Inner-City Residents Get Ready As Water Nears

[Lite Beer]

Inner-city residents get ready as water nears

NUTDANAI CHARASJIRAWAT,

JIRAPORN PHETDEE

THE NATION ON SUNDAY

People living near the Victory Monument have been told to prepare for flooding, which could reach the area in a week.

The atmosphere in the neighbourhood is calm, but if you look around carefully you will see the changes that have occurred as the flood crisis has built.

One local resident captured the change in an account of a friend's new business line.

"Usually, she sells gift items and accessories," Kochaphan Komnanukij, a friend of a woman who sells gift items, accessories and boots at the Center One department store, told The Nation. "When she heard that the flood waters were heading here, she prepared by wearing boots. Her customers asked her about her boots and Magic Pants - plastic trousers that protect your feet and legs up to your waist - so she started selling boots and Magic Pants.

"They sold out very quickly, requiring restocking two times a day; the price will depend on how bad the flooding gets."

Despite the imminent flooding, for vendors on the Rajvithi Hospital side of Victory Monument it's business as usual, with few outward signs of anything out of the ordinary.

"I can't let the news that the floods are coming affect the whole of my business," said Arissara Mapuag, owner of the Budsabong shoe store, who claimed not to be worried about the looming flood.

"I won't allow myself to be brought to a standstill by the flood crisis. It's a natural disaster, so nobody can stop it. If the floods arrive, I think it'll give me a chance to travel to the Northern region and make merit, which I haven't done it for a long time," she said.

Although there have been transport problems, Arissara said she had been able to adapt.

"The customers are still buying shoes at my shop; there are always people travelling and changing buses here," said the shop owner.

Victory Monument's cluster of noodle shops will be affected.

"Our customers are decreasing in number, of course, but we're still selling noodles," said Nopporn Boonsanong, owner of the Anong noodle shop. "We have a steady supplier for the ingredients, so we're ready if it floods. We've prepared a plaster floodwall in front of our shop and have raised the electricity lines."

People in many walks of life have been affected by this flood crisis. Kornkwan Vutinuntakasame, a student at Thammasat University, said her life had changed since the flood hit her home around the Ratchayothin area.

"I have had to change my plans, since the next semester has been moved from November to January," she said.

"Right now, the water level is stable around my home but I think if it reaches the level of the electricity system, it's time to evacuate; without electricity it's harder to live," she admitted.

Graeme Turnball, an Australian businessman residing in Thailand, was critical of officials, commenting: "I think now it's a political game. They should help people more than this. It's all propaganda out there; they try to get what they want by using the advertising."

Residents of areas near the Victory Monument are a good example of the way human beings can turn a crisis into an opportunity, provided they prepare themselves to face the problems.

-- The Nation 2011-11-13

[robblok]

I thought it was improving.. once Victory monument takes water its only a matter of time before the rest takes water too.

[sfbandung]

" the price will depend on how bad the flooding gets"

Nothing like a bit of opportunistic price gouging. Nice.

[howzat]

One minute Bangkok is safe and all will be clear end of november now we are told watch out and no green light until new year. Thai new year.???!!!

This lot got about as much idea as a one legged man winning an arse kicking competition

[ResX]

One minute Bangkok is safe and all will be clear end of november now we are told watch out and no green light until new year. Thai new year.???!!!

This lot got about as much idea as a one legged man winning an arse kicking competition

I think they missed the fact that the net daily draw down of the flood waters has to be calculated based on the difference between natural Chao Phraya discharge to the gulf (currently stands at approximately 370million cubic meter per day) and incoming stream flow of Chao Phraya from the north, which my conservative estimate is 200 million cubic meter per day, no rainfall scenario. The net draw down rate is 170 million cubic meter per day, not 400million cubic meter per day. It appeared that they used net draw down of 400million cubic meter per day to estimate how long would it take to discharge 8.5 billion cubic meter of water. That is why they under estimated the number of days required badly. This net draw down reduces if (1) there are rainfalls in the north and (2) as the flood level near river mouth reduces.For example, if the stream flow from the north is 370million cubic meter per day and river mouth discharge is the same then the flood level remains the same.

