirby, the captain of the USS Mustin, said Thailand had asked the warship to prolong its stay at the port for up to six days.

"The Thai government has asked to have it stick around to help out," he told reporters on Friday.

The destroyer docked at Laem Chabang a few days ago for what expected to be a week-long sting.

The Thai government had initially said it did not require assistance from the US navy with flood relief efforts.

-- BBC 2011-10-29

[lujanit]

Maybe the Thai Government might maybe just ask the carrier group to return. All depends on the mixed message bamboo telegraph I guess.

[geriatrickid]

Good News! The severity of the situation is apparently becoming more clear to some. I would guess this is just the start of international support. :clap2:

Huh? WHO has been active since the start of the major flooding. . EU personnel were here as far back as September.

Please do not make the assumption there is no international support because you have not read about it in the Nation. The expedited deliveries and prioritization of medications came about under longstanding agreements in place to assist countries in time of need. There is a lot of activity going on. Warships and helicopters make for nice newsbits, but the engineers, and public health personnel working discreetly and keeping low profiles have been working hard.

[hellodolly]

Good News! The severity of the situation is apparently becoming more clear to some. I would guess this is just the start of international support. :clap2:

Huh? WHO has been active since the start of the major flooding. . EU personnel were here as far back as September.

Please do not make the assumption there is no international support because you have not read about it in the Nation. The expedited deliveries and prioritization of medications came about under longstanding agreements in place to assist countries in time of need. There is a lot of activity going on. Warships and helicopters make for nice newsbits, but the engineers, and public health personnel working discreetly and keeping low profiles have been working hard.

As usual you have missed the point of things.

It was not a denial of the help that is here all ready it was a admittance that they needed more help. As you say the help they all ready had was the result of long standing agreements not a result of admittance to the fact they were inept and unable to handle things.

As usual facts are not a strong point for red shirts. Miss direction is there strong point. That way people don't look at them and there ineptness. What does Mr T pay for that service?

[BuckarooBanzai]

Good News! The severity of the situation is apparently becoming more clear to some. I would guess this is just the start of international support. :clap2:

Huh? WHO has been active since the start of the major flooding. . EU personnel were here as far back as September.

Please do not make the assumption there is no international support because you have not read about it in the Nation. The expedited deliveries and prioritization of medications came about under longstanding agreements in place to assist countries in time of need. There is a lot of activity going on. Warships and helicopters make for nice newsbits, but the engineers, and public health personnel working discreetly and keeping low profiles have been working hard.

The keywords in your post are "discreetly and keeping low profiles". The US has been doing this behind the scenes support as well.

If you thought about it a little bit harder you would realize that this is the first time the Thai Gov. has publicly requested and recognized international help. Note I said international help and not US help in my post.

This is all about the Thai Gov. publicly opening up to outside help and a realization from their standpoint that outside help is nothing to be ashamed of.

This is a major milestone. Sorry if you are confused about the situation but this is a very positive sign.

[Redlines]

My favorite part:

"the Pentagon issued a statement praising Thailand's response to the flooding." ROFL!

Edited October 29, 2011 by Redlines

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

The OP report here is good news, but within limits...

Unfortunately, as the report indicates, the two helicopters from the USS Mustin are pretty much being used for aerial survey and damage assessment work (which apparently also includes giving ride-alongs to various VIPs and journalists).

What they're not being used for, as far as I can tell -- and where the departed aircraft carrier task force could have made a big difference -- is in ferrying large volumes of relief supplies to heavily flooded areas where ordinary Thai citizens are much in need.

Sadly, the latter has been a lost opportunity as a result of inaction by the Thai government.

[EarthAlien]

Good News! The severity of the situation is apparently becoming more clear to some. I would guess this is just the start of international support. :clap2:

Huh? WHO has been active since the start of the major flooding. . EU personnel were here as far back as September.

