KTMphil
Senior member
....
Thailand Floods Reach Crisis Level, Threaten Bangkok
- Thread starter KTMphil
- Start date
KTMphil
Senior member
Not often you see one of these in a PTT
KTMphil
Senior member
Bangkok, donations.
LED Kev
Member
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2011
- Bikes
- Kawa Er6n & KLX 250
Just got a posting from my embassy:
Severe flooding continues across central, northern and north-eastern Thailand. There is a continued risk of mudslides and flash flooding in some areas.
Parts of the greater Bangkok area are already experiencing serious flooding, with the authorities warning that more of the city could be flooded in the coming days. Areas to the north of Bangkok such as the popular tourist destination of Ayutthaya, have experienced severe flooding.
Road and rail routes north of Bangkok have also been affected. There may be disruptions to local transport (taxi/bus) in the city itself. It is also possible that there could be disruptions to essential services, and to power, water and the delivery of food supplies.
Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport is operating normally but it is reported that all flights to and from the city's Don Muang Airport have been cancelled. Travellers should check with their tour operators and/or airline before travelling.
The Thai government has advised that floods could persist for some time. New Zealanders should follow the advice of local authorities on the flooding. Thai weather warnings in English can be found at the Thai Meteorological Department website, the Thailand Tourism website and updates are also available at the web-site of Thailand's 24/7 Emergency Operations Centre
Severe flooding continues across central, northern and north-eastern Thailand. There is a continued risk of mudslides and flash flooding in some areas.
Parts of the greater Bangkok area are already experiencing serious flooding, with the authorities warning that more of the city could be flooded in the coming days. Areas to the north of Bangkok such as the popular tourist destination of Ayutthaya, have experienced severe flooding.
Road and rail routes north of Bangkok have also been affected. There may be disruptions to local transport (taxi/bus) in the city itself. It is also possible that there could be disruptions to essential services, and to power, water and the delivery of food supplies.
Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport is operating normally but it is reported that all flights to and from the city's Don Muang Airport have been cancelled. Travellers should check with their tour operators and/or airline before travelling.
The Thai government has advised that floods could persist for some time. New Zealanders should follow the advice of local authorities on the flooding. Thai weather warnings in English can be found at the Thai Meteorological Department website, the Thailand Tourism website and updates are also available at the web-site of Thailand's 24/7 Emergency Operations Centre
KTMphil
Senior member
Cost of Thai floods greater than political unrest
Posted by:
CNN, Saga McFarland
(CNN) – The floods in Thailand may cost the country more than tumultuous political uprisings did last year, as officials revise GDP growth expectations and maintain interest rates.
The Thai economy is now expected to grow less than 3% this year, down from previous estimates that put growth at around 4%, according to the Governor of the Bank of Thailand, Prasarn Trairatvorakul. This translates into shrinking 1.1% in the fourth quarter from a year earlier, Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala told Reuters. Interest rates will remain unchanged at 3.5%, the first time rates were not increased since 2006.
In 2010, when “red shirt” antigovernment protesters clashed with the military in violent uprisings, the GDP grew 7.8%, according to an IMF report, despite concerns that the chaos would scare away tourists and investors.
While tourism is important to Thailand – accounting for about 7% of total economic output – manufacturing and agriculture are the most important sectors of the Thai economy, and both are bearing the brunt of floods.
The flooding in Bangkok has had severe consequences for industry, with many factories shut down due to flooding. Richard Han of Hana Microelectronics says the economic impact of the floods in Thailand may be greater than the impact of the March tsunami in Japan.
Western Digital Corporation, which supplies computer hardware to Hewlett-Packard and Dell, may be dealing with a drop of up to 40%, or $2.6 billion, in Thai exports this year, Industry Minister Wannarat Channukul told reporters.
Western Digital Chief Executive John Coyne called the flooding “a disaster of unprecedented scale,” according to the Wall Street Journal’s Marketwatch. Many shares of companies in the technology sector fell yesterday, with Dell falling 5.4%.
Sony, another company hard hit by the flooding, has been forced to postpone the launch of a new camera and headphones due to production suspension in two of its three factories in Thailand.
“Sony is shifting production to its Chonburi factory that normally makes car audio products, and aiming to start production as soon as possible,” said a Sony spokesperson, Yasuhiro Okada.
Automobile factories have also been affected, with Honda reporting stalled production in Thailand. Hoping to spare one of its motorcycle factories the same fate, Honda has enlisted 200 soldiers to build a levy around the Bangkok factory, Bloomberg
Posted by:
CNN, Saga McFarland
(CNN) – The floods in Thailand may cost the country more than tumultuous political uprisings did last year, as officials revise GDP growth expectations and maintain interest rates.
The Thai economy is now expected to grow less than 3% this year, down from previous estimates that put growth at around 4%, according to the Governor of the Bank of Thailand, Prasarn Trairatvorakul. This translates into shrinking 1.1% in the fourth quarter from a year earlier, Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala told Reuters. Interest rates will remain unchanged at 3.5%, the first time rates were not increased since 2006.
In 2010, when “red shirt” antigovernment protesters clashed with the military in violent uprisings, the GDP grew 7.8%, according to an IMF report, despite concerns that the chaos would scare away tourists and investors.
While tourism is important to Thailand – accounting for about 7% of total economic output – manufacturing and agriculture are the most important sectors of the Thai economy, and both are bearing the brunt of floods.
The flooding in Bangkok has had severe consequences for industry, with many factories shut down due to flooding. Richard Han of Hana Microelectronics says the economic impact of the floods in Thailand may be greater than the impact of the March tsunami in Japan.
Western Digital Corporation, which supplies computer hardware to Hewlett-Packard and Dell, may be dealing with a drop of up to 40%, or $2.6 billion, in Thai exports this year, Industry Minister Wannarat Channukul told reporters.
Western Digital Chief Executive John Coyne called the flooding “a disaster of unprecedented scale,” according to the Wall Street Journal’s Marketwatch. Many shares of companies in the technology sector fell yesterday, with Dell falling 5.4%.
Sony, another company hard hit by the flooding, has been forced to postpone the launch of a new camera and headphones due to production suspension in two of its three factories in Thailand.
“Sony is shifting production to its Chonburi factory that normally makes car audio products, and aiming to start production as soon as possible,” said a Sony spokesperson, Yasuhiro Okada.
Automobile factories have also been affected, with Honda reporting stalled production in Thailand. Hoping to spare one of its motorcycle factories the same fate, Honda has enlisted 200 soldiers to build a levy around the Bangkok factory, Bloomberg
Midnitemapper
Senior Member
Fantastic North East monsoon weather pattern (dry season).
However the effects of the rainy season persist. In a big way!
I tried booking Nok air into Don Mueang however it is closed the other option Air Asia flies into Souvannaphoum airport which is open.
The rail lines report.
Dear Customer.
North Eastern line schedule is usually fix but the line is not diret half to make around Chachoengsao province. This prolongs the trip.
