Bangkok Floods, 18th November, 2011-Six injured in explosion at floodwall

Bangkok Post : Six injured in explosion at floodwall

Six injured in explosion at floodwall

Khlong Hok Wa barrier row erupts into violence

• Published: 18/11/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Six people have been injured by an explosive device thrown into a large crowd who were trying a fix a breach in a sandbag flood barrier in Bangkok's Sai Mai district last night.

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Don Mueang airport remains under deep water. SURAPOL PROMSAKA NA SAKOLNAKORN

The blast followed a dispute over the sandbag flood barrier at the lower line of Khlong Hok Wa in the district.

Police found debris of what appeared to be a brick attached to gunpowder. The package was thrown onto the bridge across the canal where around 100 residents were trying to close a 70m-wide gap in the barrier.

Police said the incident was aimed at stirring up a confrontation between residents on both sides of the flood barrier.

Crowd-control police from the Metropolitan Police Division 2 were deployed to beef up security.

The 70m-wide gap was created in the morning when about 300 Pathum Thani residents dismantled a stretch of the sandbag flood barrier at the lower line of Khlong Hok Wa.

The breach caused more floodwater to surge into Sai Mai district.

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Workers are towing away vehicles parked on the tollway to escape the floods. RATTASEEMA PONGSAN

Ratchapol Boonrod, deputy district chief of Sai Mai, said residents from tambon Lat Sawai of Pathum Thani's Lam Luk Ka district removed sandbags from the flood barrier.

The level of floodwater in Sai Mai district then rose rapidly from the previous 20cm to between 30cm and 40cm.

The Khlong Hok Wa flood barrier is one of the two major barriers that block floodwater in Pathum Thani from surging into the northern part of Bangkok. The other barrier is in tambon Lak Hok of Pathum Thani, which connects to Bangkok's Don Muang district.

The residents demanded that the entire length of the Khlong Hok Wa flood wall be made to serve as a weir, that the sluice gate at Khlong Phraya Suren be raised higher to 1m, and that they be paid more flood compensation.

Sanya Cheenimitr, director of City Hall's Drainage and Sewerage department, arrived at the scene and negotiated with the angry residents.

After hours of talks, Mr Sanya bowed to their demands and ordered the Khlong Phraya Suren sluice gate to be lifted to 1m, prompting fierce protests by downstream Sai Mai district residents.

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra yesterday said the damaged sandbag barrier and the widening of Phraya Suren sluice gate would cause about 4 million cu/m per day of floodwater to flow into Bangkok.

The affected areas include Sai Mai, Ram Intra and Bangchan Industrial Estate in Min Buri district, he said.

Anond Snidvongs, an academic for the Flood Relief Operation Command (Froc), said yesterday the raising of the Khlong Phraya Suren sluice gate as demanded by the Lam Luk Ka protesters would not help lower the flood levels in Pathum Thani. Instead, it would cause more floodwater to flow into Khlong Bang Chan in Min Buri district.

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A man rests near Sakhon Kasem intersection where Phetkasem Road meets Phuttha Sakhon Road. Some flood victims have taken refuge by the roadside. PATTANAPONG HIRUNARD

Bang Kapi, Wang Thong Lang districts and areas of Min Buri near the Suan Siam amusement park would be affected, Mr Anond said.

Meanwhile, an agreement was reached yesterday between residents affected by the big bag flood barrier erected across Phahon Yothin Road and the Flood Relief Operations Command (Froc).

It has been agreed that a 5m-wide gap be created in the barrier. Froc officials did not believe the gap would raise the floodwater levels on Phahon Yothin Road.

On Wednesday, about 200 residents of housing estates along the main road removed some of the bags on top of the barrier near the air force base, unleashing torrents of water through a 3.5m gap after the Froc rejected their demand that an opening of at least 10m be made in the barrier.

The incident took place at the Directorate of Air Operation Control intersection in Lam Luk Ka district of Pathum Thani province.

MR Sukhumbhand said the gap would send about 400,000 cu/m per day into the Khlong Song and Don Muang areas. The additional water would cause about a 20cm rise in the water level on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road and Don Mueang airport.

Mr Anond said it was estimated that between one million and 1.5 million cu/m of water a day will pass through the 5m-wide gap in the big bag wall on Phahon Yothin, although City Hall's drainage system should be able to cope with the inflow.

Froc deputy spokesman Pongsapat Pongcharoen said City Hall's Department of Drainage and Sewerage would monitor the water level hourly for the first 48 hours to determine whether outflows could keep up with inflows.

If the areas inside the barrier could not handle the excess water, the gaps would then be converted into weirs, Pol Gen Pongsapat said.

He added that there might be special consideration about increasing compensation for people who are outside of the barrier. Once discussions are complete the proposal would be submitted to the flood relief committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat yesterday said the plan to salvage Don Mueang airport would have to wait until the floodwater in the airport area recedes, which is estimated by the end of the month.

A 2km-long sangbag wall would be erected along Vibhavadi Rangsit outside the airport. When the water outside the barrier recedes, what remains inside the airport would be drained into the surrounding canal network, he said.

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Hairdressers from Niranrat Hairdressing and Dressmaking School give a free haircut to people at the flood shelter in the Sports Science Centre at Hua Mak yesterday. SOMCHAI POOMLARD

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A man lifts his girlfriend to keep her away from floodwater near the mouth of Phahon Yothin Soi 48. SURAPOL PROMSAKA NA SAKOLNAKORN

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Riot police in waders line up along the lower stretches of Khlong Hok Wa in Pathum Thani. They were deployed to keep the peace after residents dismantled the barrier causing floodwater to surge into Bangkok’s Sai Mai district yesterday. APICHIT JINAKUL

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A truck from Omnoi municipality in Samut Sakhon sprays effective micro-organism (EM) liquid in the floodwater on Phetkasem Road, which has turned putrid. PATTANAPONG HIRUNARD

Thailand Floods Pictures November 17th - Monsters and Critics

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Thai residents walk on a temporary elevated pathway across a flooded major highway in Bangkok, Thailand, 17 November 2011. The worst flooding in five decades has claimed over 500 lives and caused billions of dollars in damages industrial manufacturing plants, much of it foreign-owned and tourist sites shaving at least one per cent off the country's economic growth. EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT

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A Thai resident wades through floodwaters at Don Mueang district in Bangkok, Thailand, 17 November 2011. The worst flooding in five decades has claimed over 500 lives and caused billions of dollars in damages industrial manufacturing plants, much of it foreign-owned and tourist sites shaving at least one per cent off the country's economic growth. EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT

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Stranded Thai residents wait for transportation at a flooded major road in Bangkok, Thailand, 17 November 2011. The worst flooding in five decades has claimed over 500 lives and caused billions of dollars in damages industrial manufacturing plants, much of it foreign-owned and tourist sites shaving at least one per cent off the country's economic growth. EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT

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Thai residents transport by boat passes portrait of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej on a major road near an Air Force base in Bangkok, Thailand, 17 November 2011. The worst flooding in five decades has claimed over 500 lives and caused billions of dollars in damages industrial manufacturing plants, much of it foreign-owned and tourist sites shaving at least one per cent off the country's economic growth. EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT

Bangkok Post : Samae Dam residents flee

Samae Dam residents flee

Water still rising in Bang Khun Thian

• Published: 18/11/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration yesterday declared more evacuation areas in Samae Dam sub-district of Bang Khunthian district as floodwaters continued to rise rapidly on the Thon Buri side of the capital.