Please do not make the assumption there is no international support because you have not read about it in the Nation. The expedited deliveries and prioritization of medications came about under longstanding agreements in place to assist countries in time of need. There is a lot of activity going on. Warships and helicopters make for nice newsbits, but the engineers, and public health personnel working discreetly and keeping low profiles have been working hard.

As usual you have missed the point of things.

It was not a denial of the help that is here all ready it was a admittance that they needed more help. As you say the help they all ready had was the result of long standing agreements not a result of admittance to the fact they were inept and unable to handle things.

As usual facts are not a strong point for red shirts. Miss direction is there strong point. That way people don't look at them and there ineptness. What does Mr T pay for that service?

An excellent rebuttal from Hellodolly,... seconded wholeheartedly by me!

That said,.. it is at least encouraging to see signs of willingness to accept assistance as circumstances become even more dire albeit such acceptance is more than a little late.

One would hope that an absolute catastrophe with far reaching commercial effects can be averted or at least minimized through whatever means and resources are available.

[EarthAlien]

My favorite part:

"the Pentagon issued a statement praising Thailand's response to the flooding." ROFL!

Yeah I noticed that too,... a bit of international sycophanticism in play I think!

[swillowbee]

... it must have almost killed the Thai government to ask for the US Navy's help, especially after turning their backs on the remarkable resources of an entire <deleted>' carrier group! ... face is, after all, more important to Thais than the lives of their own people ... that means the lives of Thai children and elderly, who perish in disproportinately high numbers during natural disasters.

... fortunately, other international agencies have figured-out how to trick the Thais into allowing them to save Thais from the freakishly incompetent, inbred elite families ruling this country ... a pre-negotiated assistance agreement, so that it is unnecesary for the Thais to lower themselves to the level of a farang by openly asking for help.

... pretty clever, the EU, UN, CDC and such ... not unlike dealing with children.

... when the flood waters subside, and the clean-up over, anything anyone ever needs to know about Thailand and the Thai people will have been featured in a thousand small vignettes played throughout Thailand during the 2011 Flood Crisis ... look for it on bookshelves near you.

... ah ... ummm ... but, of course ... we all know that book will never be written ... a threat to national security, or some such absurdity to which only a pacified buffalo will submit.

... the summation: elite Thai face is more valuable than the unimportant lives of the unwashed Thai children and elderly who suffer for it ... yes, what an amazing culture Thailand has created for itself!

Edited October 29, 2011 by swillowbee

[swillowbee]

My favorite part:

"the Pentagon issued a statement praising Thailand's response to the flooding." ROFL!

Yeah I noticed that too,... a bit of international sycophanticism in play I think!

... and no, EarthAlien, there is no sycophanaticism going on here ... who in their right minds would be so inane as to praise Thailand's response to the flooding? ... to actually say that to the face of a mature, thinking adult? ... it would be seen for what it is ... absolute crap!

... the Pentagon are not idiots ... they are very precisely placating their audience.

... said to the Thai inbreds running this place, it is accepted earnestly as validation that they are indeed the gifted Thais, deserving to rule over the desperate Siam ... c'mon, this is the sort of platitude offered to, and accepted by, a child ... what does that say about the cultural values of this nation?

[7by7]

An off topic post has been removed.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

... the summation: elite Thai face is more valuable than the unimportant lives of the unwashed Thai children and elderly who suffer for it

Unfortunately, too many of the ordinary Thai people are getting washed out by this debacle, as their government fiddles and makes meaningless and unsupported pronouncements.

We'll save the industrial estates... NOT

DM won't flood and FROC wont move... NOT

And my latest favorite today from the news:

PM assures no shortage of tap water vs. MWA cuts tap water production from 900,000 to 400,000 cubic meters per day.

[MaxYakov]

Good News! The severity of the situation is apparently becoming more clear to some. I would guess this is just the start of international support. :clap2:

Huh? WHO has been active since the start of the major flooding. . EU personnel were here as far back as September.