Origin Bangkok schedule is usually .Destination being delayed by over 2 hours.
Warm Regards,
customer service
http://www.thairailticket.com
*Announcement 17th October 2011*
All the trains are cancelled due to heavy rain and flood in north region.
Effective 30th September 2011,Due to heavy rain and flood, the railway lines between Lop Buri and Nakhnon Sawan are affected. So all the trains in north region are cancelled.The passenger who have already booked the tickets online can cancelled their tickets and get their money at all railway station. Resumption in services will be announced later.
However the effects of the rainy season persist. In a big way!
I tried booking Nok air into Don Mueang however it is closed the other option Air Asia flies into Souvannaphoum airport which is open.
The rail lines report.
Dear Customer.
North Eastern line schedule is usually fix but the line is not diret half to make around Chachoengsao province. This prolongs the trip.
Origin Bangkok schedule is usually .Destination being delayed by over 2 hours.
Warm Regards,
customer service
http://www.thairailticket.com
*Announcement 17th October 2011*
All the trains are cancelled due to heavy rain and flood in north region.
Effective 30th September 2011,Due to heavy rain and flood, the railway lines between Lop Buri and Nakhnon Sawan are affected. So all the trains in north region are cancelled.The passenger who have already booked the tickets online can cancelled their tickets and get their money at all railway station. Resumption in services will be announced later.
LED Kev
Member
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2011
- Bikes
- Kawa Er6n & KLX 250
Here is the latest update I received today : not great for tourism!!
Thailand
Reviewed: 27 October 2011, 18:10 NZDT
Flooding in Thailand
We advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to the city of Bangkok and the 26 provinces in Thailand affected by flooding due to disruptions to transport and other services and sporadic food and water shortages. Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok is operating normally and our advice against all tourist and other non-essential travel does not apply to transit through Suvarnabhumi airport.
The flood affected provinces are: Sukhothai, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Pathumathani, Nonthaburi, Samutsakhon, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Srisaket, Roi-et, Surin, Mahasarakham, Kalasin, Chacheongsao, Nakhon Nayok and Prachinburi.
Heavy rainfall over and above that usually experienced during the monsoon season has caused severe flooding across central, northern and north-eastern Thailand. There is a continuing risk of mudslides and flash flooding and the possibility of disruption to essential services in flood affected areas.
The Thai Government has announced that government offices will close in all flood affected areas, including the city of Bangkok, from 27-31 October. As a result, some services may not be available during this period as the Thai authorities focus their efforts on the emergency response.
New Zealanders currently in Thailand are advised to monitor local news and weather reports closely and adhere to any instructions issued by the Thai authorities. You should contact your airline, tour operator, and insurance provider directly if your travel plans are disrupted.
- Airports
Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok remains open. It is possible the airport may be busier than usual given the closure of Don Muang airport (see below) and travellers are advised to check in early. Flights from Suvarnabhumi airport to elsewhere in Thailand continue to operate (i.e the resort destinations of Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Krabi, Koh Samui and Phuket). Don Muang airport in Bangkok closed on 25 October due to flooding. New Zealanders scheduled to travel through Don Muang airport are advised to contact their airline or travel agent directly to make alternative arrangements.
- Road and rail travel
Travel by road and rail, particularly to the north of Bangkok and in flooded areas has been disrupted due to flooding. Travel within Bangkok is also expected to be affected as streets become flooded. We recommend you follow the advice of the Thai authorities and adhere to any restrictions on travel to flood affected areas.
- Bangkok
Significant flooding is expected in Bangkok in coming days as flood waters from the north make their way through Bangkok's waterways towards the Gulf of Thailand. The flooding is likely to disrupt city transport systems, close tourist attractions and may affect electricity and water supplies and communication in certain areas. Due to high demand, shops and supermarkets in Bangkok are running short of bottled water, tinned food and other necessities. New Zealanders currently in Bangkok should follow the advice of their hotel or tour operator and the Thai authorities. Parts of the city may be unaffected by the flooding.
- Resort destinations of Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Krabi, Koh Samui and Phuket The resort destinations of Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Krabi, Koh Samui and Phuket are not currently affected by the flooding and are operating normally. We are not advising against travel to these destinations.
Thailand
Reviewed: 27 October 2011, 18:10 NZDT
Flooding in Thailand
We advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to the city of Bangkok and the 26 provinces in Thailand affected by flooding due to disruptions to transport and other services and sporadic food and water shortages. Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok is operating normally and our advice against all tourist and other non-essential travel does not apply to transit through Suvarnabhumi airport.
The flood affected provinces are: Sukhothai, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Pathumathani, Nonthaburi, Samutsakhon, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Srisaket, Roi-et, Surin, Mahasarakham, Kalasin, Chacheongsao, Nakhon Nayok and Prachinburi.
Heavy rainfall over and above that usually experienced during the monsoon season has caused severe flooding across central, northern and north-eastern Thailand. There is a continuing risk of mudslides and flash flooding and the possibility of disruption to essential services in flood affected areas.
The Thai Government has announced that government offices will close in all flood affected areas, including the city of Bangkok, from 27-31 October. As a result, some services may not be available during this period as the Thai authorities focus their efforts on the emergency response.
New Zealanders currently in Thailand are advised to monitor local news and weather reports closely and adhere to any instructions issued by the Thai authorities. You should contact your airline, tour operator, and insurance provider directly if your travel plans are disrupted.
- Airports
Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok remains open. It is possible the airport may be busier than usual given the closure of Don Muang airport (see below) and travellers are advised to check in early. Flights from Suvarnabhumi airport to elsewhere in Thailand continue to operate (i.e the resort destinations of Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Krabi, Koh Samui and Phuket). Don Muang airport in Bangkok closed on 25 October due to flooding. New Zealanders scheduled to travel through Don Muang airport are advised to contact their airline or travel agent directly to make alternative arrangements.
- Road and rail travel
Travel by road and rail, particularly to the north of Bangkok and in flooded areas has been disrupted due to flooding. Travel within Bangkok is also expected to be affected as streets become flooded. We recommend you follow the advice of the Thai authorities and adhere to any restrictions on travel to flood affected areas.
- Bangkok
Significant flooding is expected in Bangkok in coming days as flood waters from the north make their way through Bangkok's waterways towards the Gulf of Thailand. The flooding is likely to disrupt city transport systems, close tourist attractions and may affect electricity and water supplies and communication in certain areas. Due to high demand, shops and supermarkets in Bangkok are running short of bottled water, tinned food and other necessities. New Zealanders currently in Bangkok should follow the advice of their hotel or tour operator and the Thai authorities. Parts of the city may be unaffected by the flooding.
- Resort destinations of Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Krabi, Koh Samui and Phuket The resort destinations of Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Krabi, Koh Samui and Phuket are not currently affected by the flooding and are operating normally. We are not advising against travel to these destinations.
