Thailand Live Wednesday 2 Nov 2011

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Thailand Live Wednesday 2 November 2011

News, Bits and Tweets

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Keep up to date with live updates from the news, hour by hour.

For breaking news,national, regional and international news updates on a daily basis only, this thread is closed to commentary so that those who wish to follow the news can find it here...

Commentary is still open for Thailand news in the relevant thread posted in News Clippings.

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Related topic: Thailand Live Tuesday 1 Nov 2011

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Today's Thailand weather and forecasts:

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Suvarnabhumi Airport 'will be safe'

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'Big Bag' holds key to ending Bangkok's flood crisis

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More roads in capital swamped

The Nation

Floods are worsening in the capital with more areas submerged and more roads becoming impassable to traffic.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) yesterday ordered the evacuation of Bang Phai sub-district as rapidly rising floodwaters threatened it. Bang Phai is located in Bangkok's Bang Khae district.

BMA listed the Bang Chan sub-district of Bangkok's Klong Sam Wa district as an area to be watched.

Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said yesterday he was worried about the capital's western zone. "The water-drainage system there is not as good as the eastern zone," he admitted.

Flood-hit Bang Khae and Thawee Watthana are among districts in the western zone. Locals there are already struggling hard with floods.

"The floodwater level is now over one-metre deep," said Samart Khemthong, one of the flood victims there.

His village, Sakunthip, is located close by the Thawee Watthana Canal.

He said about 30 out of 350 families were camping out in their heavily flooded village to guard against thieves. "Now, we really need a boat," Samart said.

Sanya Sheenimit, who heads the BMA Department of Drainage and Sewerage, said BMA officials were now working in boats in the flooded western zone. "We have installed more pumps and reinforced flood barriers," he said.

He added that flooding on Bangkok's western side was aggravated partly because the Flood Relief Operation Centre (FROC) would not close the water gates of canals north of the capital in the face of stiff protests from locals.

Sukhumbhand said flooding would become a graver threat in Bangkok's eastern zone now that the government had ordered the watergate of Klong Sam Wa Canal be lifted up by 1 metre.

"More areas in the eastern zone including the Bang Chan Industrial Estate are now at risk of being flooded," he said.

In northern Bangkok, floodwater has already reached the Ratchayothin itersection. Floodwater level on the Chaeng Wattana, Ram-Indra and Phaholyothin roads is also rising. Many motorcycles and small cars have stopped dead amid high floodwater on the roads.

On Chaeng Wattana Road, government officials waded through floodwater to get into the Government Agency Complex in shorts. Upon arrival, they then changed their clothes and donned uniforms.

All food shops at the complex closed yesterday, as vendors clearly were worried about floods.

According to the Traffic Police Division, 24 roads in the capital have been closed to traffic due to severe inundation. They include portions of Phaholyothin Road, Kamphaeng Phet 6 Road, Songprapha Road and a portion of Chaeng Wattana Road.

As floods affect more roads, many are likely to become impassable soon, officials say.

-- The Nation 2011-11-02

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Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) calls for live reports on flood: Thailand

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Nakhon Pathom factories threatened as residents destroy floodwalls

Arithat Phon-asawayothin

The Nation

Nakhon Pathom

A large volume of water from the Tha Chin River inundated Nakhon Chaisi and Sam Phran in Nakhon Pathom province yesterday after residents of both districts destroyed floodwalls.

At 10.30am yesterday, around 100 residents of Nakhon Chaisri's Moo 3 destroyed an earthen embankment built to protect the neighbouring Tambon Khun Kaew where a Dutch Mill factory, a cooking oil factory and a bank are located. The protesters claimed the embankment caused 1.5m-deep floods at Phermwittaya School, where Moo 3 evacuees have been staying. The protesters managed to destroy the embankment and drove workers and backhoe excavators out of the area. The evacuees at the school complained of shortages of drinking water and food, and said their tambon administrative organisation was unable to help as it had completed its term, with fresh elections scheduled for Sunday.

