BKK flooding isn't going to stop me!
Oct 24th, 2011, 07:13 AM
#63
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Counting chickens? - Be careful......... it looks as if large parts of Bkk are now succumbing to inundation........... Mother-Nature has dropped more rain on Thailand than anytime in the last 50 years - before this records are not very reliable but it is certainly the worst in living memory. This has inevitably made its way South to the sea through the Chao Phraya/Chin river system.
Unfortunately the battle to keep this water out of Bkk is lost. This is in part due to the policies of the local Bkk government who set or influenced the targets to be protected.
(BTW - they are not in line with the government on this - Bkk is a Democrat stronghold).
Holding back too much too long has failed as a policy and now the water will come in. The worst case scenario would be is any of the dykes collapse.....this would really mean trouble. The floods have even affected one of the Flood control centres at Don Muang Airport. I haven’t heard the fate of Suvarnabhumi yet – but I guess that would be one of the ultimate goals for the authorities to keep clear.
The water is already polluted by the waste it has gathered on the way down - it is being held back by high tides - so this is a deadly mixture of brackish water and sewerage. Walking in it is a huge no-no yet for many it will be unavoidable. The inevitably resulting diseases have yet to be mentioned in the media.
The immediate effects are shortages of food and catering supplies – hotels may not be able to get fresh food as much as normal. Supermarkets etc. are trying to limit quantities purchased and there are large gaps appearing on the shelves. Panic buying is widespread even in areas unaffected by the floods.
On a more charitable level, all along the roads South of Bangkok are collection points where people can donate drinking water and other essentials - these are being shipped in truck convoys for distribution in and around Bangkok.
Many people can't get to work or study.......Universities and schools are delaying the start of terms.
Factories outside the flooded areas are shutting down or reducing work due to lack of supplies from places that have been flooded out.
Transport is affected too.
Tourist areas unaffected by flooding were filled with visitors over this long weekend as people sought to leave Bangkok and maybe stock up with supplies. Many have either been laid off or given extended holidays.
As a nation the Thai people are pulling together on this - the man in the street genuinely wants to help and is doing what he can. Those affected in general have been very stoic and accepted their fate so far.
Some have seen the erection of certain dykes and barriers as solely to protect the rich areas and this has lead to some damage to defences here and there. In the aftermath the actions and decisions of the various leaders and bodies concerned may well be put under scrutiny, how effectively will be another matter.
Unfortunately the battle to keep this water out of Bkk is lost. This is in part due to the policies of the local Bkk government who set or influenced the targets to be protected.
(BTW - they are not in line with the government on this - Bkk is a Democrat stronghold).
Holding back too much too long has failed as a policy and now the water will come in. The worst case scenario would be is any of the dykes collapse.....this would really mean trouble. The floods have even affected one of the Flood control centres at Don Muang Airport. I haven’t heard the fate of Suvarnabhumi yet – but I guess that would be one of the ultimate goals for the authorities to keep clear.
The water is already polluted by the waste it has gathered on the way down - it is being held back by high tides - so this is a deadly mixture of brackish water and sewerage. Walking in it is a huge no-no yet for many it will be unavoidable. The inevitably resulting diseases have yet to be mentioned in the media.
The immediate effects are shortages of food and catering supplies – hotels may not be able to get fresh food as much as normal. Supermarkets etc. are trying to limit quantities purchased and there are large gaps appearing on the shelves. Panic buying is widespread even in areas unaffected by the floods.
On a more charitable level, all along the roads South of Bangkok are collection points where people can donate drinking water and other essentials - these are being shipped in truck convoys for distribution in and around Bangkok.
Many people can't get to work or study.......Universities and schools are delaying the start of terms.
Factories outside the flooded areas are shutting down or reducing work due to lack of supplies from places that have been flooded out.
Transport is affected too.
Tourist areas unaffected by flooding were filled with visitors over this long weekend as people sought to leave Bangkok and maybe stock up with supplies. Many have either been laid off or given extended holidays.
As a nation the Thai people are pulling together on this - the man in the street genuinely wants to help and is doing what he can. Those affected in general have been very stoic and accepted their fate so far.
Some have seen the erection of certain dykes and barriers as solely to protect the rich areas and this has lead to some damage to defences here and there. In the aftermath the actions and decisions of the various leaders and bodies concerned may well be put under scrutiny, how effectively will be another matter.