KTMphil
Senior member
Look like garbage might be an issue
KTMphil
Senior member
...
KTMphil
Senior member
The KTM dealer in Bangkok taking precautions against the floods - Great idea!
Ally
Well-known member
Get a load of this
http://www.google.org/crisisresponse/thailand-flood-2011.html Screen shot below
Open the map in a big window and use the on/off options to see the changes.
Ally
http://www.google.org/crisisresponse/thailand-flood-2011.html Screen shot below
Open the map in a big window and use the on/off options to see the changes.
Ally
Midnitemapper
Senior Member
KTMphil
Senior member
BobS said:
Bob- with 3 million septic tank vent tubes underwater in Bangkok, I'm not sure i'd test my water filter there without a UV tube and iodine first!
KTMphil
Senior member
The Chimplee, Taling Chan and Bang Lamat subdistricts of Taling Chan were declared "surveillance areas" yesterday after the Chao Phraya River reached a record high of 2.53 metres and some parts of the floodwall leaked.
"Evacuations may be ordered," Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said.
The permanent embankment stretching along most of the Chao Phraya in the capital stands just 2.5 metres high. The overflow reached Samsen Sois 21 and 23 and many more zones.
Besides the spillover from the swollen river, the capital has also been swamped by runoff from upstream provinces in several districts, including Sai Mai and Thawee Watthana.
On Saturday night, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) told Bangkok residents along the Lat Phrao, Bang Khen, Thanon, Bang Bua and Prem Prachakorn canals in Don Muang district to prepare to move to evacuation centres.
Already 10,343 flood victims are staying at BMA-run evacuation centres. Recently 10 were closed because floodwaters rose to a dangerous level. These 10 centres are schools in Thawee Watthana, Sai Mai, Khlong Sam Wa and Don Muang districts.
Sukhumbhand said almost all of Don Muang was now submerged.
"We're trying to solve the problem," he said.
The main problem was that there was nothing to block the water flowing down Paholyothin Road from the Rangsit Prayoonsak Canal.
"The BMA has already informed the Flood Relief Operations Centre about this many times," Sukhumbhand said in a thinly veiled attack on the body established by the central government.
Weera Wongsaengnak, chief of Water Management in the Disaster Zone, still saw a light at the end of the tunnel.
The inner city would remain under a serious threat of flooding only for three more days.
"The high tides peaked today and will continue to drop. If we can control the situation till Tuesday, Bangkok will be saved. After that, we just need to prevent the embankment and dykes from crumbling down," he said.
"There is no longer any big bulge of water. There is only the water that has already arrived. The water that has caused Thammasat and Rangsit to be flooded comes from the Prem Prachakorn Canal overflowing to the Chulalongkorn sluice gate. When there is sea intrusion, the water rises but only for three hours,'' he said.
The water on Asia Road and in Canals 1 and 9 was no longer rising.
However, authorities could assess the flood situation in Bangkok only after tomorrow.
The floodwaters in Don Muang and Sai Mai would be drained out on Friday or the following Tuesday when the tide would be at its lowest. The tide will peak again from November 12-13 but then there will be no monstrous mass of water meandering down from the north, he added.
Still, it remains to be seen how long the floodwall can stave off the massive runoff. Cracks have been reported almost daily.
The latest appeared on some spots of the embankment along the Phra Khanong Canal, flooding Phra Khanong district.
"We are trying to fix it," said Wiparat Chaiyanukij, director of the Khlong Toei District Office.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra called a meeting of agencies and ministers to discuss changes to the flood rehabilitation plan.
Yingluck posted a message on Facebook saying Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao phoned her to express his condolences to the Thai people and his confidence that the Thai government can overcome the disaster and enact a speedy rehabilitation.
KTMphil
Senior member
...
KTMphil
Senior member
... !!
KTMphil
Senior member
....
KTMphil
Senior member
All Bangkok districts to be flooded if Klong Sam Wa's sluice gate further opened: deputy governor
The Nation
Thirachon explained that the further draining of floodwater from Klong Sam Wan Canal into Saen Saeb Canal would cause the floodwater to overflow into roadside dishes and reach the inner Bangkok behind major flood embankments.
"If the government cannot control the protesters and if we are not cool down, the earlier announcement that 20 districts will be safe will have to be reevaluated. The situation will worse and all districts will be flooded," the deputy governor said.
"We will have to protect the area inside the embankments, that were initiated by His Majesty. If we can drain the water to Tha Chin, Chao Phraya and Bang Pakong, [inner] Bangkok will be safe."
The Nation
Thirachon explained that the further draining of floodwater from Klong Sam Wan Canal into Saen Saeb Canal would cause the floodwater to overflow into roadside dishes and reach the inner Bangkok behind major flood embankments.
"If the government cannot control the protesters and if we are not cool down, the earlier announcement that 20 districts will be safe will have to be reevaluated. The situation will worse and all districts will be flooded," the deputy governor said.
"We will have to protect the area inside the embankments, that were initiated by His Majesty. If we can drain the water to Tha Chin, Chao Phraya and Bang Pakong, [inner] Bangkok will be safe."
KTMphil
Senior member
Looking like power might be affected
BWG950S
Senior Member
Hydro Power?
AlexUSA
Senior Member
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2011
- Bikes
- XR280R, Dash 125 (supercup) , DT125
KTMphil
Senior member
Ready for deeper areas
KTMphil
Senior member
More closures, evacuation in Bangkok as waters enter; Govt dismisses health fears; Snake warning
Flood waters are creeping along major roads in northern Bangkok heading towards the inner city, with the lead influx on Phaholyothin Road reaching Major Ratchayothin mall complex. In the eastern run-off, the deluge is closing on Fashion Island on Ram Inthra Road.
Vibhavadi Hospital at the corner of the highway with the same name at the junction of Ngarmwongwan Road is under 80 centimetres of water and is considering temporary closure. It requested military trucks transfer a number of patients. A city bus terminus in front of Thai Public Broadcasting Service headquarters off the highway has moved away, prompting commuters to rely on a military truck service.
Residents in Sena Niwet housing estate are evacuating in the face of a fast-rising flood while the entire Kasetsart University campus is under water. Central Ram Inthra near Lak Si Intersection has closed indefinitely because of high flood levels, as has a National Housing Authority estate at the Kilometre 4 marker, which is submerged to chest level.
On the Thon Buri side, the underground car park of The Mall Bang Khae is flooded, forcing indefinite closure, while both the inbound and outbound lanes of Phetkasem Road from Sois 1 to 60 are inundated.
A major canal near Bang Chan Industrial Estate in eastern Bangkok is brimming, possibly as a result of leakage through partial demolition of the Klong Sam Wa sluice gate. Pheu Thai MP Wicharn Meenchainant, representing the district, later denied the leakage at this floodgate had anything to do with the Bang Chan estate being put at greater risk of flooding.