In Sam Phran district, floodwalls built to protect some 2,000 food-processing factories in the economic area comprising Tambon Om Yai, Om Noi, Rai Khing and Krathum Lom were at the centre of clashes between guards and some 200 residents of Don Wai Floating Market and Tambon Bang Rateuk. The protesters breached the embankment, which they claimed had caused 1.5-metre-deep floodwaters at the floating market and Tambon Bang Rateuk. The economic area is forecast to be submerged in two to three days.

Meanwhile, the flood situation in Nakhon Pathom's Buddhamondhol sub-district became critical yesterday, with many communities under one metre of water and many roads now impassable. Buddhamondhol district chief Parinya Phothisat said officials had evacuated 80 per cent of flood-affected residents to shelters while 20 per cent remained in their flooded communities.

With floodwaters continuing to flow from the district along Phetchkasem Road and Buddhamondhol 5 Road behind Don Wai Floating Market, Nakhon Pathom Disaster Prevention and Mitigation official Pongsathorn Sirisakhon yesterday urged residents at risk to move their belongings to higher ground immediately. Already experiencing 1-metre-deep floodwaters, Buddhamondhon locals were told to brace for another large volume of run-off from Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani.

Nakhon Pathom, where 43,935 rai of land is submerged, is having to cope with 51.15 million cubic metres of water pouring in per day, with drainage being made difficult by high tides in the Gulf of Thailand.

-- The Nation 2011-11-02

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Disaster victims to get dharma counselling

THE NATION

Monks will start visiting flood victims at evacuation centres from tomorrow under a new initiative aimed at alleviating stress and depression.

The project will seek to ease the emotional burden of the disaster through the use of dharma teaching and advice.

"We have found that flood victims at evacuation centres are experiencing high levels of stress," said Phra Panya Wachiraporn, assistant abbot of Wat Sa Ket, yesterday.

On behalf of the Supreme Sangha Council, the temple is co-operating with the National Office of Buddhism to implement the initiative.

Dubbed Dharma for the Mental Rehabilitation of Flood Victims, the project will dispatch 200 volunteer monks with training in Buddhist psychology and counselling to evacuation centres.

"If flood victims can embrace certain principles, they will find the strength to get through the ongoing crisis," Phra Panya said.

National Office of Buddhism director Nopparat Benjawattananon said the project had received part of its funding, about Bt5 million, from the government.

PM's Office Minister Surawit Khonsomboon said the project would run until November 24.

-- The Nation 2011-11-02

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EM (effective micro-organism) mudballs to help disinfect contaminated flood waters

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‘Bar Girls’ Nabbed For Spiking Drinks, Robbing Phuket Tourists

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Aussie Couple In Phuket Arrested Over Fake Robbery Claim

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In politics and crisis, image still counts for much: Thai opinion

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STOPPAGE TIME

Keeping nerves and conscience: My flood diary 2

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Whole Bangkok at risk of flooding after opening of key sluice gate

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Provincial waterworks committee appointed

The Nation

The Interior Ministry's proposal to appoint a six-member committee for provincial waterworks was approved yesterday by the Cabinet.

The committee members are Sirindhorn International Environmental Park's Energy for Environment Centre director Seri Suparatit, Interior Ministry deputy permanent secretary Surapol Pongtadsirikul (committee chairman), Inspector-General for the Attorney Commission Trakul Winijnaipak; Sa Kaew Governor Sanit Naksuksri; Budget Bureau director Worawit Jampeerat and Provincial Administration Department chief Sukij Charoenrattanakul. The order was effective immediately.

-- The Nation 2011-11-02

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Electrocutions claim 50 flood victims: DCD

The Nation

The Disease Control Department chief believes about 50 people may have now died from electrocution while wading in floodwaters to move belongings and has warned people to take care.

Meanwhile, 400 elderly people from Bangkok's Bang Khae Home for the Aged were evacuated to Ratchaburi yesterday in the face of approaching floodwaters.

Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) director Opas Phetmunee said the home had contacted his agency for transportation to the Saiyairak Haeng Krobkrua Project's Learning Centre in Ratchaburi, and three buses - two of them air-conditioned - were sent to evacuate the elderly.

The evacuation would take 2-3 days, as the elderly needed special care, he said. Meanwhile the Soi Mooban Setthakij in Tambon Bang Khae Neu has flooded, prompting locals to evacuate yesterday.