The new areas included Bang Khun Thian Road from the intersection with Rama II Road to Wong Wian Yai-Mahachai railway and various sois off Bang Khunthian Road.

The BMA's announcement said water was rising steadily and rapidly in Bang Khunthian district.

Residents were advised to evacuate as soon as possible to a shelter provided by the BMA and to move their belongings to higher places.

Somchai Traipittayakul, deputy chief of Bang Khunthian district, said 3,000 to 4,000 households were being evacuated to shelters at schools and the Bang Khunthian youth centre.

Mr Somchai said the level of floodwater on Bang Khunthian Road rose to between 20cm and 30cm yesterday. On the inbound lane of Rama II, floodwater began to burst through manholes along the road. Mr Somchai said water at the Thon Buri 3 housing estate on Rama II Soi 62 was between 30cm and 40cm deep.

Rama II Soi 82 was under 15cm to 20cm of water while the floodwater at Rama II Soi 92 was 15cm deep.

However, Rama II Road was still serviceable, Mr Somchai said, adding that efforts are being made to dredge Khlong Rang Kaew, Khlong Lat Lamphu and Khlong Si Baht to speed up the flow of water.

Rising floodwater in Bang Khunthian district prompted about 100 residents from Rama II Soi 69 to blockade the road in front of Tesco Lotus on Rama II Road at 8pm yesterday. They demanded City Hall speed up water drainage from their soi.

Meanwhile, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) yesterday said 96 more water pumps have been deployed to help drain floodwater from the west of Bangkok into the Tha Chin River.

The RID said that when the flooding in eastern Bangkok begins to ease, water pumps in the area will be moved to improve drainage on the west side.

The RID said 18 water-pushing devices have been installed in canals in the west to help drive water into the sea more quickly and 37 water-pushing devices deployed at the Tha Chin River to speed the water flow into the sea.

Thailand Floods Pictures November 17th - Monsters and Critics

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Thai residents walk on a temporary elevated pathway across a flooded major highway in Bangkok, Thailand, 17 November 2011. EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT

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Thai police officers take position next to angry residents demonstrate on boat calling to remove sandbags flood barrier on Phahon Yothin road near Air Force base in Bangkok, Thailand, 17 November 2011. EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT

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Angry Thai residents throw floodwaters to police officers during a protest calling to remove sandbags flood barrier on Phahon Yothin road near Air Force base in Bangkok, Thailand, 17 November 2011.

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Angry Thai residents demolish the sandbags flood barrier on Phahon Yothin road near the Air Force base in Bangkok, Thailand, 17 November 2011.

From pestles to battleships

From pestles to battleships

Faced with shortages at supermarkets, Bangkokians are turning to local stores and wet markets

• Published: 18/11/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: Life

On a regular shopping day, where do you get your groceries, at a malodorous wet market or an air-conditioned supermarket?

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Weekends or weekdays, rain or sun, dry or flooded, wet markets and local general stores always cater to their communities. ANUSORN SAKSEREE

How about buying household necessities like toiletries and laundry goods, do you patronise a small general store at the mouth of the soi or a multi-level hypermarket?

And what if you need to do some home improvements, will you check out a local hardware joint or drive to a big-brand retailer with aisles of tools and building materials systematically laid out?
Seven out of 10 people will pick the latter option for all three questions.

Thanks to their attractive environment and immense variety of goods, today more than half the city population frequents modern retail facilities for almost all their household requirements. Compared to old-fashioned community vendors, which are now facing the last breath of fortune, modern stores are perceived as more inviting, more comprehensive and, most importantly, more dependable.

Over the past few weeks, urban dwellers, overwhelmed by the fear of flooding, have rushed to their usual retail outlets for bottled water, eggs, instant noodles, canned food, plastic sheets, glue, silicone putty and duct tape, only to be blithely told that such goods are out of stock.

Panic-stricken, they quickly shifted to other branches only to be greeted by empty shelf upon empty shelf. After checking out many supermarkets, superstores, hypermarkets and big-name hardware outlets, Bangkokians came to the sobering conclusion that the city was facing a serious shortage of food and consumer goods.

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With the mushrooming of airconditioned supermarkets and multi-level hypermarkets, local grocers may be facing their last opportunity.

Empty shelves at modern retail facilities may be giving the public a false alarm, however. The truth is, food _ fresh and preserved _ as well as drinking water are still plentiful at local fresh markets, while essential hardware items are always within reach at ubiquitous streetside hardware shops.

"Small community stores have helped me a great deal in this situation. Whereas I couldn't find plastic buckets, silicone and glue at [a big-brand home improvement outlet], I was able to get all of them right here at the ran cho huay [local general store] near my house. And, let me tell you, what you can't find at [a famous convenient store], you can find at your local shop. It may sound like idle talk but it's definitely the truth," said Suda Chaisanit, a middle-aged housewife from Sai Mai district.

Restaurateur Kanita Tungwarapojwitan has been through a similar situation. She said that when she heard the flood was approaching the downtown area, she and her partner quickly headed to a home improvement superstore to get building materials to protect their restaurant, only to find that they were out of stock.

''We began to panic and starting calling friends and family for help. But as we drove along Rama IV Road, we saw a small hardware shop and decided to make a stop. I couldn't believe that the quaint little shop had everything we needed whether it was putty, silicone guns or PVC pipes. Most impressively, they hadn't raised the prices.

''So from then on, I've put my trust in small traders. While a lot of people were complaining about the scarcity of instant noodles, I was able to get many boxes from a grocer in a wet market and give them to my employees. You should try going to Klong Toey or Asoke market and you'll find everything, '' Kanita said.

The restaurant owner also added that even though she understands that factors like logistics and manufacturing capacity at factories may have caused the current inventory failure at modern stores, deep down she was truly disappointed with the shopping facilities she had always relied on.