Residents near the Lor Lae Canal continue to worry about its swelling, and blame the leakage at Klong Sam Wa watergate, which connects to the canal. Officials manning pumps at the canal said the water was high and rising.
The director of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre, Bhichit Rattakul, said a new flood barrier made of jumbo-sized "big bags" would be erected at Rangsit Canal to prevent further inundation within the Don Mueang Airport compound. It could be dry within four days once the water is pumped out.
Each big bag weighs 2.5 tonnes and covers 1 metre. Big-bag walls consist of two types of material filling - gravel and sand. A quantity of big bags are set to be transported from inner Bangkok to Rangsit on a freight train. The 60-kilometre barrier is stretched along a railway track from Rangsit canal to Don Muang.
Science Minister Plodprasob Surassawadee said flooding on Bangkok's Thon Buri side should last 15-20 days, and commented that flooding in western Bangkok should be allowed, not resisted. "Why should we fight what cannot be fought?"
Flood waters are creeping along major roads in northern Bangkok heading towards the inner city, with the lead influx on Phaholyothin Road reaching Major Ratchayothin mall complex. In the eastern run-off, the deluge is closing on Fashion Island on Ram Inthra Road.
Vibhavadi Hospital at the corner of the highway with the same name at the junction of Ngarmwongwan Road is under 80 centimetres of water and is considering temporary closure. It requested military trucks transfer a number of patients. A city bus terminus in front of Thai Public Broadcasting Service headquarters off the highway has moved away, prompting commuters to rely on a military truck service.
Residents in Sena Niwet housing estate are evacuating in the face of a fast-rising flood while the entire Kasetsart University campus is under water. Central Ram Inthra near Lak Si Intersection has closed indefinitely because of high flood levels, as has a National Housing Authority estate at the Kilometre 4 marker, which is submerged to chest level.
On the Thon Buri side, the underground car park of The Mall Bang Khae is flooded, forcing indefinite closure, while both the inbound and outbound lanes of Phetkasem Road from Sois 1 to 60 are inundated.
A major canal near Bang Chan Industrial Estate in eastern Bangkok is brimming, possibly as a result of leakage through partial demolition of the Klong Sam Wa sluice gate. Pheu Thai MP Wicharn Meenchainant, representing the district, later denied the leakage at this floodgate had anything to do with the Bang Chan estate being put at greater risk of flooding.
Residents near the Lor Lae Canal continue to worry about its swelling, and blame the leakage at Klong Sam Wa watergate, which connects to the canal. Officials manning pumps at the canal said the water was high and rising.
The director of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre, Bhichit Rattakul, said a new flood barrier made of jumbo-sized "big bags" would be erected at Rangsit Canal to prevent further inundation within the Don Mueang Airport compound. It could be dry within four days once the water is pumped out.
Each big bag weighs 2.5 tonnes and covers 1 metre. Big-bag walls consist of two types of material filling - gravel and sand. A quantity of big bags are set to be transported from inner Bangkok to Rangsit on a freight train. The 60-kilometre barrier is stretched along a railway track from Rangsit canal to Don Muang.
Science Minister Plodprasob Surassawadee said flooding on Bangkok's Thon Buri side should last 15-20 days, and commented that flooding in western Bangkok should be allowed, not resisted. "Why should we fight what cannot be fought?"
KTMphil
Senior member
Kraitos ???? Wongsawan - owner of the Nakhon Chaisi racetrack "chillin out" at his track 57km west of Bangkok
mikehohman
Senior Member
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2011
- Bikes
- KLX250
Now here is the bike for floods...
KTMphil
Senior member
Might be good for Laos too Mike?
KTMphil
Senior member
One more of the Nakhon Chiasi racetrack
KTMphil
Senior member
An ocean of cancellations
Veena Thoopkrajae
The Nation
Millions of baht lost as floods hit Thailand's entertainment industry
Thailand's worst flooding in decades has affected every industry and the entertainment business is no exception. That old adage, the show must go on, doesn't apply in this case, especially now that Bangkok has also been hit by the floods and residents of several districts have been told to evacuate.
With many venues facing the uncertainty of flooding, almost all events scheduled until early December have either been cancelled or postponed.
The main concert venue Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani saw all its shows in late October as well as those in early November axed. The last foreign concert held there was "Yanni Live in Bangkok", with the multi-instrumentalist even pitching in to help with flood relief.
Shows scheduled for late November and those at venues outside flood-affected areas are still pending. Making matters worse is the fact that ticket holders may get only short notice of cancellation as local organisers wait for foreign promoters to call off the shows.
That was the case with the David Foster and Jason Mraz concerts - BEC-Tero Entertainment announced the cancellations only a couple of days ahead.
"I am truly disappointed that I can't perform for my fans in Thailand," Mraz said on Wednesday about his concert that was planned for tomorrow at Khao Yai National Park. "But your safety and security are more important and really matter to me. My thoughts are with you all. Stay safe. Stay strong. I am praying for my fans and the Thai people during this tough time. I promise I will come back to perform in Thailand soon."
As of publication time yesterday, BEC-Tero, which has lost millions of baht due to the floods, was still saying that next Tuesday's sold-out concert by X Japan will take place as scheduled at Impact Arena.
Saithip Montrikul Na Ayudhaya, CEO of GMM Media and managing director of A-Time Showbiz and A-Time Travellers, assesses her companies' losses at Bt10 million and rising.
"We have no confidence in the flood situation and people are hardly in the mood to be entertained," she says.
A-Time has postponed the Thammasat University concerts "Rewat Budhinan: Nong Rong Phleng Phi 15 Pee Thi Khid Thueng" to March 3 and 4 and "Wan and the Guitars" to March 24. "Sea Mix on the Beach", which was to be held at Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Pattaya on November 26, will now take place on February 25. A-Time Travellers is holding over 10 package tours.
Click Radio provisionally rescheduled the Krathing Dang Fat Fest at Bangkok University in Rangsit from this weekend to December 3 and 4 but says those dates are shaky even though the venue hasn't been flooded.
"It could be changed again because of the uncertainty of the information on the floods provided by the government and the inconveniences suffered by our audience in the weeks to come," says Pongnarin Ulice, the radio station's programming director.
"Fat Fest is our biggest event and we've already lost more than B1 million in advertising. The artist line-up will probably have to change too," says Pongnarin. "But the flood crisis is much bigger than our problem. We are much more concerned about the Thai people."
Theatre and classical music events have also been hit.
"See Phandin the Musical" at the Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre was going to start last month. It'll now be staged from November 16 to January 22.
The "King Naresuan" play set for the Thailand Cultural Centre from November 18 to 27 has been moved to December 15 to 25.
All events planned for this month at Mahidol University College of Music in Salaya are postponed indefinitely.
Although most cinemas, especially in central Bangkok, are operating normally, attendance is low and the film industry is having to adapt to conditions.
Producer Yongyoot Thongkongtoon of the GTH studio says that the postponement of films for which advertising and promotion has already been launched is not a good solution.