Please do not make the assumption there is no international support because you have not read about it in the Nation. The expedited deliveries and prioritization of medications came about under longstanding agreements in place to assist countries in time of need. There is a lot of activity going on. Warships and helicopters make for nice newsbits, but the engineers, and public health personnel working discreetly and keeping low profiles have been working hard.

The keywords in your post are "discreetly and keeping low profiles". The US has been doing this behind the scenes support as well.

If you thought about it a little bit harder you would realize that this is the first time the Thai Gov. has publicly requested and recognized international help. Note I said international help and not US help in my post.

This is all about the Thai Gov. publicly opening up to outside help and a realization from their standpoint that outside help is nothing to be ashamed of.

This is a major milestone. Sorry if you are confused about the situation but this is a very positive sign.

Who's confused here?

The below were not 'discreetly and keeping low profiles' except for, perhaps, the IOM/USAID.

They are examples of International aid to Thailand and readily available on the internet for anyone willing to do the research.

You were trying to make a case that Thailand has finally relented to losing face by now accepting aid by having the USS Mustin extend its stay.

Apparently, from a standpoint of International Aid, that horse left the barn some time ago.

The USS Mustin arrived and is going to stay an extra week.

Just having the USS Mustin in port and providing assistance should have been a loss of face, don't you think?

You can quibble about this all you want, but how do you know what exactly Thailand asked for from anyone?

Chinese Government Gives Amphibious Boats to Thailand - 10/22/2011

Interior Minister Mr. Yongyuth Wichaidit said the Chinese government has provided Thailand with amphibious boats, water pumping machines and solar-energy flashlights while assuring that the donated items will be urgently sent flooded zones

Australian World Vision Aid to South Thailand 3/11/2011

IOM/USAID $500,000 to Thailand 10/21/2011

As floodwaters continue advance on the heart of the Thai capital, IOM will today (21/10/11) deliver a first consignment of essential relief items funded by a US$500,000 donation from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

Malaysia Pledges $1 Million to Thailand 10/24/2011

Emergency Supplies from Japan to Thailand 10/13/2011

Flood-Stricken Thailand, Cambodia to Receive Emergency Supplies from Japan Oct 13 2011

Yanni Looks to Aid Thailand 10/26/2011

Greek musician Yanni took time out of his current world tour to offer support for those impacted by the flood ravaged areas of Thailand. The internationally-renowned musician, who performed at the Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani on Wednesday night...

[MaxYakov]

As usual you have missed the point of things.

It was not a denial of the help that is here all ready it was a admittance that they needed more help. As you say the help they all ready had was the result of long standing agreements not a result of admittance to the fact they were inept and unable to handle things.

As usual facts are not a strong point for red shirts. Miss direction is there strong point. That way people don't look at them and there ineptness. What does Mr T pay for that service?

An excellent rebuttal from Hellodolly,... seconded wholeheartedly by me!

That said,.. it is at least encouraging to see signs of willingness to accept assistance as circumstances become even more dire albeit such acceptance is more than a little late.

One would hope that an absolute catastrophe with far reaching commercial effects can be averted or at least minimized through whatever means and resources are available.

Apparently, Thailand accepted aid for South Thailand back in March. Since then, they've received 'international' aid from Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia and an offer of aid from Yanni, no less.

Also, this is just a cursory search of the internet and supports geriatrickid's position.

I didn't see (or look for) any EU participation, but it's difficult to believe there wasn't some aid from them as well.

Why don't you Google it and get back to us?