''I feel that modern retailers have failed to support us in the time we need them most. Instead, we can always rely on small shops that we've been taking for granted for years,'' she added.

Certainly, the flooding crisis has brought more customers to local shops. Yet, shopkeepers don't see this as a reason to be joyful. ''Our sales volume have increased dramatically since the flood. But I'm not happy because most customers seem very desperate and stressful,'' said Pornthip Tangjai, a grocer in the Sukhumvit area.

''Over these past weeks people came particularly for basics like rice, sugar, water and eggs. I always tell them to buy a little at a time so we have enough supplies for everybody. In a critical time like this, I don't think it's a good idea to overstock but to consume wisely and frugally so we don't generate more trash,'' she said.

Pornthip's grocery shop, established before she was born, has been a stable yet sometimes overlooked retailing resource in the community for more than 40 years. The relationship between shopkeepers and customers seems to be built solely on compassion and trust.

''We do our best to serve our customers. For example, today you may come looking for an item that we don't have, but tomorrow or the day after you will find the product available. Because we are a small trader, we don't have to go by contracts or shipping schedules with manufacturers or big trading agents. We can get merchandise from anywhere and at anytime we want. We might even sell our household belongings if the customer is in real need. Some might not have cash today but they can get what they want and pay later. They trust us to provide them with good products, so we trust them to settle payments too,'' said Pornthip.
Nusara Jirarattanatham, a local shopkeeper in Huay Khwang district, also offered some interesting thoughts.

''It's like an instinct that runs in the blood of cho huay shopkeepers. We must provide for our customers no matter what. If they ask for it, we have to do our best to have it in our store. At megastores manned by salaried employees, they don't care if one little product has run out of stock. But we do.''

Nusara said that in the past, hardware goods were the only things sold at her five-decade-old shop. But as more and more customers _ mostly construction workers _ came asking for items like flip flops, cooking utensils and toiletries, Nusara's mother quickly responded to their needs. Today, her one-unit shophouse store carries a bewildering selection_ everything from axes, hammers and electrician's tools to laundry powder, mosquito nets, mortars and kratip (bamboo containers for sticky rice).

''While a modern marketing class might teach you to better focus on one product, my mother, like other people of the old generation, believes that we should sell everything that's in demand. That's why my friends often joke that my shop has sakkabuea yan ruea rob [from pestles to battleships]. Indeed we have everything except the battleship,'' Nusara said with a smile.

She said that her family business has become so much busier with the flooding situation that she even dreamed about rubber boots, putty, duct tape and plastic sheets at night.

''Our shop opens every day, from 6:30am-8pm. Surprisingly, the busiest time of the day is early in the morning. We don't close on holidays because we know the customers need us no matter if it's a weekend or weekday, rain or shy, dry or flooded,'' said the young owner of the local hardware shop.

''It's obvious that small and musty village stores and sticky and slippery local markets that we had long forgotten are now coming to the rescue,'' said Suda, the housewife.

''Even though many markets have been flooded, their trading continues. Some are operating amid knee-level water _ with bus stops and motorcycle taxi pick-up points turned into boat piers,'' she added.

Meanwhile restaurateur Kanita, thoughtfully concluded, ''This has made me think about our future. If these local shops can't survive in today's capitalism, who's going to help us again in a future crisis?''

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Empty shelves at modern retail facilities may be giving the public a false alarm. The truth is, food and building materials are still plentiful at local shops.

Thailand Floods Pictures November 17th - Monsters and Critics

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Angry Thai residents demonstrate calling to remove sandbags flood barrier on Phahon Yothin road near Air Force base in Bangkok, Thailand, 17 November 2011

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Thai flood victims rest inside the evacuation center inside Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand, 17 November 2011.

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Angry Thai residents protest calling to remove sandbags flood barrier on Phahon Yothin road near Air Force base in Bangkok, Thailand, 17 November 2011.

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Angry Thai residents clash with police officers during a protest calling to remove the sandbag flood barrier on Phahon Yothin road near the Air Force base in Bangkok, Thailand, 17 November 2011.

14 roads tentatively open to traffic - The Nation

14 roads tentatively open to traffic

The Nation November 18, 2011 11:06 am
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The Metropolitan Police's Traffic Command reported yesterday that 14 Bangkok roads were unofficially reopened after flood waters subsided.

They were Phaholyothin Road to the Ratchayothin Intersection, VibhavadiRangsit Road to the Lat Phrao Intersection, RamIntra Road from Km 18, Lat Phrao Road, Ratchadaphisek Road to the RatchadaLat Phrao Intersection, Khamphaeng Phet Road, Ngam Wongwan Road from the Bang Khen to the Phong Phetch Intersection, Charan Sanitwong Road from Rama VII Bridge to Charan Sanitwong Soi 34, Somdet Phra Pinklao Road, Arun Amarin Road from Rama VIII Bridge to Arun Amarin Intersection, Rajavithi Road, Borommarajajonani Road to Buddha Monthon 2 Road, Ratchapreuk Road and the elevated highway to Taling Chan Police Station.

Vendors told to look out for stolen goods - The Nation

Vendors told to look out for stolen goods

The Nation November 18, 2011 11:06 am
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Police are looking out for thieves trying to sell valuables stolen from flooded houses to pawnshops and secondhand goods shops.

Shopkeepers noticing anyone trying to sell something cheaply or that does not look like it belongs to them should record the suspicious person's details and alert police, National Police spokesman Piya Uthayo said yesterday. Offenders could be charged with theft or possession of stolen goods.

The police chief and senior police would visit floodhit provinces and hand out relief kits in Nakhon Sawan on Wednesday and in Ayutthaya on Friday, he said.

Other Nation updates (their website was down until this morning). Click the links...

O-Net postponed to mid-February
The Ordinary National Educational Test (O-Net) has been postponed to February 15 for sixth graders and February 16-17 for ninth graders.

Hospital to hold rehab workshop
Manarom Hospital, located near Bangkok's Bang Na intersection, will host a workshop on postflood rehabilitation for Human Resource executives and officers on November 25 from 9am to midday.

Compensations will be paid on Dec 20
The Bt5,000 floodcompensation payments should start reaching 600,000 affected households in 30 Bangkok districts on December 20, Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said yesterday.

Setback for east Bangkok
New deluge as floodhit residents of Pathum Thani district damage sandbag barrier before talks with BMA Wider opening of canal sluice gate following demand by angry victims expected to inundate more areas in city

Some Bang Kunthien residents evacuated
While flood water is receding gradually elsewhere in the capital, the inundation level has increased in western Bangkok, where residents of part of Bang Khunthien district were evacuated yesterday.

