Thai Govt Dismisses Health Fears: Flood

[DocN]

WOW - all the experts on these forums!

What do you need an expert for? Just a simple case scenario: a child or an older person might get diarrhea. In a normal case (the ever so favorite "food poisoning") you cure it with minerals and lot's of water to drink...oh wait...there is no water to drink! At least not clean water. So go to the hospital...oh wait...the nearest hospital is flooded and to get to the next available one, you have to take the shortcut via Sydney, since all other roads are flooded...well...I guess granny has to die! And that is a "minor" infection, caused by dirty drinking water.

No expert needed to tell you, what happens with dengue fever, malaria etc. All waterborn diseases or related to water. It WILL be ugly!

[Logarhythm]

WOW - all the experts on these forums!

You don't need to be an expert to see the enormous potential for waterborne diseases. Blind Freddy could see that.

Edited November 3, 2011 by Logarhythm

[FOODLOVER]

Disease Control Department (DCD) director general Porntep Siriwanarangsun

Is he a doctor? Anyone know of the credentials? Please tell me his degree is not in forestry like the beloved Science Minister.

[Moruya]

WOW - all the experts on these forums!

I don't think you need to be an expert in today's world to know that a concentartion of people living in floods in a hot humid country is a recipe for potential disaster. All it needs is the nasties to kick it off.

[sausageandmash]

You mean almost 70 years. It's 2011, not 2021.

There is little risk to the public health because the government says so.

Thats that.

What a joke !

Why is this government aways in self-denial mode, insisting that this is OK and under control and that is not a problem (because we don't want it to be). The sooner it reaises the implications of what is going on and "gets it's head out of the sand" the better.

If a problem exists you cannot simply "wish it away" as the "powers of nature" are a darned sight stronger than praying that something will magically disappear!!!

Surely, this government spokesman (probably her cousin or an old school friend of Thaksin) needs to listen to more experienced people that have attended many flood disasters throughout the globe as I think it is pretty obvious that they (health agencies) know more about the associated problems relating to disease management, than this........whatever he is (I couldn't find out anything about him when 'Googling' his name) which rather signals his insignificance in the general scheme of things, don't you think???

They would be better served to face up to reality and listen to others more knowledgable than themselves (approximates to about 7 billion people minus those under the age of 2) and perhaps they can work themselves out of this unco-ordinated mess and make some positive progress!!!:jap:.

For the sake of the Thai people - enlist the help of others kind enough to offer their much needed help and expertise and STOP trying to run the show as Thaksin thinks best - because it isn't best and is only making this tragedy worse than it need be!!!

The only glimmer of hope is that it might, just might mind you, make the people realise the errors of their ways in electing this "pathetic joke of a government" and somehow turf them out at the first opportune moment and do us all a favour in the process as they have badly flunked their probationary period in every conceivable way imaginable!!.

Ahhh. Reality or the lack of it. Thainess. It's not just this government. They are but a fall guy for decades of water and basic mismanagement. Take a look at the video of the 1942 flood. They have had almost 80 years to carve out more canals so as to protect the money center in Bangkok and ignore the plight of the population. It's many governments and power elite still outranking the population and keeping them more or less in a feudal state and cultivating "Thai culture" - Thainess. Seeing things as they want them to be rather than the way that they really are. Total self absorbtion, denial, and ego filled false sense of grandeur and pompous arrogance.

[scotto]

I think its gunna be a case of if you have money you can get some form of preventative injection to stop you getting sick

and if you have no money then its

somnomna!

[cloudhopper]

I think its gunna be a case of if you have money you can get some form of preventative injection to stop you getting sick

and if you have no money then its

somnomna!

Not hardly more like songsaan

[jimbeam1]

He disclosed that one case of cholera was detected in Bangkok's Prawet district but diseasecontrol measures were already put in place there.

We live in Prawet. The only flooding that I know of was in our area, about 3weeks ago. Which was just one section of road about 500mts long(attached photo)and lasted for a couple of weeks.

Reason for flood blocked drains?

"We are confident that there will be no outbreak of cholera in Bangkok," he said.

Unbelievable, as he already stated. Prawet is in Bangkok

On leptospirosis, Pornthep said some cases were detected in Nakhon Sawan and Kamphaeng Phet with two deaths reported.

"However, their deaths are not related to flooding," he said, "They caught the disease after they went back to their farms. Floodwater has already subsided".

Again an unbelievable statement. This is so catch 22. So unless they drown, their deaths cannot be contributed to the floods?

jb1

[Ricardo]

WOW - all the experts on these forums!

Does one have to be a medical expert, in order to know that wading in diluted-sewage may have health implications ?

Isn't that common-knowledge to any averagely-educated farang ?