Chinese Government Gives Amphibious Boats to Thailand - 10/22/2011

Interior Minister Mr. Yongyuth Wichaidit said the Chinese government has provided Thailand with amphibious boats, water pumping machines and solar-energy flashlights while assuring that the donated items will be urgently sent flooded zones

Australian World Vision Aid to South Thailand 3/11/2011

IOM/USAID $500,000 to Thailand 10/21/2011

As floodwaters continue advance on the heart of the Thai capital, IOM will today (21/10/11) deliver a first consignment of essential relief items funded by a US$500,000 donation from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

Malaysia Pledges $1 Million to Thailand 10/24/2011

Emergency Supplis from Japan to Thailand, Cambodia to Thailand, Cambodia 10/13/2011

Flood-Stricken Thailand, Cambodia to Receive Emergency Supplies from Japan Oct 13 2011

Yanni Looks to Aid Thailand 10/26/2011 (You look it up!)

Greek musician Yanni took time out of his current world tour to offer support for those impacted by the flood ravaged areas of Thailand. The internationally-renowned musician, who performed at the Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani on Wednesday night...

[ratcatcher]

As usual you have missed the point of things.

It was not a denial of the help that is here all ready it was a admittance that they needed more help. As you say the help they all ready had was the result of long standing agreements not a result of admittance to the fact they were inept and unable to handle things.

As usual facts are not a strong point for red shirts. Miss direction is there strong point. That way people don't look at them and there ineptness. What does Mr T pay for that service?

An excellent rebuttal from Hellodolly,... seconded wholeheartedly by me!

That said,.. it is at least encouraging to see signs of willingness to accept assistance as circumstances become even more dire albeit such acceptance is more than a little late.

One would hope that an absolute catastrophe with far reaching commercial effects can be averted or at least minimized through whatever means and resources are available.

Apparently, Thailand accepted aid for South Thailand back in March. Since then, they've received 'international' aid from Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia and an offer of aid from Yanni, no less.

Also, this is just a cursory search of the internet and supports geriatrickid's position.

I didn't see (or look for) any EU participation, but it's difficult to believe there wasn't some aid from them as well.

Why don't you Google it and get back to us?

Chinese Government Gives Amphibious Boats to Thailand - 10/22/2011

Interior Minister Mr. Yongyuth Wichaidit said the Chinese government has provided Thailand with amphibious boats, water pumping machines and solar-energy flashlights while assuring that the donated items will be urgently sent flooded zones

Australian World Vision Aid to South Thailand 3/11/2011

IOM/USAID $500,000 to Thailand 10/21/2011

As floodwaters continue advance on the heart of the Thai capital, IOM will today (21/10/11) deliver a first consignment of essential relief items funded by a US$500,000 donation from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

Malaysia Pledges $1 Million to Thailand 10/24/2011

Emergency Supplis from Japan to Thailand, Cambodia to Thailand, Cambodia 10/13/2011

Flood-Stricken Thailand, Cambodia to Receive Emergency Supplies from Japan Oct 13 2011

Yanni Looks to Aid Thailand 10/26/2011 (You look it up!)

Greek musician Yanni took time out of his current world tour to offer support for those impacted by the flood ravaged areas of Thailand. The internationally-renowned musician, who performed at the Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani on Wednesday night...

I am surprised Yanni didn't offer to perform a free concert in Ayuttaya with Handel's "Water Music" as a theme.

Tickets at an affordable 1,000, 2000, 3,000, & 5,000 for water loving hi-sos

[MaxYakov]

Apparently, Thailand accepted aid for South Thailand back in March. Since then, they've received 'international' aid from Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia and an offer of aid from Yanni, no less.

Also, this is just a cursory search of the internet and supports geriatrickid's position.

I didn't see (or look for) any EU participation, but it's difficult to believe there wasn't some aid from them as well.

Why don't you Google it and get back to us?

Chinese Government Gives Amphibious Boats to Thailand - 10/22/2011

Interior Minister Mr. Yongyuth Wichaidit said the Chinese government has provided Thailand with amphibious boats, water pumping machines and solar-energy flashlights while assuring that the donated items will be urgently sent flooded zones

Australian World Vision Aid to South Thailand 3/11/2011

IOM/USAID $500,000 to Thailand 10/21/2011

As floodwaters continue advance on the heart of the Thai capital, IOM will today (21/10/11) deliver a first consignment of essential relief items funded by a US$500,000 donation from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

Malaysia Pledges $1 Million to Thailand 10/24/2011

Emergency Supplis from Japan to Thailand, Cambodia to Thailand, Cambodia 10/13/2011

Flood-Stricken Thailand, Cambodia to Receive Emergency Supplies from Japan Oct 13 2011

Yanni Looks to Aid Thailand 10/26/2011 (You look it up!)