TAN_Network TAN News Network

Vendors in Ayuthaya return to Hua Roh market after water recedes but only selling on roadsides, market still untidy after water down-FM100.5

Nat'l Disaster Warning Center: Bkk capable of draining 11 million CBM of water/day, current volume at 267 million CBM.

Special routes to be prepared at Kor Or Por Intersection to allow residents in Rangsit/LumLukka to travel into Bkk w/ ease.

National Disaster Warning to review flood water management to alleviate plights of locals living north of BigBag barrier.

Nonthaburi locals to gather at provincial hall noon asking for clarity on flood relief measures after being flooded for over a month-ThaiPBS

Traffic now passable at 5-way Lad Prao junction, Central Ladprao opens for business.

Opening of Phraya Suren sluice gate caused 5-50cm flooding (8AM) on Hathairaj-Sukhapiban Rd.

Need advice on how to gauge integrity of your home's electrical system after floods? Call Met Electricity Authority at 02-256-3222 or 1130

BigBag barrier continues to dominate headlines, gap at Phraya Suren could threaten Bang Chan Industrial Estate.

Tulip_Oum Tulip Naksompop

RT [at]MCOT_Eng: PM to explain post-flood plan to Japanese, US leaders, in bilateral talks on ASEAN summit sidelines, to restore confidence

Tomorrow (Nov 19) to be another negotiation at PrayaSurane sluice gate. FROC wants BMA to talk, BMA wants FROC to go talk.~[at]jomquan

Central LadPrao and Future Park Rungsit open today (Nov 18).RT [at]js100radio

7:23am water level in front of SaiMai hosp comes down to 17cm after Hokwa canal barrier fixed, was 60cm yesterday.~[at]ittipat_Rw

tukky_nt tukky_nt

BTS and MRT operate as normal from 6am-midnight; San Saeb boats run from Wat Sri Boonruang-Pratunam from 5.30am-8.30pm #ThaiPBS

8.30am:Ratchada-Lad Phrao intersection is dry(photo);Ratchayothin in front of SCB HQ remains flooding at40cm high #ch3 pic.twitter.com/DSlTokmn

8.30am: Floodwater on Phaholyothin outbound from Major cineplex is 40cm high, Kaset junction is 50cm #ch3 #thaifloodEng pic.twitter.com/CkH2ZI3g

Thai-ASEAN News Network

Public Health Ministry confident Thailand will not see disease spreading after water recedes

UPDATE : 18 November 2011

The Public Health Ministry is confident that Thailand will not see any spreading of diseases after the flood crisis eases while assuring that measures are up to World Health Organization (WHO) standards

Wittaya Buranasiri, Public Health minister expresses confidence in looking after flood affected victims in all areas focusing on environmental health, preventing plague and epidemic.

Next week tourist attractions and locations will be inspected to give confidence to tourists in visiting the country once the flooding situation improves especially focusing on health concerns and hygeine.

Khlong San Saeb rising higher after authorities open Phraya Suren sluice gate to one metre

Khlong San Saeb rising higher after authorities open Phraya Suren sluice gate to one metre

วันศุกร์ ที่ 18 พ.ย. 2554

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BANGKOK, Nov 18 -- Khlong San Saeb is rising higher after the Phraya Suren sluice gate was opened by one metre as demanded by Pathum Thani's Lam Luk Ka district residents.

A large volume of water from Khlong Hok Wa flowing into Khlong San Saeb caused a surge at Wat Sri Bun Rueang pier, but not as much at the Rama IX pumping station.

The canal’s higher water followed the opening of the Phraya Suren sluice gate as demanded by residents of Pathum Thani's Lam Luk Ka district.

Opening the gate will eventually bring higher water at Bangchan intersection and Bangchan Industrial Estate now faces being flooded.

However, the industrial estate has built a Big Bag embankment around its premises to prevent flooding.

Some 300 Pathum Thani residents dismantled a stretch of the sandbag flood barrier at the lower line of Khlong Hok Wa, trying to drain some water from their neighbourhood, located outside the barrier.

After the flood wall was partially pulled down for a 70 metre stretch of the 7km structure, water has again flooded Bangkok's Sai Mai district which was previously almost dry.

However, in the initial negotiation, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) agreed to open the Phraya Suren sluice gate to one metre high from 40cm as demanded by Lam Luk Ka residents, while Sai Mai residents later helped fix the broken sandbag barrier.

Residents of Lam Luk Ka and Sai Mai were scheduled to meet Saturday with Flood Relief Operations Centre (FROC) officials to resolve the problems.

Apart from demanding to lower the differential between the water levels inside and outside barrier to 40cm from 70cm, Lam Luk Ka residents also wanted the government to pay special flood compensation to the affected residents.

The Khlong Hok Wa flood wall is one of two major barriers blocking Pathum Thani floodwater from surging into northern Bangkok. The other barrier is in Pathum Thani’s Lak Hok district, which connects to Bangkok's Don Mueang district.

Meanwhile, the gap at the Big Bag wall at Don Meaung’s Directorate of Air Operations Control intersection has until now not impacted the water level of inner Bangkok. The water level at Khlong Bang Sue stayed at 45cm, lower from Thursday’s level by 5cm.

Water on Phahonyothin Road was declining to 15-20cm.

At Ratchayothin intersection, water was backed up to Major Cineplex Ratchayothin, but Kaset and Bang Khen intersections are still under 30cm water causing difficulty for small vehicles.

FROC on Thursday agreed to open two parts of the Big Bag barrier at the Directorate of Air Operations Control intersection in Don Mueang after talks with local residents affected by the flood wall erected across Phahon Yothin Road. (MCOT online news)

TAN_Network TAN News Network

Saimai officials were able to collect almost 100 license plates, can be picked up at Praya Surane sluice gate yfrog.com/gzv1fxtj

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StrontiumDog1 StrontiumDog

11.30 Chaeng Wattana 12, int. 1-4, water too high for cars+foul and mosquitoes everywhere bit.ly/uw8AAf #ThaiFloodEng RT [at]honeypompom

[at]js100radio [at]thapanee3miti นำ้ในซ.แจ้งวัฒนะ12แยก1-4 ยังสูง รถเล็ก-ปิคอัพผ่านไม่ได้ นำ้ขัง เน่าและยุงเยอะมาก [at]6.30 http://pic.twitter.com/PLgOISBP

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StrontiumDog1 StrontiumDog

10.30 Entrance to soi 69, Rama 2. Water ankle deep, but further along Rama 2 no flood bit.ly/us4LaP #ThaiFloodEng RT [at]Reporter_js8