Yet a number of Thai films that haven't started advertising have postponed their premieres. Sahamongkol Film put off "The Melody" and "The Kick" to December 8 and 22 respectively.
Pen-ek Ratanaruang's hitman thriller "Headshot" was scheduled to open this week but will now make its Thai premiere on December 1.
The ninth World Film Festival of Bangkok has been postponed from November 4 to 13 until January 20 to 27.
The rescheduling will impact the film line-up but festival director Kriengsak "Victor" Silakong promises to maintain the programme as much as he can.
"It is inevitable that we have to shoulder the cost. Now we just hope that our guests will be available at that time especially our Lotus Award winner, Hungarian director Bela Tarr," Victor says.
Originally the festival planned to show around 80 films from more than 30 countries. The director says the selection will be pretty much the same, though there may be some screening conflicts.
"The highlights are still confirmed. Among them are the festival opener "I Carried You Home" by indie director Tongpong Chantarangkul and Rirkrit Tirivanija's "Lung Naew Visits His Neighbours".
Art and cultural exhibitions have also been called off either because the venues are directly affected by floods or the people involved in the events as well as visitors are expected to face flooding.
Many major venues have been closed. Museum Siam, which is near the Chao Phraya, shut its doors on October 12 and has yet to reopen. The National Museum, the National Gallery and the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre were closed over the special holiday. Now they're open but keeping a close eye on the water.
The private sector too is affected. Central Group cancelled its annual Flower Extravaganza set for next Wednesday.
And GMM Grammy's 1Sky has put off the November 11 launch of its set-top box. That will now take place sometime in January.
Perhaps Halloween night summed it up best. Normally a time for massive celebration, this year all Bangkok entertainment venues downplayed the event, aware that citizens are suffering from floods or fearing inundation. The run-off from the north and the high tides were in themselves spooky enough.
Veena Thoopkrajae
The Nation
Millions of baht lost as floods hit Thailand's entertainment industry
Thailand's worst flooding in decades has affected every industry and the entertainment business is no exception. That old adage, the show must go on, doesn't apply in this case, especially now that Bangkok has also been hit by the floods and residents of several districts have been told to evacuate.
With many venues facing the uncertainty of flooding, almost all events scheduled until early December have either been cancelled or postponed.
The main concert venue Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani saw all its shows in late October as well as those in early November axed. The last foreign concert held there was "Yanni Live in Bangkok", with the multi-instrumentalist even pitching in to help with flood relief.
Shows scheduled for late November and those at venues outside flood-affected areas are still pending. Making matters worse is the fact that ticket holders may get only short notice of cancellation as local organisers wait for foreign promoters to call off the shows.
That was the case with the David Foster and Jason Mraz concerts - BEC-Tero Entertainment announced the cancellations only a couple of days ahead.
"I am truly disappointed that I can't perform for my fans in Thailand," Mraz said on Wednesday about his concert that was planned for tomorrow at Khao Yai National Park. "But your safety and security are more important and really matter to me. My thoughts are with you all. Stay safe. Stay strong. I am praying for my fans and the Thai people during this tough time. I promise I will come back to perform in Thailand soon."
As of publication time yesterday, BEC-Tero, which has lost millions of baht due to the floods, was still saying that next Tuesday's sold-out concert by X Japan will take place as scheduled at Impact Arena.
Saithip Montrikul Na Ayudhaya, CEO of GMM Media and managing director of A-Time Showbiz and A-Time Travellers, assesses her companies' losses at Bt10 million and rising.
"We have no confidence in the flood situation and people are hardly in the mood to be entertained," she says.
A-Time has postponed the Thammasat University concerts "Rewat Budhinan: Nong Rong Phleng Phi 15 Pee Thi Khid Thueng" to March 3 and 4 and "Wan and the Guitars" to March 24. "Sea Mix on the Beach", which was to be held at Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Pattaya on November 26, will now take place on February 25. A-Time Travellers is holding over 10 package tours.
Click Radio provisionally rescheduled the Krathing Dang Fat Fest at Bangkok University in Rangsit from this weekend to December 3 and 4 but says those dates are shaky even though the venue hasn't been flooded.
"It could be changed again because of the uncertainty of the information on the floods provided by the government and the inconveniences suffered by our audience in the weeks to come," says Pongnarin Ulice, the radio station's programming director.
"Fat Fest is our biggest event and we've already lost more than B1 million in advertising. The artist line-up will probably have to change too," says Pongnarin. "But the flood crisis is much bigger than our problem. We are much more concerned about the Thai people."
Theatre and classical music events have also been hit.
"See Phandin the Musical" at the Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre was going to start last month. It'll now be staged from November 16 to January 22.
The "King Naresuan" play set for the Thailand Cultural Centre from November 18 to 27 has been moved to December 15 to 25.
All events planned for this month at Mahidol University College of Music in Salaya are postponed indefinitely.
Although most cinemas, especially in central Bangkok, are operating normally, attendance is low and the film industry is having to adapt to conditions.
Producer Yongyoot Thongkongtoon of the GTH studio says that the postponement of films for which advertising and promotion has already been launched is not a good solution.
Yet a number of Thai films that haven't started advertising have postponed their premieres. Sahamongkol Film put off "The Melody" and "The Kick" to December 8 and 22 respectively.
Pen-ek Ratanaruang's hitman thriller "Headshot" was scheduled to open this week but will now make its Thai premiere on December 1.
The ninth World Film Festival of Bangkok has been postponed from November 4 to 13 until January 20 to 27.
The rescheduling will impact the film line-up but festival director Kriengsak "Victor" Silakong promises to maintain the programme as much as he can.
"It is inevitable that we have to shoulder the cost. Now we just hope that our guests will be available at that time especially our Lotus Award winner, Hungarian director Bela Tarr," Victor says.
Originally the festival planned to show around 80 films from more than 30 countries. The director says the selection will be pretty much the same, though there may be some screening conflicts.
"The highlights are still confirmed. Among them are the festival opener "I Carried You Home" by indie director Tongpong Chantarangkul and Rirkrit Tirivanija's "Lung Naew Visits His Neighbours".
Art and cultural exhibitions have also been called off either because the venues are directly affected by floods or the people involved in the events as well as visitors are expected to face flooding.
Many major venues have been closed. Museum Siam, which is near the Chao Phraya, shut its doors on October 12 and has yet to reopen. The National Museum, the National Gallery and the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre were closed over the special holiday. Now they're open but keeping a close eye on the water.
The private sector too is affected. Central Group cancelled its annual Flower Extravaganza set for next Wednesday.
And GMM Grammy's 1Sky has put off the November 11 launch of its set-top box. That will now take place sometime in January.
Perhaps Halloween night summed it up best. Normally a time for massive celebration, this year all Bangkok entertainment venues downplayed the event, aware that citizens are suffering from floods or fearing inundation. The run-off from the north and the high tides were in themselves spooky enough.