[alfredthegreat]

Does anyone know where the centres are located for Bangkok to get medicine for possible prevention of the flooding type of diseases?

[LTGTR]

Is the North Korean government in change of Thailand's propaganda/bluster now? Sure seems that way.

[smedly]

"comment; People must quickly dispose of garbage,or else the rats will show up and spread the disease"

Has a "post flood plan" been issued to advise the people about how to be ready for garbage collection and how it is going to be implented,

or am I putting the dumster before the horse ?

very disturbing statement, it seems that the government is going to leave it to the people to come back and clean up the mess, no post flood government plans, how pathetic is that, experts and properly equiped cleanup units need to do this before the public return and are exposed to disease on a massive scale..............dumbfounded

[monty1412]

'Disease Control Department (DCD) director general Porntep Siriwanarangsun yesterday assured the public that although incidences of communicable diseases were detected during the ongoing flood crisis, they did not pose a serious threat.'

Yet another patronizing reassurance by an incompetent official. This guy has no idea what's coming.

Love the quote about only a few cases of communicable diseases....... what doesn't he understand about communicable deseases. The CDC In Atlanta Georgia puts Cholera at a 1;10 spread ratio.. that is every one who has th disease amy given normal human social behaviour infect 10 others.

So someone needs to explain this in simple terms to this guy that a few people now could mean within 7days a total of 200,000 people.....

This type of outbreak would cripple the tourism industry already on its knees due to mismanagement by Thai politicians and be the death knell for foreign industry, expats would be pulled out in their droves. bans by other countries on people travelling in and out.

Thailand unless you get competent management acting suitably and soon like yesterday you are risking world isolation and grave sites that match the Kymer Rouge atrocities in cambodia.

The time to call in WHO and CDC is now before you have a runaway crisis.

I swear as an outsider looking on Thai government and senior public service officials would seem to have skill sets more akin to managing a roadside somtam cart than a nation and even then I have my doubts

[BinDhumm]

'Disease Control Department (DCD) director general Porntep Siriwanarangsun yesterday assured the public that although incidences of communicable diseases were detected during the ongoing flood crisis, they did not pose a serious threat.'

Yet another patronizing reassurance by an incompetent official. This guy has no idea what's coming.

Thats right. But again, thats Thailand. We are taking care of whats to be done today and we will see about tomorrow. I think the real desaster starts once the water will be standing. Warm, shallow standing ponds full of fecals will act like biological bombs. Mosquitos will love to breed in them, as fish will not be able to survive in them.

[alfredthegreat]

Does anyone know where medicine centres are in Bangkok to get preventative medicines for the mentioned diseases.

[BinDhumm]

Nobody talks about the fecals of hundredthousands in the already flooded areas wich have too float into Bangkok sooner or later. Not even to talk about Bangkoks more and more flooding sewers. Splashing floodwater by cars and trucks does the rest by contaminating the air. There is no way to avoid this. Hundredthousands of Bangkokians get in touch with it on daily bases. Each contact with the slightest scrach rises the risk of an infection. As pics show, thousands of children enyoiing there daily bath in this waters in Bangkok every day. By any measures: THIS IS CALLING FOR DESASTER! But all eyes are conzentrated on BANGKOKS CENTER. Time to quickly change priorities. Millions of sick staff will NOT safe the economy and WILL destroy tourism AND Economy.

[Bagwan]

Bangkok. Soon to be the hub of cholera, dysentery, Dengue fever, malaria, leptospirosis and a few other nasties. I am cynical enough to consider it a distinct possibility that the room rates at private hospitals will experience a sharp rise as will the services that the hospitals supply. I would also expect those who have taken out medical insurance might well find that they will have a fight on their hands to persuade their insurers to meet their obligations. Sorry to be so gloomy in painting such a black picture but I am mindful that TIT.

BTW Green mambas are arboreal and are rarely found at ground level. Whilst they are highly venomous they are generally non aggressive and if one is bitten it it usually because the victim has provoked the reptile. As others have reported, you are more likely to run into one of the local snake varieties.

[pogal]

I am working in one of these health centers that's been open for about 6 days(?) now and here as some observations.

There are about 1500 people and slowly growing in the relief center. In the makeshift hospital we have about 50 people "admitted" with various ailments. Diarrhea and other stomach ailments accounts for about 50% of those ailments. about 10% are children (all with diarrhea). Each day we have about 20 people as out-patients who are either given medicine and sent back to the main halls or "admitted" into our makeshift hospital for observation.

People who are in serious condition can be sent to hospitals but they are getting more and more reluctant to admit them themselves, which is rather unhelpful, so they are given medicine and sent back to us.