10.30น. ปากซอยพระราม2ซอย69 น้ำท่วมระดับข้อเท้า ,ส่วนบนถ.พระราม2หลังลงทางด่วนขาออกมา ไม่มีน้ำท่วมขัง http://pic.twitter.com/5RuaC6Rz

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StrontiumDog1 StrontiumDog

10.48 Rama 2, on the way to Bang Kon Tian, raised walkway created, water waist deep bit.ly/tmCF1r #ThaiFloodEng RT [at]Reporter_js8

10.48น. ภาพพระราม2 กลางซอย69 ทางไปบางขุนเทียน ,ระดับน้ำเกือบเอว http://pic.twitter.com/3IH2vO6p

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TAN_Network TAN News Network

Bank of Thailand urges financial institutions to provide simple loan collection management for flood affected consumers via ThaiPBS

Water level at footpath in front of SCB park because the area is a basin shape. Small cars shouldn't pass via js100

Talingchan police: Car owners parked on Baromratchachonnani rd (right lane) move their cars immediately after accidents and theft found

BMA reports many canals are still over flowing, water from Salaya keep on coming into Thonburi area

FROC confirms to use negotiation process with flood affected locals along the Khlong Hokwa barrier to clear any misunderstandings

Traffic Police reports Paholyothin rd Kaset junction to Bangkane roundabout water high, small cars can't pass. Traffic Police reports Ratchadapisek rd Rachavibha brdge heading Ratchayothin water at foot path level via ThaiPBS

StrontiumDog1 StrontiumDog

12.05 Protesters close road, Mooban Prigotchati, Saphan Sung (excuse spelling) bit.ly/u6MYpU #ThaiFloodEng RT [at]nooaum

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StrontiumDog1 StrontiumDog

11.50 Pic-taking donations to Rama 2, Soi 69, army vehicles required due to water level bit.ly/s6JdYa #ThaiFloodEng RT [at]Reporter_js8

การนำของบริจาคเข้าไปด้านในพระราม2ซ.69ค่อนข้าง ลำบาก ต้องใช้รถกองทัพบก3คัน ,น้ำสูงเกือบท่วมล้อรถจีเอ็มซี http://pic.twitter.com/qQXSD8oY

https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif

StrontiumDog1 StrontiumDog

11.50ish Pic- Assumption Uni. Alumni distributing aid to people in boats, Rama 2, Soi 69 bit.ly/uxo7HJ #ThaiFloodEng RT [at]Reporter_js8

10.52น. ศิษย์เก่าอัสสัมฯ-จส.100 เริ่มแจกของใช้ส่วนตัวแก่สตรีและเด็ก ทั้งผ้าอนามัย และนมผง http://pic.twitter.com/Igqyg0xm

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TAN_Network TAN News Network

Transport min reveals water will not be drained out of Don Muang airport yet, fears flood could affect surrounding communities via ThaiPBS

Mooban Setthakit flooded for weeks now up to 1 meter. Dark, foul-smelled water and mosquitoes everywhere via ThaiReport_Bkk

BMTA provides bus no.114 free of charge along the Aor Tor Kor 3 to the Ladyao regional electricity authority to Bangkane during low waters

Irrigation Department pumps water from Rangsit Prayurasak canal to be released into Chao praya river

Food institution predicts if Samutsakorn is flooded, sea-food industry will be affected causing Bt18,000 Mn in damage per month via ThaiPBS

Thai-ASEAN News Network

BMA to Prepare Comprehensive Flood Rehabilitation Center in Bang Plad District

UPDATE : 18 November 2011

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has prepared to evacuate more than 3,000 households in Bang Khunthien District.

Meanwhile, an integrated flood rehabilitation center in Bang Plad District will be opened today, as the water-level there continues to decrease.

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra ordered people to evacuate from parts of Samae Dum subdistrict of Bang Khunthien, from Rama II Road Intersection to the railroad between Wongwien Yai and Mahachai, including the Soi along the Bang Khunthien Road, since a high volume of floodwater has begun to enter the area, causing the water level to rapidly increase.


Bang Khunthien District Assistant Director Somchai Tripittayakul said officials are currently preparing to evacuate more than 3,000 households from Bang Khunthien area, excluding alien workers from industrial factories.

Officials will be dispatched to the areas and monitor the situation closely.

In Bang Plad District, the water-level continues to decrease and is now at 20 centimeters.

Small vehicles can now pass the area. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, or BMA, is rushing to remedy the situation, while the Public Works Department will examine the areas in order to restore the roads and electricity.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Department and the District Office was responsible for waste management and cleaning the areas, as there were large amounts of waste in Bang Plad District, including household waste and old furniture, which residents had left at locations designated by the BMA.

All waste has been removed from the areas.

The BMA has prepared to open an integrated flood rehabilitation center in Bang Plad District by today, where flood victims can register to receive compensation.

Currently, 37 districts have been declared disaster zones.

The BMA estimates that more than 600,000 households have been affected.

In some districts, flood victims can now register to receive compensation at the centers provided.

The conditions set by the Cabinet for receiving a 5000-baht compensation for each household requires that the homes must have been affected by rapid flooding or have been flooded for more than seven days.

The documents needed to receive the compensation include an ID card and a copy of the House Registration Certificate.

However, if the documents have been destroyed by the flooding, the victims can inform the District Office for verification.

For renters, eyewitnesses are needed to prove verification of their lost documents.

The BMA will gather all documents and send them to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department by November 21.

Thai-ASEAN News Network

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Thai Airways Reduces Flight Planes due to Drop in Passengers

UPDATE : 18 November 2011

The Thai Airways International Public Company reduced the number of airplane flights after the passengers cancelled their travels during flooding.

Thai Airways International Public Company cut more than 500 domestic and international flights due to a dramatic drop in passengers who remain uncertain about the flood crisis.

In addition to flight reduction, Thai Airways will downsize its airplane in correlation with the numbers of passengers in each flight.


The company will assess the situation on a daily basis.

The company will make sure that any changes made has minimal affect on passengers and hopes the situation would return to normal in December.

The flood crisis will have an extensive impact on the company's income this year, pointing out that the company normally earns a large amount of profit during the high season period.

Thai Airways has already lost around 4.8 billion baht in the first nine months due to money exchange rate fluctuations and an increase of fuel prices.

Airport of Thailand Public Company or AOT Manging Director, Anirut Thanomkulabutra said that six international airports nationwide experienced a 9 percent drop in passenger numbers when compared to last October.