KTMphil
Senior member
Bangkok Roads to Avoid
Flooding from Lardprao to Suthisarn has caused many roads to be impassable.
Ratchadapisek Road from Prachanukul intersection headed to Ratchayothin intersection is now impassable. Traffic is now redirected to Prachacheun Road instead.
The flooding on the 5-way Lardprao junction is making it difficult for small cars to pass so motorists should avoid the area.
Traffic is barred from both the inbound and outbound lanes of the Lardprao Road from Pawana intersection headed for the beginning of the road.
Traffic is barred from both the inbound and outbound lanes of the Suthisarn flyover and the outbound lane of Ratchadapisek Road headed for the Suthisarn-Ratchadapisek-Lardprao tunnel.
Small cars cannot pass through the outbound lane of Ramintra from the Bangkhen roundabout to Soi Maiyalarb with 80 centimeters of water. From Soi Maiyalarb to kilometer 8, the water level is at 30 centimeters so cars can still pass. The inbound lane from Soi Nualchan to Soi Maiyalarb is still passable.
Small vehicles cannot pass through Phaholyothin Road’s inbound and outbound lanes up until Thai Military Bank’s headquarters.
Small cars should avoid Ratchadapisek Road from Ratchavibha intersection to Ratchayothin junction and heading to the Ratchadapisek-Lardprao junction up until Chao Phraya Park Hotel. Motorists should also avoid the inbound Don Muang Tollway over Don Muang Airport as a traffic obstruction is being removed.
In the West, flooding is as high as 1.2 meters in front of Soi Petchkasem 33. Ratchapruek Road headed for Bangpai sees flooding at the footpath level.
Flooding from Lardprao to Suthisarn has caused many roads to be impassable.
Ratchadapisek Road from Prachanukul intersection headed to Ratchayothin intersection is now impassable. Traffic is now redirected to Prachacheun Road instead.
The flooding on the 5-way Lardprao junction is making it difficult for small cars to pass so motorists should avoid the area.
Traffic is barred from both the inbound and outbound lanes of the Lardprao Road from Pawana intersection headed for the beginning of the road.
Traffic is barred from both the inbound and outbound lanes of the Suthisarn flyover and the outbound lane of Ratchadapisek Road headed for the Suthisarn-Ratchadapisek-Lardprao tunnel.
Small cars cannot pass through the outbound lane of Ramintra from the Bangkhen roundabout to Soi Maiyalarb with 80 centimeters of water. From Soi Maiyalarb to kilometer 8, the water level is at 30 centimeters so cars can still pass. The inbound lane from Soi Nualchan to Soi Maiyalarb is still passable.
Small vehicles cannot pass through Phaholyothin Road’s inbound and outbound lanes up until Thai Military Bank’s headquarters.
Small cars should avoid Ratchadapisek Road from Ratchavibha intersection to Ratchayothin junction and heading to the Ratchadapisek-Lardprao junction up until Chao Phraya Park Hotel. Motorists should also avoid the inbound Don Muang Tollway over Don Muang Airport as a traffic obstruction is being removed.
In the West, flooding is as high as 1.2 meters in front of Soi Petchkasem 33. Ratchapruek Road headed for Bangpai sees flooding at the footpath level.
KTMphil
Senior member
....
KTMphil
Senior member
Flooding from Ha Yak Lat Phrao intersection has slowly advanced in on the city
BANGKOK, Nov 6 – Flooding from Ha Yak Lat Phrao intersection has slowly advanced in on the city while in its nearby areas, subway stations, the largest weekend market, and inter-provincial bus terminal are still open.
The run-off from the north creeps into the city, and this mass of water is predicted to possibly later reach the Victory Monument, which is a major transit point of the capital.
On Sunday, floodwater from Ha Yak Lat Phrao intersection was reported to arrive at Kamphaengphet junction in front of the Department of Land Transport on Phaholyothin Road.
Meanwhile, the subway stations, the Mo Chit 2 bus terminal and the famed Chatuchak Weekend Market in this affected area are still operating normally.
Ronnachit Yaemsaard, acting gorvernor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), said all 18 MRT stations provides services as usual but two stations - Ratchadapisek and Phaholyothin - are under close watch as floodwater near the stations keep rising by between one and two centimetres and have overflowed the first step of the MRT station entrance.
The subway commuters have reached 100,000 persons daily despite flooding, he said.
As flooding has expanding to the Chatuchak market, Thailand's largest weekend market covering areas of 70 rai, located not far from submerged Ha Yak Lat Phrao interesction, the market remained open on Sunday.
Chatuchak Market assistant-director Tinnakorn Rujinarong said although water has risen from drains in the market, opposite the Land Transport Department headquarters on Phaholyothin Road, the market was open today as water has been drained out of the market.
Mr Tinnakorn said the market however will assess the situation on a daily basis and, as of now, floodwater outside the market is as high as 50 centimetres but the visitors can enter the compound via Gate 1, 2 and 3.
Located nearby, the Month Chit 2 inter-provincial bus terminal to destinations in the North and the Northeast is operational as it is still dry despite some surrounding areas being flooded.
The Transport Company President Wuthichart Kanlayanamit said if the bus terminal is under 50 centimetres of water, the company may consider moving its bus services to another location. (MCOT online news)
BANGKOK, Nov 6 – Flooding from Ha Yak Lat Phrao intersection has slowly advanced in on the city while in its nearby areas, subway stations, the largest weekend market, and inter-provincial bus terminal are still open.
The run-off from the north creeps into the city, and this mass of water is predicted to possibly later reach the Victory Monument, which is a major transit point of the capital.
On Sunday, floodwater from Ha Yak Lat Phrao intersection was reported to arrive at Kamphaengphet junction in front of the Department of Land Transport on Phaholyothin Road.
Meanwhile, the subway stations, the Mo Chit 2 bus terminal and the famed Chatuchak Weekend Market in this affected area are still operating normally.
Ronnachit Yaemsaard, acting gorvernor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), said all 18 MRT stations provides services as usual but two stations - Ratchadapisek and Phaholyothin - are under close watch as floodwater near the stations keep rising by between one and two centimetres and have overflowed the first step of the MRT station entrance.
The subway commuters have reached 100,000 persons daily despite flooding, he said.
As flooding has expanding to the Chatuchak market, Thailand's largest weekend market covering areas of 70 rai, located not far from submerged Ha Yak Lat Phrao interesction, the market remained open on Sunday.
Chatuchak Market assistant-director Tinnakorn Rujinarong said although water has risen from drains in the market, opposite the Land Transport Department headquarters on Phaholyothin Road, the market was open today as water has been drained out of the market.
Mr Tinnakorn said the market however will assess the situation on a daily basis and, as of now, floodwater outside the market is as high as 50 centimetres but the visitors can enter the compound via Gate 1, 2 and 3.
