Ratchada

[can123]

Is anybody able to give an update of the position relating to flooding at Ratchada, please ? I understand that this is quite an upmarket area of Bangkok and it has been suggested that it might be an area which is better protected fron the water than many others.

Also, what is happening to the Underground in Bangkok now ? Is any of it running and is it likely to suffer serious damage in consequence of the floods ?

Thanks

[voracious]

I'm staying on Ratchada right now and it's fine. It's dry, but some of the MRT entrances have been closed and shuttered (roughly 1 in 4), presumably so they can more quickly button everything up should flood waters rise. Traffic is normal for 9:30 in the morning, although I'd say noticeably lighter than two days ago. I have gone from here to Chinatown and out to Sukhimvit to the malls yesterday and they are fine as well....at the moment.

[voracious]

Oh, and I rode the underground yesterday. No problem on it at all, but when the floods get here I'd not want to be on it, that's for sure.

I realize it's hard to sort through the media. I watched a BBC report on it last week and they purposely left out small details (like making clear it was Don Muang that closed and not Suvarnabhumi) for whatever reason.

Richard Barrow's blog has good daily information on the state of flooding and thaiflood.com is ok, though I find that the maps, though colorful are not so useful.

If you look at the google thai flood map, you'll see that the Ratchada area is smack dab in the middle of the dry spot in the middle of Bangkok.

I'm debating whether to take a chance and stay or bail out and head off to Pattaya or somewhere without problems.

[Bobcock]

I travel the length of Ratchada every day, dry as a bone this morning.

I does tend to flood very easily near the Chao Phraya Park Hotel.

[can123]

Thank you for the replies. I believe that the Prime Minister lives there.

[Bobcock]

It's a 10km mile road at the part you are referring to, however many parts of what is loosely a ring-road are called Ratchada.

She must have a fucking big house.

Actually I thought she lived in the Ram Inthra area?

[can123]

Apparently she lives about 500 metres from my mate and he lives and works in Ratchada.

[Bobcock]

Nope, I've checked, she lives in Soi Yothin Pattana just off the Ram Inthra - Ekkamai expressway. Not Ratchada at all.

[jizzybloke]

It's a 10km mile road

Which is it BC km or mile?

from my mate

Your mate is telling you porkies!

[Bobcock]

You know what? I'm not sure, 10 of those things that are measured on the taxi meter