The medical staff consist of volunteer student doctors year 4 and 5 (some good, some not), nurses, volunteers (with no medical experience at all), and overseen by a doctor (in the daytime only).

Sometimes other doctors turn up from various hospitals who have come in to volunteer themselves in their free time.

All of these volunteers are constantly changing so there is little consistency.

Room is getting funky and 1 toilet for men and 1 for women. The head Doctor is getting a bit overwhelmed by it all but managing. I don't think he envisaged this little health center being turned into a hospital.

A steady flow of people from various government departments, coming in taking photos and leaving, including the CDC.

If there was a disease outbreak here, I do not believe it could be managed. An example is when the CDC was asked for red bags and containers for hazardous waste we had to wait 3 days and only then did we get the plastic bags, still no containers. Bags are being stored outside in the car park, someone is supposed to come and dispose of them but as yet, has not.

With what they have, they are doing ok but I am surprised there are no army or government doctors here full time OR that the government hospitals are not being more helpful (although I believe they are also busy and not managing well).

Plenty of medicine, food and bottled water.

I didn't go today because I am sick with a cold(?), one of the hazards of working in a place full of sick people I guess so I decided to not go so I wouldn't spread it around, unfortunately that's not the attitude of the Thai workers, they are admired for still coming into work sick:/

[pogal]

Does anyone know where medicine centres are in Bangkok to get preventative medicines for the mentioned diseases.

Not at our one

[TackyToo]

This is criminal! Just shocking to see this very real scenario of massive disease outbreak ignored.

Just like when our dear PM said: No flood in BKK. We are safe. Yeah right.

Have they not seen all the kids jumping around and playing in the filth?

They WILL get sick.

This man should be made to swim in the filth and rub his face when he gets wet.

Insane

Well, we have to see it from his perspective: The chances for a Thai (DCD) director general to die of stupidity are by far greater than for others to fall sick in this floating dump yard.

[Fookhaht]

Disease Control Department (DCD) director general Porntep Siriwanarangsun

Is he a doctor? Anyone know of the credentials? Please tell me his degree is not in forestry like the beloved Science Minister.

Was it the science minister who had never sent an email? No, wait....that was the IT Minister under PM Samak.

[wintermute]

When you see pictures of Thai kids dunking their head in open sewage water sometimes you just have to shake your head and laugh. It's pretty much the culmination of extreme ignorance and the lack of education propagated in this country. I want to feel sorry for them but I just can't muster up the effort.

[lujanit]

It would see that certain people in the DCD have forgotten their basic microbiology. That is of course if they ever took it at school. Bacteria need three elements to successfully multiply and they do so at at exponential rate! 1. Water (I think there is plenty of that about). 2. A source of nutrient (Food, plenty of garbage, biological matter about in the water) and 3. Temperature range to be within tolerance (no problem with that here). Add to those already three elements time and you have an explosive cocktail on your hands.

But what you can tell MP's and their government officials. Maybe it's a case of they just like to see their names in print.

[Tokay]

When there is sewage in the water, you have a problem. Period.

[Logarhythm]

I am working in one of these health centers that's been open for about 6 days(?) now and here as some observations.

There are about 1500 people and slowly growing in the relief center. In the makeshift hospital we have about 50 people "admitted" with various ailments. Diarrhea and other stomach ailments accounts for about 50% of those ailments. about 10% are children (all with diarrhea). Each day we have about 20 people as out-patients who are either given medicine and sent back to the main halls or "admitted" into our makeshift hospital for observation.

People who are in serious condition can be sent to hospitals but they are getting more and more reluctant to admit them themselves, which is rather unhelpful, so they are given medicine and sent back to us.

The medical staff consist of volunteer student doctors year 4 and 5 (some good, some not), nurses, volunteers (with no medical experience at all), and overseen by a doctor (in the daytime only).

Sometimes other doctors turn up from various hospitals who have come in to volunteer themselves in their free time.

All of these volunteers are constantly changing so there is little consistency.

Room is getting funky and 1 toilet for men and 1 for women. The head Doctor is getting a bit overwhelmed by it all but managing. I don't think he envisaged this little health center being turned into a hospital.

A steady flow of people from various government departments, coming in taking photos and leaving, including the CDC.

If there was a disease outbreak here, I do not believe it could be managed. An example is when the CDC was asked for red bags and containers for hazardous waste we had to wait 3 days and only then did we get the plastic bags, still no containers. Bags are being stored outside in the car park, someone is supposed to come and dispose of them but as yet, has not.

With what they have, they are doing ok but I am surprised there are no army or government doctors here full time OR that the government hospitals are not being more helpful (although I believe they are also busy and not managing well).

Plenty of medicine, food and bottled water.