As for the Suvarnabhumi Airport, the number of passengers went down from 130,000 to 100,000, while the numbers of flight reduced by 100 from 900 to 800.

http://ftnnews.com/other-news/14568-...ng-update.html

Thailand Flooding update

Written by Ozgur Tore

Friday, 18 November 2011 01:32

Flood waters are receding in most of the affected areas of Thailand’s central provinces and several districts of greater Bangkok.

Central Bangkok was not affected by the flood. Almost all key tourist destinations and attractions throughout Thailand were not affected by the flood.

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Situation in Bangkok

In the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, the central part of the city where most tourists go was not affected by the flood. It is expected to remain dry. Flood water is receding in many districts of Bangkok. This includes the Chatuchak District, where Chatuchak Weekend Market is located. The market itself is not flooded.

Areas still flooded in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area include suburbs in the east and west, the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, and districts in the northern part of the city.

In central Bangkok, businesses, hotels, shops and tourist attractions are open as per normal in areas including:

Khao San Road, Ratchaprasong (Central World area), Phetchaburi Road, Sathorn, Ploenchit/ Chidlom, Siam Square / MBK/ Siam Paragon, Pratunam, Silom/ Surawongse, Rama I Road, Sukhumvit Road / The Emporium, Rama IV Road, Yaowarat ( Chinatown)

Tourists who want to check the latest conditions can call the TAT Information Line at 1672 or visit TAT’s official Web site for flood information: :: Thailand Tourism Update ::. Service operators can also provide additional information.

The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are operating normally. Taxis and tuk tuks are available as per normal. Some BMTA bus routes are still rerouted or suspended due to the flooding. Express boat services on the Chao Phraya River have also been suspended, as have most water-related tourist activities.

Transportation

Suvarnabhumi Airport:

Suvarnabhumi Airport, the main international gateway to Thailand, remains open and will not be affected by the flood. Suvarnabhumi Airport is the main connector for international arrivals to domestic flights serving tourist destinations throughout Thailand such as Phuket, Chiang Mai and Surat Thani. Domestic flights are operating as per normal between Suvarnabhumi Airport and other airports in Thailand.

Transportation to and from the airport into central Bangkok including taxis, buses and the Airport Rail Link are operating normally. Highways from the airport to tourist destinations southeast of Bangkok such as Pattaya, Rayong and Ko Chang are open.

The two domestic airlines normally based at Don Mueang Airport, which is still closed due to flooding, continue operating from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

State Railway of Thailand and inter-provincial bus services:

State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and inter-provincial bus services are operating as per usual in areas that are not affected by the floods. In Bangkok and other areas affected by the floods, the SRT and inter-provincial bus service operators have adjusted their routes to best serve passengers given local conditions. Inter-provincial buses from Bangkok to southern provinces are leaving from a temporary station at the car park of the Holland Beer House on Rama II Road in the southwest part of Bangkok.

Train services to north and northeastern Thailand are operating as per normal from Hua Lamphong Station, with some delays due to rerouting. Train services to the southern provinces are operating mainly from Nakhon Pathom due to flooding in Bangkok’s western suburbs. The SRT is providing shuttle bus services between Hua Lamphong Station and Nakhon Pathom. Travelers are advised to check in advance with these operators and may want to consider flying to their destinations within Thailand.

Situation in Ayutthaya

Flood waters have also subsided in most areas of the island of Ayutthaya. Cleanup operations have been underway since the second week of November. Tourist attractions in Ayutthaya including the World Heritage Site will reopen once they have been restored.

Other Provinces in Thailand

Most provinces in Thailand were not affected by the flood.

Provinces in the north not affected by the floods:

Chiang Mai, Phayao, Chiang Rai, Phetchabun, Kampheang Phet, Phrae, Lampang, Sukhothai, Lamphun, Tak, Mae Hong Son, Uttaradit, Nan

The flooding has subsided in northern provinces including Nakhon Sawan, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Uthai Thani and cleanup operations are underway.

Provinces in the northeast not affected by the floods:

Amnat Charoen, Nong Khai, Buengkan, Roi Et, Buriram, Sakon Nakhon, Chaiyaphum, Si Sa Ket, Loei, Surin, Mukdahan, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Phanom, Udon Thanii, Nakhon Ratchasima, Yasothon, Nong Bua Lam Phu

The flooding has subsided in northeastern provinces including Kalasin, Khon Kaen, and Maha Sarakham and cleanup operations are underway.

Provinces in the central area not affected by the floods:

Chanthaburi, Ratchaburi, Chachoengsao, Rayong, Chon Buri (Pattaya), Samut Prakan, Kanchanaburi, Samut Songkhram, Nakhon Nayok, Sa Kaeo, Phetchaburi (Cha Am), Suphanburi, Prachin Buri, Trat (Ko Chang), Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin)

The flooding has subsided in central provinces including Ang Thong, Chai Nat, Lop Buri, Saraburi, and Singburi and cleanup operations are underway.

No provinces in the south were affected by the flood:

Chumphon, Phuket, Krabi, Ranong, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla (Hat Yai), Narathiwat, Satun, Pattani , Surat Thani (Ko Samui), Phang Nga, Trang, Phatthalung, Yala

Manufacturers and distributors have re-established stable supply lines for consumer products. Local brands of bottled water and beer are available in most locations, as are imported brands of bottled water and beer.

Highway 35, a major road to the south also known as Rama II Road, remains open. As flood waters are draining through the area of western Bangkok in which this highway is located, the Transport Ministry has prepared alternate routes to ensure continued access to destinations to the south such as Hua Hin, Cha-Am and Chumphon, as well as to the west such as Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi.

TAT’s official Web site for flood information: www.thailandtourismupdate.com

TAN_Network TAN News Network

Kasikorn Research Center: Not so bright for Thailand's economy nxt yr, affectd by floods, foreign economy swaying, political issues emerging

Interior Ministry aims to extend free tollway fees and postpone water/electricity bill collecting in flooded areas

Bkk gov invites volunteers to join Big Cleaning Day in Bangplad district Sun Nov 20 at 10am. Meeting point: Lotus Charansanitwong

Major Cineplex Ratchayothin branch will open tmr 11am

Bkk gov disagrees with removing barrier along Hokwa canal. "Will cause more water to flow into area, could see flooding till nxt yr"-ThaiPBS

BMA orders municipal staff put up signs banning the destruction of floodwalls in Saimai distrct. Violators face 3months in jail+Bt6,000 fine

The Associated Press: Blast set off amid tensions in flooded Bangkok

Blast set off amid tensions in flooded Bangkok

(AP) – 1 hour ago

BANGKOK (AP) — Police say disgruntled residents have set off a loud blast near a flood dike on Bangkok's border, apparently to highlight frustrations over their continued misery.