Located nearby, the Month Chit 2 inter-provincial bus terminal to destinations in the North and the Northeast is operational as it is still dry despite some surrounding areas being flooded.
The Transport Company President Wuthichart Kanlayanamit said if the bus terminal is under 50 centimetres of water, the company may consider moving its bus services to another location. (MCOT online news)
mikehohman
Senior Member
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2011
- Bikes
- KLX250
Here some pix from this morning of the water coming into Bangkok along Ratchadapisek, Paholyothin, and Vipahvadee.
Bangkok Flooding, Morning Nov. 6th
Mike
Bangkok Flooding, Morning Nov. 6th
Mike
KTMphil
Senior member
mikehohman said:
Thanks for the photo link Mike, amazing to see
KTMphil
Senior member
Death toll tops 500 from Thailand floods
[img=float-left:2uir53iq]http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/111106095600-thailand-floods-shopping-lat-phrao-story-top.jpg[/img:2uir53iq]Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) -- The death toll from Thailand's worst flooding in half a century reached 506 Sunday as floodwaters inched toward downtown Bangkok, the interior ministry said.
By Sunday, authorities had ordered evacuations for residents in 11 of Bangkok's 50 districts.
As water crept closer to the city's central business area, Chaiwat Rattanawitthayapol shopped for water pumps and sandbags to protect his home.
"I don't know what the government is doing," he said. "They promised that water would be diverted to the east and west. ... Why is water coming closer and closer to central part? I don't see any improvement."
At the sprawling, 27-acre Chatuchak Weekend Market, only about 10 percent of booths were open. Some reduced prices to draw shoppers.
"There are a lot less people (who came) today. ... People are afraid of flooding," one shop owner told CNN.
Meanwhile, Arun Sricharoon, the market's director, kept a close eye on the approaching waters. A 2-foot (60-centimeter) wall around the market should help prevent flooding, he said.
"I think the wall is still able to handle the flood," he said. "But if water spills into the market, and if it affects the safety of shop owners, then we will announce the (market's) closure."
Across the country, the flooding -- now in its third month -- has affected 25 of Thailand's 64 provinces.
In the provinces of Nakhon Sawan and Ayutthaya, cleanup efforts were under way.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra visited Nakhon Sawan, which was inundated more than a month ago.
She vowed to continue government efforts to fight flooding, the MCOT news agency reported, and said the province would be a national model for rehabilitation.
Floods are an annual occurrence in the country but have been particularly acute this year, and some residents and analysts have criticized the government's response.
"Now the government is sending a mixed signal that the situation is fine, but the truth is it the situation far from over," political analyst Supong Limtanakul told CNN. "It is a slow suffocating death of Bangkok business area."
The city's main airport and two large industrial sites are also at risk, he said.
Supong said the government did not have enough resources to deal with floodwaters, noting that officials had recently asked the private sector for water pumps to help drain water out of Bangkok.
Bangkok's central business district was still dry, but other parts of the bustling metropolis of 12 million people were flooded.
Sukhumbhand Paribatra, Bangkok's governor, told MCOT that it may take up to two weeks to drain water out of Bangkok's main roads, and months to drain water from smaller roads.
[img=float-left:2uir53iq]http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/111106095600-thailand-floods-shopping-lat-phrao-story-top.jpg[/img:2uir53iq]Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) -- The death toll from Thailand's worst flooding in half a century reached 506 Sunday as floodwaters inched toward downtown Bangkok, the interior ministry said.
By Sunday, authorities had ordered evacuations for residents in 11 of Bangkok's 50 districts.
As water crept closer to the city's central business area, Chaiwat Rattanawitthayapol shopped for water pumps and sandbags to protect his home.
"I don't know what the government is doing," he said. "They promised that water would be diverted to the east and west. ... Why is water coming closer and closer to central part? I don't see any improvement."
At the sprawling, 27-acre Chatuchak Weekend Market, only about 10 percent of booths were open. Some reduced prices to draw shoppers.
"There are a lot less people (who came) today. ... People are afraid of flooding," one shop owner told CNN.
Meanwhile, Arun Sricharoon, the market's director, kept a close eye on the approaching waters. A 2-foot (60-centimeter) wall around the market should help prevent flooding, he said.
"I think the wall is still able to handle the flood," he said. "But if water spills into the market, and if it affects the safety of shop owners, then we will announce the (market's) closure."
Across the country, the flooding -- now in its third month -- has affected 25 of Thailand's 64 provinces.
In the provinces of Nakhon Sawan and Ayutthaya, cleanup efforts were under way.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra visited Nakhon Sawan, which was inundated more than a month ago.
She vowed to continue government efforts to fight flooding, the MCOT news agency reported, and said the province would be a national model for rehabilitation.
Floods are an annual occurrence in the country but have been particularly acute this year, and some residents and analysts have criticized the government's response.
"Now the government is sending a mixed signal that the situation is fine, but the truth is it the situation far from over," political analyst Supong Limtanakul told CNN. "It is a slow suffocating death of Bangkok business area."
The city's main airport and two large industrial sites are also at risk, he said.
Supong said the government did not have enough resources to deal with floodwaters, noting that officials had recently asked the private sector for water pumps to help drain water out of Bangkok.
Bangkok's central business district was still dry, but other parts of the bustling metropolis of 12 million people were flooded.
Sukhumbhand Paribatra, Bangkok's governor, told MCOT that it may take up to two weeks to drain water out of Bangkok's main roads, and months to drain water from smaller roads.
mikehohman
Senior Member
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2011
- Bikes
- KLX250
Team Green is out at Ratchadapisek, just north of Sutthisan, giving free rides. From Sunday evening, Nov. 6th, about 5:00 PM..
Mike
Mike
KTMphil
Senior member
[img=float-right:2dflyx4s]http://www.nationmultimedia.com/new/2011/11/07/national/images/30169356-01.jpg[/img:2dflyx4s]Chatuchak, Phasi Charoen, Nong Khaem, Nong Chok, Min Buri get orders; BMA gets more pumps
Chatuchak district in centralnorth Bangkok, Phasi Charoen and Nong Khaem districts in the capital's west and Nong Chok and Min Buri in the east yesterday joined the list of districts ordered to be evacuated by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
Chatuchak - which houses the headquarters of the new government Flood Relief Operations Centre (FROC) and the Mor Chit 2 bus terminal - is directly north of Victory Monument in Phaya Thai district and the Din Daeng expressway exit. Both landmarks are now under threat from the flood water, which yesterday spread farther down Phaholyothin Road and the VibhavadiRangsit highway.
In Nong Chok district, selected tambon at greatest risk of flooding were told to evacuate, with residents in the remaining areas advised to stay alert and prepare for immediate relocation, Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said at a press conference.
Eleven Bangkok districts have now been ordered to evacuate in full, including Phasi Charoen and Nong Khaem, along with the residents of the worstaffected parts of Nong Chok.
