The bankruptcy of urban development
Bangkok's intricate system of khlongs (canals) was designed by King Rama V more than a century ago.
Its purpose was to handle heavy local rainfall, not to drain large amounts from the North, which Bangkok is now dealing with.
Tourist hotspots Bangkok: no flooding
The main tourist areas and hotspots in Bangkok are still dry. The floods still have parts of Bangkok in its grip, but fortunately no major tourist attractions.
Plea for super-express floodway
A team of disaster experts from Chulalongkorn University has proposed 11 measures to prevent flooding in the future.
Short flood news (update November 14)
Residents of ten areas in Thon Buri (Bangkok west) have been told to leave their homes as the water continues to rise. Yesterday afternoon, the advice was extended to another seven neighbourhoods. The elderly, children and the sick should leave immediately. The water comes from two canals that overflowed. The weir in one of the two, Khlong Maha Sawat, which was already open 2,8 meters, has been opened further by 50 cm.
Thailand's tourist sector feels the consequences of flooding
Thailand's tourism industry is shaking from yet another massive disaster. Although hotels themselves are not flooded, they notice that the fear of tourists is good. The images of the floods that swept the world have caused a significant drop in the number of bookings.
Martinusschool Twello supports Thai students
Primary school Martinus in Twello raised more than three thousand euros for underprivileged young people in Thailand with a sponsorship campaign yesterday.
Short flood news (update November 11)
Highway 340 is expected to open to traffic today, after the water has been pumped out in two places. The road should serve as an alternative in case Rama II, the main road connecting to the South, is flooded and becomes impassable.
Short flood news (update November 10)
Rama II, the main route to the South, is still under threat of flooding. The water is 1 km away from the road. Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra expects it to reach the road today. The Phetkasemweg and the Ban Khun Thian-Bang Bonweg have already largely been flooded. The government seems to want to use the road to drain the water, while the municipality of Bangkok wants to spare the road. With the help of the Highway Department, the municipality wants to keep the road passable.
Short flood news (update November 8)
Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra has issued an evacuation order for the Bang Chan sub-district. This brings the total number of districts that need to be abandoned to 12. The residents of the Jorakebua (Lat Phrao) subdistrict, which lies along the Khlong Lat Phrao, must also be evacuated. Several other neighborhoods in Lat Phrao are under surveillance.
Short flood news (update November 7)
The water is getting closer to downtown Bangkok. Residents of Phasicharoen, Nong Khaem and Chatuchak districts have been ordered to evacuate. This also applies to the residents of Khlong Sib sub-district, the northern part of Ku sub-district and Khok Faed sub-district in Nong Chok district; and Saen Saep sub-district in Min Buri district. Evacuation orders have been issued for 11 districts so far.
BoT no longer underestimates the consequences of flooding
The Bank of Thailand has cut its forecast for economic growth this year from 4,1 percent in June to 2,6 percent. Unemployment is a particular concern, says Governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul.
In one and the same fire, clay hardens and wax melts
The title is a beautiful quote from Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626), a British philosopher and statesman, worth reflecting on now that there is a national disaster, which need not have been a disaster.
Readers are concerned about Thailand
The readers of Thailandblog are increasingly concerned about the situation in Bangkok. Like Cor van de Kampen, who sent in this message.
Short flood news (update November 5)
Water from the north has reached the Lat Phrao intersection. By Friday afternoon it was 60 feet high and seemed to keep rising. Central Plaza department store closed. Two of the three entrances to Phahon Yothin subway station were closed; the station may close completely if the water continues to rise. The water also reached the Ministry of Energy building where the government's crisis center is located, but that will not be moved. Previously, it was located at Don Mueang Airport.
Crocodiles and snakes in the streets of Bangkok (video)
Not only the flooding in Bangkok causes nuisance and danger. Residents left behind in the flooded areas have been asked to look out for escaped crocodiles and deadly venomous snakes.
Short flood news (update November 4)
The floods affected more than 700.000 households in 25 provinces, affecting a total of 2 million people. The death toll stands at 437.
Tribute to Thailandblog.nl
Thailand was hit by perhaps the worst flood disaster in its history this year. We were able to follow it in its entirety via Thai TV and the English-language newspapers Bangkok Post and The Nation.