My Trek to Ayutthaya

[Kapilvastu]

Thanks for a good story and great pictures. You say that the last part of the trip was made in a military cargo carrier , So, I assume that this would not be available for the general curious traveler. I would like to go up to take pictures, if it were possible.

[Boon Mee]

^
Not really. Got some good friends in Baan Pahan, a suberb of Ayuttaya who live near the Lop Buri River. Two story home totally flooded out and they have lots of $$$.

[Stumpy]

Thanks for a good story and great pictures. You say that the last part of the trip was made in a military cargo carrier , So, I assume that this would not be available for the general curious traveler. I would like to go up to take pictures, if it were possible.

We were granted the ride as my GF sister was in need of supplies. My Gf did all the talking. I doubt money buys you much these days, everybody is desperate at this point.

[Stumpy]

Made trek back their yesterday. Firstly Rangsit is a mess and far more UGLY as it is a some what a metropolitan area so there is raw sewage and garbage floating everywhere. The sewer systems have failed. Be cautious if you have to do any wading. It was very warm out, not a cloud in the sky.

As for Ayutthaya the water level is the same or a bit higher in a few places. I did see areas where the water had receded but overall its an unchanged situation. It has not rained in 3 days. The water in certain areas is starting to smell now as it is stagnating. This will become a problem in the coming weeks/months.

Garbage collection is also becoming an issue so I got a few to burn it. Burning it stops many bacteria from developing, keeps bugs down and actually makes better fertilizer later. I was setting up GF's Sis with a drum and the neighbors came and watched and then they set up 55 gal drums in certain corners for people to drop in. I told them to burn at end of day. So there are teams monitoring it.

The water is still at levels requiring boats to get most places in downtown. I absolutely have to give it to the Thai folks. They are so friendly and resourceful. Folks made platoons on plastic drums and made mobile floating restaurants. It was cool. There really is no shortage of food and the military is bringing water every day. All the people are extremely friendly in spite of the current situation and knowing not much will change over the next 4 to 6 weeks. Most worked in the high tech park nearby and they are all out of work. So its a stay close, relax, talk and spend time with family. There are still a lot of people sleeping on overpasses and U turns along the highway. Some have left into BKK or found other living arrangements.

My Gf and I are staying at our condo in Pin Klao for the next few weeks and have seen no flooding as of yet. It was very strange. The complex we rent a room is off the main road a bit and not very noticeable. It has 240 rooms and for most Thai's is a bit pricey. As of Friday there were about 134 rooms rented, today (Monday) it is all rented out. It was overwhelming to come back here and not have any parking anywhere, it is utterly jammed. Fortunately I moved my GF's car and my Moto to the 3rd floor parking before we left as a precaution. Thank God I did. Elevators rides are a long process now and the lobby is always packed with people talking and not sure where to go or what to do. My GF and I were shocked. GREAT business uptick for the owner.

As for going, you can get to Ayutthaya. We caught van from Victory Monument to Rangsit. It is very jammed there so be patient. The toll road is a parking lot so it is a MCF to get by. The van will let you off by the Asian Olympic park. Catch a bus or van to Tesco in Ayutthaya. From there you catch what ever form of transpo comes by. We hopped a Tractor Trailer deal and rode between the cab and the trailer. Was a fun ride. Almost every one stops to pick up folks in need of a ride. Just wave your hand. To go into the heart of Ayutthaya will be by boat only. There are those available too.

I took some pics but did not post, pretty much seen them all.

[Boon Mee]

Good stuff there, JP.

There have been reports of volunteers from Suphan going to other Provinces and being turned away. Been told that

"We don't want your food or help".

That part of Thai 'character' is not so nice to see...

[Stumpy]

Good stuff there, JP.

There have been reports of volunteers from Suphan going to other Provinces and being turned away. Been told that

"We don't want your food or help".

That part of Thai 'character' is not so nice to see...

Boon Mee,
I have heard that support services were turned away but the ones I personally witnessed was more "Go help others that are really in need" not a "Get out of here". In fact a truck dropping off bottled water was asked to go further North where the supply was lower. It could be an interpretation deal as well. Not certain.

All in all great cooperation. I do not see tempers flaring. definitely a calm work together environment. I saw a lot more smiles on this trip.