Greek musician Yanni took time out of his current world tour to offer support for those impacted by the flood ravaged areas of Thailand. The internationally-renowned musician, who performed at the Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani on Wednesday night...

I am surprised Yanni didn't offer to perform a free concert in Ayuttaya with Handel's "Water Music" as a theme.

Tickets at an affordable 1,000, 2000, 3,000, & 5,000 for water loving hi-sos

Great idea! I want front row[er?] (pardon the expression) seats. Lo-sos (like me), however, get masks and snorkels (to be returned).

[BuckarooBanzai]

The keywords in your post are "discreetly and keeping low profiles". The US has been doing this behind the scenes support as well.

If you thought about it a little bit harder you would realize that this is the first time the Thai Gov. has publicly requested and recognized international help. Note I said international help and not US help in my post.

This is all about the Thai Gov. publicly opening up to outside help and a realization from their standpoint that outside help is nothing to be ashamed of.

This is a major milestone. Sorry if you are confused about the situation but this is a very positive sign.

Who's confused here?

The below were not 'discreetly and keeping low profiles' except for, perhaps, the IOM/USAID.

They are examples of International aid to Thailand and readily available on the internet for anyone willing to do the research.

You were trying to make a case that Thailand has finally relented to losing face by now accepting aid by having the USS Mustin extend its stay.

Apparently, from a standpoint of International Aid, that horse left the barn some time ago.

The USS Mustin arrived and is going to stay an extra week.

Just having the USS Mustin in port and providing assistance should have been a loss of face, don't you think?

You can quibble about this all you want, but how do you know what exactly Thailand asked for from anyone?

Chinese Government Gives Amphibious Boats to Thailand - 10/22/2011

Interior Minister Mr. Yongyuth Wichaidit said the Chinese government has provided Thailand with amphibious boats, water pumping machines and solar-energy flashlights while assuring that the donated items will be urgently sent flooded zones

Australian World Vision Aid to South Thailand 3/11/2011

IOM/USAID $500,000 to Thailand 10/21/2011

As floodwaters continue advance on the heart of the Thai capital, IOM will today (21/10/11) deliver a first consignment of essential relief items funded by a US$500,000 donation from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

Malaysia Pledges $1 Million to Thailand 10/24/2011

Emergency Supplies from Japan to Thailand 10/13/2011

Flood-Stricken Thailand, Cambodia to Receive Emergency Supplies from Japan Oct 13 2011

Yanni Looks to Aid Thailand 10/26/2011

Greek musician Yanni took time out of his current world tour to offer support for those impacted by the flood ravaged areas of Thailand. The internationally-renowned musician, who performed at the Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani on Wednesday night...

You have proven yourself to be shallow and obviously do not see the difference between knowledge based human help and equipment and supplies.

[MaxYakov]

Who's confused here?

The below were not 'discreetly and keeping low profiles' except for, perhaps, the IOM/USAID.

They are examples of International aid to Thailand and readily available on the internet for anyone willing to do the research.

You were trying to make a case that Thailand has finally relented to losing face by now accepting aid by having the USS Mustin extend its stay.

Apparently, from a standpoint of International Aid, that horse left the barn some time ago.

The USS Mustin arrived and is going to stay an extra week.

Just having the USS Mustin in port and providing assistance should have been a loss of face, don't you think?

You can quibble about this all you want, but how do you know what exactly Thailand asked for from anyone?