Edited November 13, 2011 by ResX

[BinDhumm]

There are so many experts on this planet. Is there NOBODY able to make up a computersimulation forcast of this entiere flood thing? What are all these supercomputers for?

[ExpatOilWorker]

There are so many experts on this planet. Is there NOBODY able to make up a computersimulation forcast of this entiere flood thing? What are all these supercomputers for?

Playing Chess or Lemmings?

[ResX]

There are so many experts on this planet. Is there NOBODY able to make up a computersimulation forcast of this entiere flood thing? What are all these supercomputers for?

I don't know. I know many tools can serve the purpose. Probably none of them is made in Thailand.

[robblok]

One minute Bangkok is safe and all will be clear end of november now we are told watch out and no green light until new year. Thai new year.???!!!

This lot got about as much idea as a one legged man winning an arse kicking competition

I think they missed the fact that the net daily draw down of the flood waters has to be calculated based on the difference between natural Chao Phraya discharge to the gulf (currently stands at approximately 370million cubic meter per day) and incoming stream flow of Chao Phraya from the north, which my conservative estimate is 200 million cubic meter per day, no rainfall scenario. The net draw down rate is 170 million cubic meter per day, not 400million cubic meter per day. It appeared that they used net draw down of 400million cubic meter per day to estimate how long would it take to discharge 8.5 billion cubic meter of water. That is why they under estimated the number of days required badly. This net draw down reduces if (1) there are rainfalls in the north and (2) as the flood level near river mouth reduces.For example, if the stream flow from the north is 370million cubic meter per day and river mouth discharge is the same then the flood level remains the same.

I hope you were mistaken in your beliefs, even I understood that have to calculate the extra capacity of the rivers and canals not its total when draining something. I am for sure not a water expert. Everyone with half a brain could have seen this.

[NanLaew]

There are so many experts on this planet. Is there NOBODY able to make up a computersimulation forcast of this entiere flood thing? What are all these supercomputers for?

Bitchin' on thaivisa apparently.

[hedonist44]

There are so many experts on this planet. Is there NOBODY able to make up a computersimulation forcast of this entiere flood thing? What are all these supercomputers for?

I thought it would be perfectly clear where all the experts are, they're are all here on Thai Visa !!! Yup, we have the most intelligent, up to date specialist on the planet right here at the countries disposal. But.....there's only one small problem, they have all the balls and brains in the world until the time comes when they have to get out from behind the keyboard and join the rest of us in reality. They would no sooner take responsibility for their comments, predictions or calculations anymore than the present government is doing.

So grab a cup of coffee, a nice big cinnamon roll and sit back and have yourself a good laugh while all the keyboard wizards work their magic for us.

True story.

[robblok]

There are so many experts on this planet. Is there NOBODY able to make up a computersimulation forcast of this entiere flood thing? What are all these supercomputers for?

I thought it would be perfectly clear where all the experts are, they're are all here on Thai Visa !!! Yup, we have the most intelligent, up to date specialist on the planet right here at the countries disposal. But.....there's only one small problem, they have all the balls and brains in the world until the time comes when they have to get out from behind the keyboard and join the rest of us in reality. They would no sooner take responsibility for their comments, predictions or calculations anymore than the present government is doing.

So grab a cup of coffee, a nice big cinnamon roll and sit back and have yourself a good laugh while all the keyboard wizards work their magic for us.

True story.

So far my calculations are getting closer and closer to the governments. I calculated that i would be water free in 3 weeks. Just by observing the water (every 2 cm less so its not so hard) Now the government is putting its dry mark further and further in the future. Mind you i will be dry long before the rest of BKK because of how slow the water moves.

I think they are just too afraid to give off bad news. The only one that i trust a bit is that independent water expert dr Seri.

[otherstuff1957]

I think they are just too afraid to give off bad news. The only one that i trust a bit is that independent water expert dr Seri.

