Thailand Live Friday 4 Nov 2011

[webfact]

Pumping Stations to Speed up Floodwater Drainage in Eastern Bangkok

Pumping stations that drain water from eastern Bangkok into the Gulf of Thailand are operating at full steam.

However, irrigation officials say the amount of water flowing into the stations is still lower than expected.

Irrigation officials activated 20 giant pumps for the Chonlaharn Pichit Distribution and Maintenance Project in Khlong Dan District of Samut Prakarn Province to accelerate the floodwater drainage into the Gulf of Thailand.

Chonlaharn Pichit is the largest drainage pumping station in eastern Bangkok.

Floodwater is expected to flow from Rangsit Canal to the Lower Hok Wa Canal, then to Saen Saeb Canal, and down through several canals before rolling into the Khlong Dan River, where the pumping station is located.

However, the floodwater is being drained more quickly through the west of Bangkok than the east because the land is sloped, rather than a basin like the Lad Krabang area in the east.

The chief engineer at the Chonlaharn Pichit Project believes Bangkok will be spared from further flooding if things go according to plan.

Apart from Chonlaharn Pichit, there are six other pumping stations that channel water from the east of Bangkok into the sea, such as the Charoenraj pumping station in Samut Prakarn.

The station is equipped with 25 giant pumps, the most in the province.

However, it is unable to operate fully due to the fact that the station is more than 25 years old and is located on a area of low-sloped land,which leads to slow pumping.

Meanwhile, the amount of floodwater flowing from Lad Krabang, Nong Chok, and Khlong Sam Wa through the Suvarnabhumi pumping station in Bangkok is still very low.

Officials there said more water could have been channeled through the station, and they are confident the Suvarnabhumi Airport will not be flooded.

They also called on the public not to destroy flood barriers or flood gates, because doing so will disrupt drainage operations and make it difficult for officials to control the situation.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-04

[webfact]

MRT Services Remain Available while Some Stations Need Monitoring

The Director of the Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited operations department confirmed that MRT services will continue as usual.

However, Phaholyothin, Lad Phrao, and Ratchadapisak stations must be closely monitored.

Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited (BMCL) Operations Department Director Chartchai Praditpong said MRT services will remain available as usual, although some passengers may be inconvenient by some entrance closures.

However, Phaholyothin, Lad Phrao, and Ratchadapisak stations must be closely monitored as roads in these areas have already flooded.

Flood barricades have been built at the entrances and exits of many stations, which can accomodate up to two meters of floodwater.

The MRT has confirmed that air ducts have been paved with a single sheet of concrete, keeping the the water from leaking into the station.

Meanwhile, the MRT air ducts will be elevated to 3.5 meters from the sea-level, and drainage spouts will be built along the tracks to accommodate the water leaking into the station areas.

MRT services will remain available as usual, from 6 A.M. to midnight.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-04

[webfact]

AFP: Bangkok subway at risk from advancing floods

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Post service may delay for 3-5 days in the North, North-East & Central due to flood. thaigost.co.th or ☎1584 ~ @Rawangpai

2:26pm Major Ratchayothin & Suzuki Avenue Project at Ratchayothin announced indefinite closure ~ @MatichonOnline

2:20pm Bangchomsri sluice gate collapsed for 6m, made a lot of water overflow into Chiangrak canal ~ @MatichonOnline

2:17pm Water seeps out from drainages & sewers at the 3rd zone of Bangchan Industrial Estate ~ @Pat_ThaiPBS

1:52pm Central announced indefinite closure for its 3 branches; Pinklao, Ramintra and Ladprao ~ @SpringNews_TV

1:56pm In front of Central Ladprao flooded by 20-30cm. Small cars hardly passable & no more bus service ~ @SpringNews_TV

1:45pm Water level in the sluice gate in front of ThaiPBS office is 1.5m http://yfrog.com/ntpk1afj ~ @Nattha_ThaiPBS

1:42pm Highest tide in Chao Phraya today will be 2.20m MSL at 3:03pm ~ @fm91trafficpro

1:35pm Water seeps out from sewers near Bangphai Hospital & Phyathai 3 Hospital ~ @timmy_noy

1:31pm AOT confident with flood prevention at Suvarnabhumi Airport & ready to relocate in 5 airports if emergency ~ @thaiflood

1:26pm Seriruk Hospital in Minburi district still operates as normal ~ @nok431129

2 more water pumps added to Saen Saeb Canal to speed up drainage; 2 boats speeding up drainage of Bangchan Canal into Saen Saeb /TANN

[webfact]

Flood death toll rises to 442

Flood-related death toll has risen to 442 and two other people have gone missing, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department announced Friday.