The Disease Control Department chief Dr Pornthep Siriwanarangsan expressed concern over the growing number of deaths by electrocution. He said that although the official figure of fatal electrocutions in floodwaters stood at 17, his visits to shelters and talks with affected people gave him another figure - about 50 cases.

-- The Nation 2011-11-02

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BURNING ISSUE

Where is our uniquely caring Thai society?

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Donations pour in at flood relief headquarters

The Nation

Over Bt270 million has been donated to the Flood Relief Operations Centre's (FROC) relief fund, PM's Office Inspector Chamroen Yutitham-sakul said yesterday.

Chamroen, in charge of the fund, said that 11 major donors had submitted cheques and cash at the FROC office last Sunday, when donations totalled Bt456,152. The total amount donated so far to the FROC since its launch on October 8 was Bt270.981 million, he added.

Also on Sunday, 44 donors gave 9,711 items for flood relief to the FROC. The centre had distributed the items via 21 trucks to flood victims in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya and Sing Buri, said Chamroen.

-- The Nation 2011-11-02

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GAT and PAT exams postponed to December

The Nation

The first rounds of the General Aptitude Test (GAT) and Professional Aptitude Test (PAT) have been postponed to December 24-27, Education Minister Woravat Auapinyakul announced.

The National Institute of Educational Testing Service will announce the tests' results on January 31.

The tests were originally scheduled for November 19-20 and November 26-27.

Woravat said the deluge had affected 2,356 schools in 13 provinces, causing Bt1.4 billion in damage. Schools will now reopen on November 15 for the delayed start to the second semester.

The ministry would initially allocate Bt700 million to assist flood-affected teachers and students, Woravat added.

-- The Nation 2011-11-02

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International Education Expo rescheduled

The Nation

The Thailand International Education Expo (TIEE) 2011 has been postponed from this weekend to next year in deference to potential participants affected by the floods.

With transportation disrupted and no clear indication of when the crisis will end, the Department of Export Promotion has decided to reschedule the TIEE to March 30-April 1 next year at Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon Shopping Complex in Bangkok.

For more information, call (02) 5078 387 or (02) 639 058 extension 1-4, or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected].

-- The Nation 2011-11-02

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Ikea Thailand to open on time

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Tide Prediction Bangkok, Nov 2

Source: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EASYTIDE/EasyTide/ShowPrediction.aspx?PortID=6883&PredictionLength=7

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Thailand's heart attack

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8am: MRT (subway) still operate at all stations as normal. #ThaiFloodEng RT @MRT_BMCL @tukky_nt

RT @RichardBarrow: Safari World closed today due to flooding last night. All animals are safe on high ground /via @LitSfree #ThaiFloodEng

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Check yr policies for #ThaiFloodENG damage coverage, lost/misplaced call 0-2256-6032-6.They'll be able to look up/contact insurers for you. /TANN

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RT @tukky_nt: 8.22am: Traffic on Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd (outbound) was closed from Wat Samien Naree #INN TR @thaiflood #thaifloodEng

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High tide expected at 1.22PM (2.40M) and 9.15 PM (2.28M) today. #Thaifloodeng /TANN

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Bkk gov said he's talked with the premier,assured no conflict b/n FROC & BMA,urged both agencies not to give conflicting info. /TANN

RT @Tulip_Oum: Vipawadee hospital is closed for out patient, water level at the front is higher than 60cm.~@news1005fm

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Traffic police warns small vehicles not to use Petch Kasem Rd - The Mall Bangkae (inbound) due to rising water level. #ThaiFloodENG /TANN

RT @tukky_nt: PTT cuts gasoline, gasohol prices by 50 satang/litre, E85 by 30 satang/litre; effective Thursday: MCOT

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RT @wayne_hay: Lots of police at Klong Sam Wa. Waiting for the Bangkok Governor to arrive #ThaiFloodEng

RT @RichardBarrow: Wednesday 9am: 30-40cms flood water in front of The Mall Bangkae http://yfrog.com/h015iiuwj /via @TAN_Network