^ Exactly! There are plenty of very competent Scientists and Engineers in Thailand, unfortunately, they are not running the country! While it's not possible to predict exactly what will happen with the flooding, they could make some reasonably accurate estimates as to when water will arrive in various areas and how much water will arrive. Unfortunately, the government has chosen to not pass these estimates on or even act proactively to minimize damage.

The only explanation is that the government feels that people should not be given this information. They are so afraid of mass panic or being blamed for not being able to stop or divert the flood that they are willing to let people lose everything (including Industrial Estates!) rather than give them warnings as to where they water will probably go.

Edited November 13, 2011 by otherstuff1957

[ResX]

One minute Bangkok is safe and all will be clear end of november now we are told watch out and no green light until new year. Thai new year.???!!!

This lot got about as much idea as a one legged man winning an arse kicking competition

I think they missed the fact that the net daily draw down of the flood waters has to be calculated based on the difference between natural Chao Phraya discharge to the gulf (currently stands at approximately 370million cubic meter per day) and incoming stream flow of Chao Phraya from the north, which my conservative estimate is 200 million cubic meter per day, no rainfall scenario. The net draw down rate is 170 million cubic meter per day, not 400million cubic meter per day. It appeared that they used net draw down of 400million cubic meter per day to estimate how long would it take to discharge 8.5 billion cubic meter of water. That is why they under estimated the number of days required badly. This net draw down reduces if (1) there are rainfalls in the north and (2) as the flood level near river mouth reduces.For example, if the stream flow from the north is 370million cubic meter per day and river mouth discharge is the same then the flood level remains the same.

I hope you were mistaken in your beliefs, even I understood that have to calculate the extra capacity of the rivers and canals not its total when draining something. I am for sure not a water expert. Everyone with half a brain could have seen this.

Probably not so obvious for a person with slightly less than half a brain...Just joking. You know. I know. Many those with half brains know. But not any of us that came up with that figure. Anyway I just tried to explain how such contradictions could happen. Looking from positive side, obviously. I could be wrong anyway.

Edited November 13, 2011 by ResX

[473geo]

Note:

The Thai shoe seller, the Thai noodle stall owner, the Thai student......all positive, getting on with life, making the best of it

The businessman...not Thai ..whinging and hanging blame

Says it all......

[Wolfram]

I just looked at Singapore Airlines and they suspended flights to Bangkok for a short time now!!! What is happening???

[Skywalker69]

I just looked at Singapore Airlines and they suspended flights to Bangkok for a short time now!!! What is happening???

Now you got me worried, big time.

Do they know something the Thai Government don´t??

[RickBradford]

I just looked at Singapore Airlines and they suspended flights to Bangkok for a short time now!!! What is happening???

Now you got me worried, big time.

Do they know something the Thai Government don´t??

I'm sure they do -- almost everyone else does.

But not to worry; the cancellations are of extra flights that SIA regularly puts on near Christmas, but has suspended this year because of slack demand -- Singaporeans spooked by flooding scenes on the TV, no doubt.

[JohnDenver]

"the price will depend on how bad the flooding gets.""

Typical "Amazing" *or is it "Miracle" now* Thailand. Absolutely indicative of the mentality of many, MANY Thais who only look at making money or getting as much as possible in over-charging...

NO MATTER WHAT.

[JohnDenver]

Note:

The Thai shoe seller, the Thai noodle stall owner, the Thai student......all positive, getting on with life, making the best of it

The businessman...not Thai ..whinging and hanging blame

Says it all......

It's called bullshit...I mean "SAVING-FACE."

If you have lived in this country as long as many, if not most, of us have, then you would ALREADY KNOW THE REASON THAT IT TAKES A WESTERNER TO TELL THE TRUTH AS IT IS.

I have ZERO respect for liars, regardless of their reason(s). This whole "SAVING-FACE" nonsense of a backward-era is literally destroying this nation, and unless and until this nation wants to be seen as something more than a place for businesses/businessmen to TAKE-ADVANTAGE of the people, and for certain "tourists" and "ex-pats" to do the same, then it needs to "FACE-REALITY" instead of trying to "SAVE-FACE"...regardless of the supposed consequences for accepting blame and being truthful.