Chinese Government Gives Amphibious Boats to Thailand - 10/22/2011

Interior Minister Mr. Yongyuth Wichaidit said the Chinese government has provided Thailand with amphibious boats, water pumping machines and solar-energy flashlights while assuring that the donated items will be urgently sent flooded zones

Australian World Vision Aid to South Thailand 3/11/2011

IOM/USAID $500,000 to Thailand 10/21/2011

As floodwaters continue advance on the heart of the Thai capital, IOM will today (21/10/11) deliver a first consignment of essential relief items funded by a US$500,000 donation from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

Malaysia Pledges $1 Million to Thailand 10/24/2011

Emergency Supplies from Japan to Thailand 10/13/2011

Flood-Stricken Thailand, Cambodia to Receive Emergency Supplies from Japan Oct 13 2011

Yanni Looks to Aid Thailand 10/26/2011

Greek musician Yanni took time out of his current world tour to offer support for those impacted by the flood ravaged areas of Thailand. The internationally-renowned musician, who performed at the Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani on Wednesday night...

You have proven yourself to be shallow and obviously do not see the difference between knowledge based human help and equipment and supplies.

Obviously shallow and cannot even find the difference in your initial post:

Good News! The severity of the situation is apparently becoming more clear to some. I would guess this is just the start of international support. :clap2:

It must be somewhere in there. Hidden behind the animation, perhaps? Also, that would be knowledge-based, if you're using English.

Can you enlighten us as to this knowledge based human help? Are we to infer from your statement that it was being withheld from Thailand and only 'equipment and supplies' were being provided by the international community?

[hellodolly]

As usual you have missed the point of things.

It was not a denial of the help that is here all ready it was a admittance that they needed more help. As you say the help they all ready had was the result of long standing agreements not a result of admittance to the fact they were inept and unable to handle things.

As usual facts are not a strong point for red shirts. Miss direction is there strong point. That way people don't look at them and there ineptness. What does Mr T pay for that service?

An excellent rebuttal from Hellodolly,... seconded wholeheartedly by me!

That said,.. it is at least encouraging to see signs of willingness to accept assistance as circumstances become even more dire albeit such acceptance is more than a little late.

One would hope that an absolute catastrophe with far reaching commercial effects can be averted or at least minimized through whatever means and resources are available.

Apparently, Thailand accepted aid for South Thailand back in March. Since then, they've received 'international' aid from Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia and an offer of aid from Yanni, no less.

Also, this is just a cursory search of the internet and supports geriatrickid's position.

I didn't see (or look for) any EU participation, but it's difficult to believe there wasn't some aid from them as well.

Why don't you Google it and get back to us?

Chinese Government Gives Amphibious Boats to Thailand - 10/22/2011

Interior Minister Mr. Yongyuth Wichaidit said the Chinese government has provided Thailand with amphibious boats, water pumping machines and solar-energy flashlights while assuring that the donated items will be urgently sent flooded zones

Australian World Vision Aid to South Thailand 3/11/2011

IOM/USAID $500,000 to Thailand 10/21/2011

As floodwaters continue advance on the heart of the Thai capital, IOM will today (21/10/11) deliver a first consignment of essential relief items funded by a US$500,000 donation from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

Malaysia Pledges $1 Million to Thailand 10/24/2011

Emergency Supplis from Japan to Thailand, Cambodia to Thailand, Cambodia 10/13/2011

Flood-Stricken Thailand, Cambodia to Receive Emergency Supplies from Japan Oct 13 2011

Yanni Looks to Aid Thailand 10/26/2011 (You look it up!)

Greek musician Yanni took time out of his current world tour to offer support for those impacted by the flood ravaged areas of Thailand. The internationally-renowned musician, who performed at the Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani on Wednesday night...

No need to google it just read the article Thailand asked for the aid. They broke down and got honest admitted they needed help. Why is that so hard for people to understand.

Did Google tell you that Thailand asked for the aid from these other organizations or did they just offer it. The States had offered and given aid put pulled out because Thailand gave them mixed messages and would not ask for help.

