Flooded are more than fed up with the water
Tensions are rising in the areas north and west of the capital Bangkok, which have been struggling with flooding for weeks. The residents are more than tired of having to bleed and pay for keeping the city center water-free.
Short flood news (update November 22)
A six-point plan should end the nuisance of stagnant and rotting water in the districts of Don Muang and Lak Si (Bangkok) and Muang (Pathum Thani). Thirteen representatives from the three districts agreed on Monday with the Flood Relief Operations Command (Froc) and the municipality of Bangkok. The proposals will be submitted to the relief committee and the prime minister for approval.
Short flood news (update November 21)
A 6-year-old boy who drowned in Pathum Thani is the 602nd victim of the floods. The boy's body was found Saturday night near the school where his mother and her two sons had found shelter. 42 people were electrocuted.
Short flood news (update November 20)
About 2 million homes in 18 counties in the Central Plains and Northeast are still impacted by the water, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department says. Since July 25, 595 people have died; two people are missing.
Short flood news (update November 19)
Action threatens in Song Ton Nun (Min Buri district), where the Sam Wa and Saen Saeb canals converge and the water flows into the Khlong Prawet. A spokeswoman for the residents says they are getting angrier because help is not forthcoming and 270 households have had to be satisfied with the high water level in their neighborhood for more than a month.
Short flood news (update November 18)
The government's reconstruction committee has set up a sub-committee to plan for the formation of an independent organization with full authority in the field of water management.
After this organization is formed, the reconstruction committee will be disbanded, says sub-committee chairman and former deputy prime minister Visanu Krue-ngam.
Resident protests come as no surprise
There is no doubt, Bangkok Post writes in its editorial, that the big bag barrier has slowed the flow of water into Bangkok. But it has also exacerbated the situation north of the rampart.
Bangkok dry next month, says Verwey
Dutch water expert Adri Verwey, affiliated with the Deltares research institute, expects Bangkok to dry out early next month, unless something unexpected happens, such as a dike breach.
Short flood news (update November 17)
The US has pledged another $10 million. The US previously donated $1,1 million to the Thai Red Cross. The 10 million is earmarked for, among other things, the restoration of Don Mueang airport, the restoration of ten police stations and the restoration of the World Heritage temples in Ayutthaya. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made the commitment yesterday during her visit to Thailand. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also visited Thailand yesterday.
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.
Short flood news (November 16)
The cabinet has earmarked 25 billion baht for repairs to highways and inland roads and for support to manufacturers affected by the floods.
Short flood news (update November 15)
Three hours after residents living along Khlong Bang Sue in Phaya Thai district were told to evacuate, the warning was lifted. Municipality error. The warning for three neighborhoods in Saphan Sung sub-district remained in effect as water levels began to rise in nearby canals.
Residents are crying out for victory: the hole can remain
The residents of the Don Muang district have got their way. The 6 meter hole they made in the big bag barrier can stay.
Yingluck asks Thai to be patient (video)
Thai Prime Minister Shinawatra calls on her compatriots to be patient. The country has been battling flooding for months. They killed nearly six hundred people. Although the water is receding in some places, large parts of Thailand are still under water.
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.
Short flood news (update November 13)
Residents of Prawet, Saphang Sung districts in east Bangkok and Bangkok Yai on Thon Buri side should prepare for evacuation as the water continues to spread.
Head above water (video)
Pak Kret district has remained mostly dry while other districts along the western bank of the Chao Praya have been flooded for two months. What's the secret? Timely preparation from June and cooperation of all residents.