The explosion, which made a loud sound but caused no injuries, was set off Thursday night at a barrier that separates Bangkok from Pathum Thani province.

Col. Harn Lertthaweesap says police suspect it was the work of Pathum Thani residents who are unhappy that their community remains under water because of the dike, which is meant to keep central Bangkok safe.

Harn says it was a "loud firework, not an explosive device."

Floods caused by torrential rains since late July inundated 19 of Thailand's 77 provinces, including Bangkok. At least 594 people have died.

Bangkok Residents Clash as Floods Stoke Tension - Bloomberg

Bangkok Residents Clash as Floods Stoke Tension

By Suttinee Yuvejwattana and Supunnabul Suwannakij - Nov 18, 2011 1:02 PM GMT+0700
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
Local residents walk and stand in a street in floodwaters in Rangsit, Pathum Thani Province, outskirts of Bangkok. Photograph: Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images

Residents on Bangkok’s outskirts tore down levees protecting the inner city from floodwaters as anger at the Thai government’s response to the four-month-long crisis intensified.

About 2,000 people from Pathum Thani province north of Bangkok destroyed 70 meters (230 feet) of a sandbag wall in Sai Mai, allowing water to seep in, and later clashed with residents of the northern district who tried to rebuild the barrier, Jate Sopitpongstorn, an adviser to Bangkok’s governor, said today.

“It’s a big concern because there is such a large amount of water yet to come in,” Jate said by phone. “They have suffered for a month and they see that Bangkok has a better drainage system and think the city should take more water.”

Efforts to save Bangkok from floods that swamped thousands of factories north of the capital are trapping polluted water in districts outside the levees, stoking tension between residents. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s government also faced criticism this week for pushing for a royal pardon that may benefit her brother, exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, rather than focusing on flood-relief.

The government is discussing an amnesty that may apply to Thaksin, deposed in a military coup five years ago and convicted in absentia in 2008 to two years in jail. Details of the decree aren’t finalized and won’t be made public until it’s approved, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said yesterday.

‘Gross Mismanagement’

“The attempt to actually try to come back in this manner is going to destabilize what has been an improving political climate in Thailand, notwithstanding the gross mismanagement of the recent floods by the government,” Korn Chatikavanij, deputy leader of the opposition Democrat Party, said yesterday.

Representatives from the People’s Alliance for Democracy plan to submit a letter to the Council of State on Nov. 21 opposing the amnesty bill, spokesman Parnthep Pourpongpan said by phone today. The group mobilized tens of thousands of people when it seized Bangkok’s airports for eight days in 2008 in an effort to drive Thaksin’s brother-in-law from power.

The military has received greater public approval in handling the floods than the government, according to an Assumption University poll that surveyed 1,478 people in Bangkok and its outskirts from Nov. 1 to Nov. 5. Three-quarters of respondents in an Oct. 30 poll of Bangkokians by the same organization said the administration’s relief efforts were inadequate.

Death Toll

In Bangkok, authorities are maintaining a network of levees, canals and sandbag barriers to protect the city from floods that have already killed at least 594 people since late July. Water is still more than 2 meters deep around some factories in Ayutthaya province, 78 kilometers (48 miles) from Bangkok, Industry Minister Wannarat Charnnukul said earlier this week. Yingluck has said parts of the capital may be flooded until January.

The construction of new flood levees on Bangkok’s northern outskirts has caused water levels to recede in parts of the city, including around the Chatuchak weekend market and the Central Plaza Ladprao shopping mall, which reopened today after a three-week shutdown because of flooding.

Bangkok authorities have asked the police to help prevent further clashes between residents near the flood barriers.

“The situation is risky because some people have gone to try to fix the dike to protect themselves,” Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said late yesterday on his official Facebook page. “I don’t want it to create clashes between Bangkok and Pathum Thani residents.”

Any flow of water into the Sai Mai district may threaten the Bang Chan industrial estate in eastern Bangkok, Jate said. Bang Chan, 15 kilometers north of Suvarnabhumi International Airport, contains 91 factories, including an ice-cream plant operated by Nestle SA.

“If the barrier in Sai Mai has a problem, it will affect Bang Chan right away,” Jate said. “The amount of water has already increased.”

StrontiumDog1 StrontiumDog

14.00 Pic- Phetkasem, direction Bang Kae, water deep, some larger cars can pass bit.ly/uO8xmL #ThaiFloodEng RT [at]i_yammy

[at]js100radio ถ.เพชรเกษม มุ่งหน้าบางแค ระดับน้ำท่วมสูงลดลง รถกระบะสามารถวิ่งได้บ้าง แต่รถเล็กไม่ควรเข้าค่ะ http://pic.twitter.com/EClbHd6u

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StrontiumDog1 StrontiumDog

13.35 Pic-Royal Thai Navy enter Rama 2, Soi 69, in trucks, to aid the flood affected bit.ly/tijQXt #ThaiFloodEng RT [at]Reporter_js8

กองทัพเรือ ส่งกำลังพลและรถจีเอ็มซีเข้าช่วยเหลือผู้ประสบอุทกภั ย บริเวณพระราม2ซ.69 อย่างต่อเนื่อง http://pic.twitter.com/g4vV1r9W

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Thai-ASEAN News Network

Pump Stations Accelerate Water Drainage into Bang Pakong River

UPDATE : 18 November 2011

Officials at Pravet Burirom and Nongjok water pump stations are accelerating the drainage of water into the Bang Pakong River, while water hyacinths and waste remain major obstacles that block the flow of the water.

Officials at the Pravet Buriram water pump station are working to remove water hyacinths and waste that is blocking the waterways at the floodgate to increase the water pump's drainage capacity.


The water level of the Pravet Burirom canal is currently the same height as its banks on both sides.

However, there are 20 large water pumps at the Pravet Burirom floodgate, 16 of which are running around the clock to discharge the water into Phra Ong Chaiyanuchit canal.

At Nongjok floodgate, there are also 20 large water pump machines, and also 16 of them are running around the clock.

Each machine can drain 3,000 cubic meters of water per second, and the water level has decreased by 20 centimeters since October 24.

Both Pravet Burirom and Nongjok water pump stations are working at their full potential.

However, water hyacinths and waste still impede the flow of water.

Residents living near the floodgate monitor the water level each day.

Many of them believe the water level in Bangkok is continuing to decrease, and that Bangkok will be completely dry soon.