Red Shirts love misdirection it must pay well.

[ginjag]

Good News! The severity of the situation is apparently becoming more clear to some. I would guess this is just the start of international support. :clap2:

Huh? WHO has been active since the start of the major flooding. . EU personnel were here as far back as September.

Please do not make the assumption there is no international support because you have not read about it in the Nation. The expedited deliveries and prioritization of medications came about under longstanding agreements in place to assist countries in time of need. There is a lot of activity going on. Warships and helicopters make for nice newsbits, but the engineers, and public health personnel working discreetly and keeping low profiles have been working hard.

Yes and as many persons have commented to have all seen the donated stuff GIVEN FREE to help from various organisations, RE-LABELED from the reds-with a Thaksin photo plastered on the wagons. sick for sure.

Just to add--A vast amount of personal work is carried out by opposition peoples, that also is not being noted --IS IT /////

[lujanit]

Well that explains those eggbeaters flying over Mahasawat twice a day. I thought the Thai government actually gave a crap about our welfare. Wrong again!

[MaxYakov]

No need to google it just read the article Thailand asked for the aid. They broke down and got honest admitted they needed help. Why is that so hard for people to understand.

Did Google tell you that Thailand asked for the aid from these other organizations or did they just offer it. The States had offered and given aid put pulled out because Thailand gave them mixed messages and would not ask for help.

Red Shirts love misdirection it must pay well.

I asked you to Google for EU participation in aid to Thailand (asked for or not).:

< snipped for brevity >

Also, this is just a cursory search of the internet and supports geriatrickid's position.

I didn't see (or look for) any EU participation, but it's difficult to believe there wasn't some aid from them as well.

Why don't you Google it and get back to us?

< snipped long quote containing examples of international aid to Thailand >

It's clear to me that you are thread-thrashing.

To me the only questions now is it:

1) For the money

2) For entertainment

3) For a political agenda

4) Because of a pathology

Which one are you? Maybe an additional category?

[plumeria]

My favorite part:

"the Pentagon issued a statement praising Thailand's response to the flooding." ROFL!

Well, Newbie, welcome to TVF and thank you for pointing out that stupid statement which once agains shows US support for Taksin's puppet.

It shows how much the USA government is "for the people, by the people" in recent years.

It's owned by the corporations and run by the corporations and for the corporations, ESPECIALLY the US military.

It makes me sick how the US government keeps using the blood of it's young to enrich the military industrial complex year after year, decade after decade.

Let's hope Thais do not lose control of their country like the American people have.

The misuse of America's brave and patriotic youth in the military is sad and criminal.

But maybe in this case the US military will let American servicemen and women do something good and worthwhile and positive for a change,.

I HOPE it's not simply to try and save the image of the Taksin sister but I would not be surprised.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Leaving aside the political commentary above on the role of the U.S. military, I think it's pretty safe to say that the U.S. actions and offers thus far in the flood debacle would have been pretty much the same whether the PM was Yingluck or Abhisit...

The U.S. is an ally of Thailand, under the prior government and under the current government, and offers of humanitarian and military type assistance in natural disasters are a standard thing the U.S. does.... for all kinds of different countries as different situations arise.

The recent statement out of the Pentagon praising Thailand's flood response is pure diplomatic BS... But then again, the U.S. military kind of poked Thailand in the eye previously when making the public statement about "mixed messages" leading to the U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier task force being released from potential Thailand duty because the Thai government didn't ask for their involvement.

So speaking as an American, I really don't think the U.S. response would have been any different based on who's running the Thai government. What might have been different though, was the Thai government's own response to the floods, had a semi-competent government been in place instead of the one that's currently flailing about.

[MaxYakov]

This Stars and Stripes article says that, even though the Carrier's services were deferred by Thailand (a request for help was not received), the 10-man Marine survey team apparently was requested by the Thai government on or before Oct 15th.