I didn't go today because I am sick with a cold(?), one of the hazards of working in a place full of sick people I guess so I decided to not go so I wouldn't spread it around, unfortunately that's not the attitude of the Thai workers, they are admired for still coming into work sick:/

Excellent post. Keep up the good work and get well soon.

[Fookhaht]

It would see that certain people in the DCD have forgotten their basic microbiology. That is of course if they ever took it at school. Bacteria need three elements to successfully multiply and they do so at at exponential rate! 1. Water (I think there is plenty of that about). 2. A source of nutrient (Food, plenty of garbage, biological matter about in the water) and 3. Temperature range to be within tolerance (no problem with that here). Add to those already three elements time and you have an explosive cocktail on your hands.

But what you can tell MP's and their government officials. Maybe it's a case of they just like to see their names in print.

If DCD is their agency acronym, they have a problem indeed!

[BinDhumm]

I am working in one of these health centers that's been open for about 6 days(?) now and here as some observations.

There are about 1500 people and slowly growing in the relief center. In the makeshift hospital we have about 50 people "admitted" with various ailments. Diarrhea and other stomach ailments accounts for about 50% of those ailments. about 10% are children (all with diarrhea). Each day we have about 20 people as out-patients who are either given medicine and sent back to the main halls or "admitted" into our makeshift hospital for observation.

People who are in serious condition can be sent to hospitals but they are getting more and more reluctant to admit them themselves, which is rather unhelpful, so they are given medicine and sent back to us.

The medical staff consist of volunteer student doctors year 4 and 5 (some good, some not), nurses, volunteers (with no medical experience at all), and overseen by a doctor (in the daytime only).

Sometimes other doctors turn up from various hospitals who have come in to volunteer themselves in their free time.

All of these volunteers are constantly changing so there is little consistency.

Room is getting funky and 1 toilet for men and 1 for women. The head Doctor is getting a bit overwhelmed by it all but managing. I don't think he envisaged this little health center being turned into a hospital.

A steady flow of people from various government departments, coming in taking photos and leaving, including the CDC.

If there was a disease outbreak here, I do not believe it could be managed. An example is when the CDC was asked for red bags and containers for hazardous waste we had to wait 3 days and only then did we get the plastic bags, still no containers. Bags are being stored outside in the car park, someone is supposed to come and dispose of them but as yet, has not.

With what they have, they are doing ok but I am surprised there are no army or government doctors here full time OR that the government hospitals are not being more helpful (although I believe they are also busy and not managing well).

Plenty of medicine, food and bottled water.

I didn't go today because I am sick with a cold(?), one of the hazards of working in a place full of sick people I guess so I decided to not go so I wouldn't spread it around, unfortunately that's not the attitude of the Thai workers, they are admired for still coming into work sick:/

I think THIS IS VERY INTERESTING!! Do you now more farang volunteers? There should be an extra posting for this matter, so people can prepare. The statements of the Gouvernment cannot be trusted at all. I belive this will be the secaond 'big flood' to come soon. Keep us updated if you can. Souns as the authorities are NOT READY AT ALL for things to bloom. Very threatening. Sending infected people back to evacuation centers is nearly a crime!

[PingManDan]

Who are they trying to kid, the picture looks very healthy to me LOL

[puipuitom]

" "There are places on the outskirts of Bangkok and in other parts of the country which have been flooded for nearly two weeks," he was quoted as speaking."

some places, including towns, are flooded since july, 2 weeks is not yet that much

Many Thai governmental persons do not see the area outside of Bangkok as relevant.

So, I can understand what he meant: places of greater Bangkok, as the rest... is only third grade Thai area.

Edited November 3, 2011 by puipuitom

[Seismic]

WOW - all the experts on these forums!

What do you need an expert for? Just a simple case scenario: a child or an older person might get diarrhea. In a normal case (the ever so favorite "food poisoning") you cure it with minerals and lot's of water to drink...oh wait...there is no water to drink! At least not clean water. So go to the hospital...oh wait...the nearest hospital is flooded and to get to the next available one, you have to take the shortcut via Sydney, since all other roads are flooded...well...I guess granny has to die! And that is a "minor" infection, caused by dirty drinking water.

No expert needed to tell you, what happens with dengue fever, malaria etc. All waterborn diseases or related to water. It WILL be ugly!

While an upset tummy and several trips to the Horng naam each day may be cosidered a "minor" infection, the fact is that Diarrhea can easily become very serious and eventually lead to death. We are so used to treating it quickly and, generally, effectively that we forget that in many 3rd world countries it is often a fatal disease, particularly when local health and infastructure is breaking down due to flooding. If dysentry starts raising its head then we will go to a whole new level.