The department said 25 provinces are still inundated, affecting 2.09 million people from 713,836 families in 7,960 villages.

The affected provinces are Phichit, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Singburi, Angthong, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Bangkok, Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Roi Et, Mahasarakham, Kalasin, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, and Prachin Buri.

The department said 39 provinces are in the process of rehabilitation after floodwaters have subsided.

-- The Nation 2011-11-04

[webfact]

Floods threatens SCB headquarter

The Nation

Siam Commercial Bank suffers the most from the floods, with the highest number of branches closed and growing threats to its headquarter on Ratchayothin Road.

According to a source at the commercial bank, though the headquarter is open today, it may have to close the doors soon.

Though it could be the first bank headquarter to be inundated, the bank has been insisting that the operations would continue uninterrupted with the comprehensive back-up plan in place.

According to the Bank of Thailand, of total 556 branches closed today, 118 belong to SCB. Trailing behind are Krung Thai Bank, 84 branches; and Kasikornbank, 77 branches.

Of total branches closed today, which increased by 28 from the previous day, 267 are located in Bangkok.

Additional 254 ATMs were unplugged today, increasing the total number of unplugged ATMs to 4,943. Of total, 1,679 are in Bangkok, or slightly over 10 per cent of all 13,996 ATMs in the capital city.

-- The Nation 2011-11-04

[webfact]

Sultan of Brunei donates US$100,000 to help Thai flood victims

Sultan of Brunei Hassan al-Bolkiah donated US$100,000 or about Bt3 million to help Thai flood victims.

The Brunei ambassador to Bangkok represented the sultan to give the money to Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul.

-- The Nation 2011-11-04

[webfact]

Manufacturing Production Index for Sept down by 0.5 percentage point due to flooding

Toyota extends production halt in Thailand to Nov 12 while Nissan extends to Nov 14 due to lack of spare parts

PM admits to difficulties in coordination between agencies, particularly with both basic and technical info

/TANN

Criminal Court reschedules court proceedings during Nov 7-15, as floods reach its premise on Ratchadapisek ~ @Biz_TheNation

[webfact]

RT @PlantManagement: The flooded industrial estates in Thailand represent 44.5% of the country's electronics and electrical appliance production facilities.

[webfact]

RT @tukky_nt: Fee waive for Don Muang tollway extended til Nov 12 midnight. /via @worawisut @Thairath_News

[webfact]

Saen Saeb canal boat may see a halt in service during high tide from Nov 5-6; service still continuing from Sribunrueng Temple-Pratunam /TANN

14 homestays in Samut Songkram,Rayong,Chantaburi,Sa Kaew,Prachin Buri,Nakhon Nayok open for flood evacuees free or Bt100/night /TANN

Fashion Island Ramintra closes at 5pm today and will remain closed indefinitely until flooding improves /TANN

Not sure if the MRT is still operating at your station? Contact 02-716-4000 /TANN

Insurance Commission closes Ratchadapisek branch and relocates to Bangna-Trad branch;call 1186 or go to http://www.oic.or.th for info /TANN

Public Health Ministry: 1.3 mln fell ill from floods; no outbreak of water-borne diseases detected /TANN

Public Health Ministry to extend mobile medical units to Bangkae, Pasicharoen and Taweewattana districts /TANN

Insurance Commission Office asks insurance firms to speed up payment of flood compensation /TANN

[webfact]

Fashion Island to be closed indefinitely

Fashion Island will be closed on Saturday until further notice, its senior official said Friday.

Samaporn Khamchai, the marketing manger of the shopping mall, said he mall had to be closed until further notice because it would be inconvenient for staffs and customers to travel to the mall.

He added that the shopping mall will be closed at 5 pm Friday.

-- The Nation 2011-11-04

[webfact]

Dusit Zoo puts evacuation plan in place

The Nation/Photo : Sakol Sandhiratne

Dusit Zoo has prepared to evacuate animals to Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri in the event that the floodwaters spread to the area, zoo director Dr Karnchai Saenwongse said on Friday.