This predates Thailand's request for helicopter flood survey assistance from the USS Mustin by several days.

The Marines must have been on a knowledge based [sic] human help mission. Either that or they were there to escort and protect the sandbags (empty, supplies and equipment) they carried on the C-130 with them. That would seem like overkill to me.

A 10-man Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team comprised of Marines from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force on Okinawa is still on the ground and the guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin arrived for a port visit in Laem Chabang on Friday to participate in community service events, Marine and Navy officials said.

"The duration and extent of any U.S. support come from the assessment of the HAST, what the Government of Thailand requests through the U.S. Department of State, and what the U.S. military can actually provide based on legal authorities and funding," said 7th Fleet spokesman Lt. Anthony Falvo in an email to Stars and Stripes. "The response efforts of the highly capable and competent Thai government and military have been sufficient in alleviating immediate concern."

The Marines departed on Oct. 15 from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma for the Thai capital, Bangkok, at the request of the U.S. Embassy, said Marines spokesman 1st Lt. Justin Jacobs. The team of Marines brought thousands of sandbags and other supplies, and in addition to surveying the damage, have been helping with relief efforts in a limited capacity. There is no timetable for them to return to Okinawa, he said.

Edited October 29, 2011 by MaxYakov

[Pedzie]

My favorite part:

"the Pentagon issued a statement praising Thailand's response to the flooding." ROFL!

Well, Newbie, welcome to TVF and thank you for pointing out that stupid statement which once agains shows US support for Taksin's puppet.

It shows how much the USA government is "for the people, by the people" in recent years.

It's owned by the corporations and run by the corporations and for the corporations, ESPECIALLY the US military.

It makes me sick how the US government keeps using the blood of it's young to enrich the military industrial complex year after year, decade after decade.

Let's hope Thais do not lose control of their country like the American people have.

The misuse of America's brave and patriotic youth in the military is sad and criminal.

But maybe in this case the US military will let American servicemen and women do something good and worthwhile and positive for a change,.

I HOPE it's not simply to try and save the image of the Taksin sister but I would not be surprised.

Well said :-)

[BuckarooBanzai]

Good News! The severity of the situation is apparently becoming more clear to some. I would guess this is just the start of international support. :clap2:

It must be somewhere in there. Hidden behind the animation, perhaps? Also, that would be knowledge-based, if you're using English.

Can you enlighten us as to this knowledge based human help? Are we to infer from your statement that it was being withheld from Thailand and only 'equipment and supplies' were being provided by the international community?

Had to rest up after the horror of non-hyphenating a set of adjectives.

And yes I know I have committed another travesty:

non-hyphenated

1.Possibly the dumbest word in the English language, since the spelling of the word contradicts the second definition.

KNOWLEDGE BASED ORGANIZATIONS

What is meant by knowledge sharing? What is the difference from communication support?

Communication tends to emphasizes simply making it easier to send information from person to person. The people still need to organize the communication links in ways that fit in with their work practice.

Communication system thus provide access to known sources of knowledge. Thus a person must know both the kind of knowledge needed and where to get it and then choose the communication system to do this.

http://www-staff.it.uts.edu.au/~igorh/cscw/busnets/knoworg.htm

Oops, guess I am not the only one, and this one from a University in Australia.

Just to clarify the difference between knowledge-based (I will do it your way) human help and equipment and supplies.

Mapping the disaster area is a task the US military is well suited to do as this is a necessary military function. During the execution of this task people at risk can be located and emergency aid initiated. The two choppers are a start in this regard.

Logistics also comes to mind. By accurate mapping a logistics plan can be developed which again, is a natural for the US Military. The military lives or dies on it's logistics capabilities.

These functions are not equipment and supplies.

And hopefully, as I said in my initial post, this is the beginning of outsiders providing greatly needed expertise in fields that the Thais could use some help on.

Hope this helps to clear up my inadequate first post.

Live long and prosper and keep the wind at your back.