TAN_Network TAN News Network

People advised to go back to inspect damages at their homes in day light and when water completely dry via FM100.5

Bkk gov prepares to asses situation at Praya Surane sluice gate after opening 1.05 meters within 24hrs via ThaiPBS

StrontiumDog1 StrontiumDog

14.20 Pic- Charansanitwong Soi 71, in a persons home (a friend of the photographer) after the flood has receded bit.ly/vbwe1s #ThaiFloodEng RT [at]Axdaman

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Ever-resilient Thai tourism may bounce back after floods | Reuters

Ever-resilient Thai tourism may bounce back after floods

By Orathai Sriring
BANGKOK | Fri Nov 18, 2011 2:16am EST

Nov 18 (Reuters) - Thailand's worst floods in 50 years have hit tourism at the start of the high season, but the country has recovered quickly in the recent past from all sorts of scourges and some tour operators are hopeful a recovery might start next month.

Floodwater in some areas of the capital, Bangkok, and other provinces has started to recede, and the inner city and upmarket shopping districts have remained dry, but some in the tourist sector are still concerned.

"Trips from Japan have all been cancelled since last month and there are no new bookings now. They're a bit afraid of the situation but I think they will come back next month," said Euamthip Panjai of All the Best Travel.

"But tourists from other countries are still coming and many of them go to Pattaya and Phuket," she said, referring to two seaside destinations south of Bangkok that are flood-free.

Central Plaza Hotel, a big locally owned group, said it was seeing some impact from the floods, but it was a mixed picture, with poor business in some areas offset by better business elsewhere.

"Occupancy rates at our hotels in Bangkok have dropped to about 60 percent from 70 percent normally. But those in Pattaya and Hua Hin are higher than usual at 80-90 percent ... Some people may have escaped from the floods," said CPN Senior Vice President Ronnachit Mahattanapreut.

He expected the impact to be over after this quarter.

Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), had a similar view.

"I expect tourism to recover around December because water has started to recede. When it's over and there is nothing to worry about, tourists will come back," he said.

Tourism accounts for 6 percent of GDP and employs at least 15 percent of the workforce in Thailand, Southeast Asia's second-largest economy.

The flooding started in late July in the north and the water has killed 594 people as it moved slowly south, inundating farmland and overwhelming huge industrial estates in the centre in October before swamping outlying districts of Bangkok.

But the "Land of Smiles" has bounced back before -- from the Asian tsunami in 2004 and the SARS epidemic in 2003, as well as military coups and a still-simmering political crisis.

It recovered quickly in 2010 after political unrest that closed parts of central Bangkok for weeks before a military crackdown.

NUMBERS DOWN

Even so, the flooding is expected to cut the number of overseas tourists to 18.5 million this year from a target of 19.5 million, giving revenue of 700 billion baht ($22.7 billion), said Piyaman Tejapaibul, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand.

"The number of foreign tourists, from China, Japan and Russia in particular, has slumped since Don Muang airport was under water. Some people don't know Bangkok has two airports," she said, adding the sector could lose 50 billion baht from the non-arrivals.

Don Muang airport, used mainly by budget airlines for domestic flights, has been closed since Oct. 25, but some operators have moved to Bangkok's main international airport, Suvarnabhumi, which is operating as normal.

Passenger numbers through Suvarnabhumi rose 6.4 percent in October from September, when they dropped about 10 percent, according to Airports of Thailand. But they may have slipped after flooding spread in Bangkok this month.

National carrier Thai Airways said passenger numbers fell to 65.8 percent of seats sold in October, compared with an average 71.5 percent in January-October.

Luxury hotels along the Chao Phraya river have operated as normal, with the help of sandbags when the river has burst its banks at times of high tide.

However, Erawan Group, which runs the Grand Hyatt in Bangkok, expects a net loss in the fourth quarter due to a drop in tourists..

In Bangkok's Khao San Road budget hotel area, occupancy rates fell by 20-25 percent a few weeks back but are now getting back to normal, according to one local operator.

At the height of the political violence last April and May, some tour operators had expected no more than 12-13 million foreign tourists during the year but the country managed to attract 15.9 million.

"This year the flooding will have less impact than the political conflict because when water recedes, it's over, but the political impact was prolonged," ATTA's Sisdivachr said.

Domestic tourism, largely supported by high-spending Bangkok residents, may fare worse, however.

"Thai tourist numbers have gone down 90 percent," said Maiyarat Pheerayakoses, president of the Association of Domestic Travel.

"People don't feel like travelling, as many need to spend money on repairing their homes. I think business will be slow into the first quarter."

Thai-ASEAN News Network

Floods Rise after Levee Taken Down

UPDATE : 18 November 2011

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has reported that water levels in various canals have been consistently dropping.

Meanwhile, Sai Mai District is experiencing higher water levels after the sandbag barrier at Hok Wa Canal was taken down.

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra has reported that the water level in the Prem Prachakorn Canal going through Don Muang and Chatuchak districts has lowered by two to four centimeters.


Meanwhile, some locals took down the sandbag barrier at the lower Hok Wa Canal, causing floodwater to rise in Sai Mai District.

At the same time, the water level in the Ladprao Canal has also dropped by two to four centimeters.

The San Saeb Canal is seeing about one to four centimeters less water while the Prawet-Burirom Canal dropped a couple of centimeters.

The Bang Sue Canal is seeing two to three centimeters less water.

In the Thonburi area, water continues to flow in from Salaya District of Nakhon Pathom Province.

Yet, the water level in the Taweewattana Canal has lowered by about one centimeter.

In the meantime, the water levels at other canals in Thonburi District have also dropped by between three to seven centimeters.

StrontiumDog1 StrontiumDog

16.07 Photo- The water at Ramintra KM 4 bit.ly/vcaTII #ThaiFloodEng RT [at]MoRE_TH

[at]js100radio รามอินทรา กม.4 16:07 18/11/54 http://pic.twitter.com/lQLVa4bG

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StrontiumDog1 StrontiumDog

16.15 Pic- Dog living in the floodwater, Rama 2, near the communities of Soi's 88,90,92 bit.ly/uv6JiN #ThaiFloodEng RT [at]Reporter_js8

สุนัขต้องใช้ชิวิตในน้ำทั้งวัน บริเวณชุมชุนภายในพระราม2ซอย88,90,92 http://pic.twitter.com/M8wAWe80

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TAN_Network TAN News Network

FROC: concern Phraya Suren Gate's 1M opening could affect Bang Chan industrial estate but BMA & the estate are closely monitoring flood lvl.

Tulip_Oum Tulip Naksompop

4:37pm water level at Soi MooBaan Settakit in NongKham is down by 30cm.~[at]tanatpong_nna lockerz.com/s/157185072

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