The zoo, which is on Rama V Road, is currently home to 250 species with 1,200 animals spread over 118 rai of land. The authority has prepared sandbags to block the water at the doors of the animals' cages as well as food for about two weeks.

Water in ponds in the zoo compound had already been drained to a level where they could receive the floodwater.

Karnchai said the animals are divided into groups according to their living quarters. The first group to be evacuated to Chon Buri are those that would face difficulty if the water level reached 50 centimetres.

These included animals such as deer and barking deer, he said.

If the water level reached one metre, tigers would be relocated to Chon Buri, he said, adding birds, monkeys and crocodiles would be safe and fine in the flood.

He reiterated that the crocodile ponds have high and strong walls.

In the event of food for animals running out and can no longer be delivered, Khao Kheow zoo would send it to Dusit Zoo because it has trucks.

At present the zoo officials are working in 24-hour shifts to prepare for the floods.

As of now the Dusit zoo is still open to the public from 8am to 6pm everyday but the number of visitors had reduced to about 400 per day. Visitors had been recorded at 5,000 to 6,000 during the school break.

Karnchai personally estimates that if the floodwaters do hit the zoo, the water level would not be higher than 50 centimetres.

-- The Nation 2011-11-04

[webfact]

SET index closed at 957.31, down 0.25; Bt/USD30.50; GBP48.68; AUD31.51; EUR41.98; CAD29.93; HKD3.92; SGD23.94; JPY38.90

[webfact]

Tourists assured of travelling convenience

The Nation

The Tourism and Sports Ministry has come up with measures to facilitate foreign tourists' travelling to Suvarnabhumi Airport.

First, TAT and Thai Hotels Association should jointly check the number of tourists departing for the airport and provide transportation to Airport Rail Link Makkasan Station. State Railway of Thailand should be alerted, if train services are insufficiently provided.

Second, from the station, travellers should be escorted by police officers to the airport. Suvarnabhumi police should be alerted for the fast-track service.

Third, tourist police must work with Airports of Thailand in allocating special rest area for the travellers and facilitating late check-ins, flight changes, or others. The Immigration Office should also be contacted for fast-track service.

Tourism and Sports Permanent Secretary Suwat Sidthilaw, chairing a meeting on Wednesday when the measures were agreed upon, said that the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s data showed that as of Oct 27, tourist attractions in 20 provinces have been affected by the floods.

Though October marks the beginning of Thailand’s tourism high season, tourist arrivals to Thailand have slowed down sharply in October with the daily peak of 40,528 on Oct 1. The number slumped to 22,197 on Oct 31.

-- The Nation 2011-11-04

[webfact]

Embassy briefs British residents on Bangkok floods

Representatives from 16 British businesses, schools and other interest groups attended a briefing at the British Ambassador’s Residence this morning to hear the Embassy’s assessment on the flood situation in Thailand.

With over 51,000 British citizens resident in Thailand, the UK has a close connection to the country. Flooding in the centre of Bangkok could seriously disrupt everyday life for communities living in and around the affected areas. The risk of flooding, possible contamination of tap water and disruption to some services are the main difficulties reflected in our Travel Advice which currently advises against all but essential travel to Bangkok and flooded areas.

At the briefing today, HM Ambassador Asif Ahmad and Deputy Head of Mission Danny Pruce gave a full and open analysis of their understanding of the flood situation. This was based on information gathered from the Embassy’s own monitoring including, discussions with FROC, BMA and other experts on the ground.

The Ambassador advised British nationals in Thailand to continue to follow media reports for regular updates and refer to the FCO’s travel advice. He also advised them to contact family and friends who may be concerned about their wellbeing.

The Ambassador assured the representatives at the briefing that the Embassy would continue to do all it could to inform and support British nationals affected by the floods. Essential services at the Embassy such as consular and visa were still running and a dedicated team, which includes support from other British missions, will continue to work with the Thai authorities and experts to monitor the situation and provide up to date travel advice.

Source: http://ukinthailand.fco.gov.uk/en/news/?view=PressR&id=686385582

[webfact]

AFP: South African police detain Thai man over poaching links

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Phuket truck crash leaves residents in blackout

The 10-wheel truck with trailer smashed into one motorbike, a van and

three cars before going onto the footpath, causing damage to three shops

and snapping off a utility pole.

Miraculously, no bystanders were hurt in the accident, but the driver was

taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for minor injuries.