[phetaroi]

Note:

The Thai shoe seller, the Thai noodle stall owner, the Thai student......all positive, getting on with life, making the best of it

The businessman...not Thai ..whinging and hanging blame

Says it all......

Now go beyond the superficial analysis. Think about all the years of opportunities that Thais have had to mitigate flood damage, but simply walked around saying "Mai pebn rai". To change something, you really have to do something. And the Thai tend to be pretty notorious for just "making the best of it", rather than fixing things.

[Comicus]

Note:

The Thai shoe seller, the Thai noodle stall owner, the Thai student......all positive, getting on with life, making the best of it

The businessman...not Thai ..whinging and hanging blame

Says it all......

It's called bullshit...I mean "SAVING-FACE."

If you have lived in this country as long as many, if not most, of us have, then you would ALREADY KNOW THE REASON THAT IT TAKES A WESTERNER TO TELL THE TRUTH AS IT IS.

I have ZERO respect for liars, regardless of their reason(s). This whole "SAVING-FACE" nonsense of a backward-era is literally destroying this nation, and unless and until this nation wants to be seen as something more than a place for businesses/businessmen to TAKE-ADVANTAGE of the people, and for certain "tourists" and "ex-pats" to do the same, then it needs to "FACE-REALITY" instead of trying to "SAVE-FACE"...regardless of the supposed consequences for accepting blame and being truthful.

Thais don't care one bit about what farnags think.

Really, I lost my interest to live in LOS a long time ago, why everyone who is complaining about THL still want to live there? There are many good countries around the world, take your pick!

[MaxYakov]

One minute Bangkok is safe and all will be clear end of november now we are told watch out and no green light until new year. Thai new year.???!!!

This lot got about as much idea as a one legged man winning an arse kicking competition

I think they missed the fact that the net daily draw down of the flood waters has to be calculated based on the difference between natural Chao Phraya discharge to the gulf (currently stands at approximately 370million cubic meter per day) and incoming stream flow of Chao Phraya from the north, which my conservative estimate is 200 million cubic meter per day, no rainfall scenario. The net draw down rate is 170 million cubic meter per day, not 400million cubic meter per day. It appeared that they used net draw down of 400million cubic meter per day to estimate how long would it take to discharge 8.5 billion cubic meter of water. That is why they under estimated the number of days required badly. This net draw down reduces if (1) there are rainfalls in the north and (2) as the flood level near river mouth reduces.For example, if the stream flow from the north is 370million cubic meter per day and river mouth discharge is the same then the flood level remains the same.

Doesn't any draw-down into the Chao Phraya depend on getting it into the river? What is the maximum possible discharge rate from khlongs and flooded areas into the CP? What are the existing paths and methods? Could there be new ones? Tough questions, huh?

Incidentally, I've heard 420 million CM/day CP into the Gulf on a TV news report around a month ago. What is your source for your 370 million CM/day? I'm sure it's dependent on the tides (not to mention the state of the Ministry of S & T's boat-accelerators).

Also, where did you see the erroneous net draw-down calculation/assumption? I didn't see any metrics in this article,

Edited November 13, 2011 by MaxYakov

[mca]

There are so many experts on this planet. Is there NOBODY able to make up a computersimulation forcast of this entiere flood thing?

They're too busy posting on this forum.

[scorecard]

Note:

The Thai shoe seller, the Thai noodle stall owner, the Thai student......all positive, getting on with life, making the best of it

The businessman...not Thai ..whinging and hanging blame

Says it all......

Total rubbish comment.

The Thai shoe seller.... The truth is quite probably that she's worries sick, has very little resources and few options and doesn't know what's going to happen next (is the water coming / is it not coming?) and is very concerned what to do next.

Your portrayal ego473, is unfair to her and just an opportunistic comment.

Thai business people not blaming anybody, not complaining. Totally not true.