The flood water level at FROC inside the Energy Complex near the Lat Phrao intersection reached 20 cm, but the site is being continually drained. The compound is surrounded by an 80cmhigh flood barrier, and is on alert to evacuate in the event that the barriers break, but the government said it has no plan as yet to relocate FROC again.
Certain areas and tambon in Thon Buri, Lat Phrao and Min Buri districts have been placed under special observation to watch for flash floods.
Sukhumband yesterday thanked Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for removing bureaucratic red tape that had earlier prevented water pumps from being delivered to the BMA by skipping the usual multistep procedures, and for mediating in a dispute between the city authority and the Royal Irrigation Department. As a result, the BMA has been able to double the number of water pumps installed around the city to 24.
The governor said stagnant flood water was likely to remain in the city for a month barring further rain or deluges of runoff water. "All the BMA can do now is to heighten relief operations, as it is not possible to drain all the flood water out of the capital immediately," he said.
"But if more flood water arrives, the problem will remain with us," he added.
An entire section of Phaholyothin Road from the fiveway Lat Phrao intersection to the Saphan Khwai area is now fully inundated, while the flood water has spread eastward to Soi Lat Phrao 45, prompting closure of traffic from there to the Ratchadaphisek intersection. Motorists have been advised to avoid travelling on Ratchaphruek Road from Bang Waek canal to Phetkasem Road.
The military and business operators based in the Bang Chan industrial estate are working day and night to prevent flooding there, as water is leaking in through the compound wall from the swollen adjacent Lor Lae canal, while nearby Saen Saeb canal remains full to the brim. All factories in the compound remain open, but some have reduced their production level in preparation for possible evacuation of staff and machinery.
Around 30 per cent of military vehicles - most of them trucks - employed in floodrelief efforts have broken down due to constant use in badly flooded areas. Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha yesterday called on the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority to resume city bus services in minimally flooded areas or those that have been drained.
"City buses may also be used additionally with military trucks in areas that are badly - but not entirely - flooded, while the brokendown military trucks undergo repairs and maintenance," he said.
Transport Minister Sukampol Suwannathat said Route 340 from Taling Chan to Bang Bua Thong would be preserved as the main road to the South if flooding of Rama II Road cannot be prevented. The government has yet to make a final decision on a proposal that parts of Rama II be blown open by explosives to quickly drain flood water to estuaries in the area.
Yingluck earlier dispatched six FROCorganised caravans of relief supplies to residents stranded in flooded homes: three were sent to Bangkok areas and one each to Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Pathom. Along with relief supplies, medical and veterinary services, rafts and boats, mobile toilets and free repairs from volunteer mechanics were also provided.
FROC has initiated a policy of pairing 18 provinces that have been spared flooding with 18 inundated districts of Bangkok to provide food and assistance to those in need when requested. A plan is underway to set up a central kitchen in Bangkok to continually provide freshly cooked meals to floodaffected residents.
The Public Health Ministry said it had opened 776 shelters capable of accommodating 188,000 evacuees.
Chatuchak district in centralnorth Bangkok, Phasi Charoen and Nong Khaem districts in the capital's west and Nong Chok and Min Buri in the east yesterday joined the list of districts ordered to be evacuated by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
Chatuchak - which houses the headquarters of the new government Flood Relief Operations Centre (FROC) and the Mor Chit 2 bus terminal - is directly north of Victory Monument in Phaya Thai district and the Din Daeng expressway exit. Both landmarks are now under threat from the flood water, which yesterday spread farther down Phaholyothin Road and the VibhavadiRangsit highway.
In Nong Chok district, selected tambon at greatest risk of flooding were told to evacuate, with residents in the remaining areas advised to stay alert and prepare for immediate relocation, Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said at a press conference.
Eleven Bangkok districts have now been ordered to evacuate in full, including Phasi Charoen and Nong Khaem, along with the residents of the worstaffected parts of Nong Chok.
The flood water level at FROC inside the Energy Complex near the Lat Phrao intersection reached 20 cm, but the site is being continually drained. The compound is surrounded by an 80cmhigh flood barrier, and is on alert to evacuate in the event that the barriers break, but the government said it has no plan as yet to relocate FROC again.
Certain areas and tambon in Thon Buri, Lat Phrao and Min Buri districts have been placed under special observation to watch for flash floods.
Sukhumband yesterday thanked Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for removing bureaucratic red tape that had earlier prevented water pumps from being delivered to the BMA by skipping the usual multistep procedures, and for mediating in a dispute between the city authority and the Royal Irrigation Department. As a result, the BMA has been able to double the number of water pumps installed around the city to 24.
The governor said stagnant flood water was likely to remain in the city for a month barring further rain or deluges of runoff water. "All the BMA can do now is to heighten relief operations, as it is not possible to drain all the flood water out of the capital immediately," he said.
"But if more flood water arrives, the problem will remain with us," he added.
An entire section of Phaholyothin Road from the fiveway Lat Phrao intersection to the Saphan Khwai area is now fully inundated, while the flood water has spread eastward to Soi Lat Phrao 45, prompting closure of traffic from there to the Ratchadaphisek intersection. Motorists have been advised to avoid travelling on Ratchaphruek Road from Bang Waek canal to Phetkasem Road.
The military and business operators based in the Bang Chan industrial estate are working day and night to prevent flooding there, as water is leaking in through the compound wall from the swollen adjacent Lor Lae canal, while nearby Saen Saeb canal remains full to the brim. All factories in the compound remain open, but some have reduced their production level in preparation for possible evacuation of staff and machinery.
Around 30 per cent of military vehicles - most of them trucks - employed in floodrelief efforts have broken down due to constant use in badly flooded areas. Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha yesterday called on the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority to resume city bus services in minimally flooded areas or those that have been drained.
"City buses may also be used additionally with military trucks in areas that are badly - but not entirely - flooded, while the brokendown military trucks undergo repairs and maintenance," he said.
Transport Minister Sukampol Suwannathat said Route 340 from Taling Chan to Bang Bua Thong would be preserved as the main road to the South if flooding of Rama II Road cannot be prevented. The government has yet to make a final decision on a proposal that parts of Rama II be blown open by explosives to quickly drain flood water to estuaries in the area.
Yingluck earlier dispatched six FROCorganised caravans of relief supplies to residents stranded in flooded homes: three were sent to Bangkok areas and one each to Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Pathom. Along with relief supplies, medical and veterinary services, rafts and boats, mobile toilets and free repairs from volunteer mechanics were also provided.
FROC has initiated a policy of pairing 18 provinces that have been spared flooding with 18 inundated districts of Bangkok to provide food and assistance to those in need when requested. A plan is underway to set up a central kitchen in Bangkok to continually provide freshly cooked meals to floodaffected residents.
The Public Health Ministry said it had opened 776 shelters capable of accommodating 188,000 evacuees.
Steve Canyon
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2011
- Bikes
- SMT990
Reminds me of Mad Max...
Great shot..
Great shot..