Follow this link:

[webfact]

5:11pm Bangkok Airways still operates as normal at Suvarnabhumi Airport. More info ☎1771 (8:00am-5:30pm) ~ @fm91trafficpro

[webfact]

Phuket butterflies to take wings in the wild

One of the 1,0000 butterflies released into the wild at last year's event.

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Uk-Based Steroid Website Leads To Arrest Of Englishman In Pattaya

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Thief Sustains Broken Leg After Third Floor Jump From Central Pattaya Apartment

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Phuket's Tuptim gets support for life

HAPPY DAYS: The Tuptim family together in Phuket. Photo: Dean Noble

LITTLE FIGHTER: Phuket babe Tuptim was diagnosed with a terminal liver

condition when she was three months old.

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Flooding has affected 25 provinces with 442 people dead and 2 still missing /TANN

[webfact]

State railway cancels service from Bangkhen train station; southern train service to start and end in Nakhon Pathom /TANN

BKK governor expresses concern about garbage piling up in flooded Bangplad, to send boats out to collect garbage /TANN

Civil Court cancels all court cases scheduled for Nov 7-12; for more info, call 02-5128478 or 086-0832332 /TANN

[webfact]

Criminal Court postpones sessions

Hearings and trial sessions at the Criminal Court scheduled from November 7-15 have been postponed due to the flooding, court secretary Surajit Sribunman announced Friday.

Sessions involving requests for arrest and search warrants and extension of detention have not been postponed, he said. For details call (02) 541 2176, (02) 541 2181 and (02) 541 2284-91.

-- The Nation 2011-11-04

[webfact]

Green Mamba snake serum arrive at 7pm from S. Africa; 50 doses at Bt300,000; available at Red Cross, Pharmaceutical Org,Phra Nang Klao /TANN

Central announces closure of Lardprao, Pinklao and Ramintra branches until at least Nov 6 /TANN

Bangkok Governor: BTS Skytrain can operate normally if water on Phahonyothin Road does not exceed 1.60 metres /MCOT

[webfact]

PM Confers with Bangkok Governor on Flood Situation

The prime minister met with the Bangkok governor to discuss the flood situation.

The government claims that the water volume is exceptionally high this year and admitted that not all of the western parts of Bangkok can be protected.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Governor of Bangkok Sukhumbhand Paribatra met at the Department of Drainage and Sewage to discuss the current flooding situation.

During the meeting, Yingluck asked the governor about drainage efforts in both the eastern and western parts of the capital.

The premier also asked about the water level of the Chao Phraya River.

She has pledged the government’s full support for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, or the BMA's, flood management efforts.

Meanwhile, the Department of Drainage and Sewage claims that the water volume is exceptionally high this year and might be uncontrollable in some areas.

As a result, none of the western part of the capital is guaranteed safe from the floods.

Currently there are 50 water control stations attempting to thwart the floodwater from Bang Khen, Phra Khanong, Sam Sen and Bang Sue.

At the same time, on the Thonburi side, there are four major water control stations located at Dao Kanong, Chak Phra, Bangkok Yai and Mon canals.

The meeting's atmosphere apparently got tense when the Royal Irrigation Department stated that it never received any request for water pumps from the BMA, contradicting the Bangkok governor's earlier claim.

In response, Sukhumbhand said that he did not mean to criticize the Royal Irrigation Department and insisted that the request has been submitted through the government's Flood Relief Operations Center.

The prime minister then attempted to mediate the quarrel by saying that everyone has the same objective.

Science and Technology Minister Prodprasob Surasawadee belives that all districts in Bangkok will be flooded while the Bangkok governor remains confident that some areas within the capital can still be protected despite the fact that the city's drainage system is not designed to manage water flowing from the north.

Sukhumbhand pointed out that all of the water pumps have been operating around the clock for many days now.

When asked by Prodprasob why those in the high risk areas have not been ordered to evacuate, the Bangkok governor said that the situation must be carefully assessed before any announcement is issued in order to keep the public calm.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-04

[webfact]

Phuket All Stars and Singapore CC open the ACG on Saturday

A ROOF OVER THEIR HEADS: Phuket cricketers will finally have a clubhouse

to call their own. Photo: Neil Quail

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Flooding from Lardprao junction reaches Morchit bus station at 20cm; officials place 'big bag' barriers /TANN