Oct 24th, 2011, 07:15 AM
#64
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BTW - K. Simpson - keep watching the local TV - even if you can't understand the language - if you see a picture of your hotel staring in water, the message will be clear enough.
There should also be some local EL channels......ask your hotel staff.
There should also be some local EL channels......ask your hotel staff.
Oct 24th, 2011, 04:51 PM
#65
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Beginning to rethink the idea of getting out of BKK in the next couple of days. There are flights available to Chiang Mai, or maybe Phuket (Khao Lak... where rhk's are going). Will have to decide fairly soon.
Signs of impending flooding just 'seem' more ominous today. I hope I'm wrong. One side of me says 'don't panic' and the other side is saying I should be more cautious and leave.
DS leaves here 28th for Jakarta, and is suppose to return on 30th. I think that by 30th we will have some very definitive answers to questions that we all have right now. Big day seems to be 28th, when king tide affects the gulf. Flood waters may get backed up, as they cannot flow into the gulf when it is high tide.
Still one day at a time. Will talk to some people 'in the know' today and then plan what I will do between now and my flt home next Monday. I don't really want to head back home a few days early.... there ARE places such as Chiang Mai and the islands, that are not affected and will not be affected.
BTW, city center remains sunny and dry once again today.
Signs of impending flooding just 'seem' more ominous today. I hope I'm wrong. One side of me says 'don't panic' and the other side is saying I should be more cautious and leave.
DS leaves here 28th for Jakarta, and is suppose to return on 30th. I think that by 30th we will have some very definitive answers to questions that we all have right now. Big day seems to be 28th, when king tide affects the gulf. Flood waters may get backed up, as they cannot flow into the gulf when it is high tide.
Still one day at a time. Will talk to some people 'in the know' today and then plan what I will do between now and my flt home next Monday. I don't really want to head back home a few days early.... there ARE places such as Chiang Mai and the islands, that are not affected and will not be affected.
BTW, city center remains sunny and dry once again today.
Oct 24th, 2011, 06:24 PM
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Carol,
I have a friend who is currently staying at the Kata Thani and I have been told that the weather on Phuket is currently beautiful. Go to KL with Bob. It is not worth the risk, if you have a choice.
We were flooded in February and I wouldn't want to go through that again.
I have a friend who is currently staying at the Kata Thani and I have been told that the weather on Phuket is currently beautiful. Go to KL with Bob. It is not worth the risk, if you have a choice.
We were flooded in February and I wouldn't want to go through that again.
Oct 24th, 2011, 07:03 PM
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Carol,
rethinking is probably a good idea until things settle down.
We did a lot of thinking and reading before we decided that arriving on the 28th was probably not wise. We did consider other locations but finally decided to head back to the states. Many of the reasonably priced hotel here in Hong Kong were fully booked which helped make our decision. We are giving up 2 weeks but being retired it is much easier to plan for another time.
Think about heading some place that is dry. Getting a flight back to the USA may not be easy at this time.
By the way, I have been known to eat ice cream without whip cream when none was available.
Susan
rethinking is probably a good idea until things settle down.
We did a lot of thinking and reading before we decided that arriving on the 28th was probably not wise. We did consider other locations but finally decided to head back to the states. Many of the reasonably priced hotel here in Hong Kong were fully booked which helped make our decision. We are giving up 2 weeks but being retired it is much easier to plan for another time.
Think about heading some place that is dry. Getting a flight back to the USA may not be easy at this time.
By the way, I have been known to eat ice cream without whip cream when none was available.
Susan
Oct 24th, 2011, 09:43 PM
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Penang is on my list of places that I would like to see, but I also have not been to Khao Lak. At this point, I would rather stay in Thailand and help the Thai economy, which is going to receive a HUGE punch in the gut over this flooding.
Will probably fly out on Thursday mid morning. B and K have already said that they would pick me up at the Phuket airport. How NICE of them... Thinking very seriously of doing this. The decision for me now is when to come back from Khao Lak. Probably on Sunday, unless BKK has not flooded!! Then I may return here.
One day at a time.
Re: tickets to get home, I can hang on until Monday, when I already have confirmed (upgraded) seats all the way to ORD. Would prefer to do that option instead of going home early.
Will probably fly out on Thursday mid morning. B and K have already said that they would pick me up at the Phuket airport. How NICE of them... Thinking very seriously of doing this. The decision for me now is when to come back from Khao Lak. Probably on Sunday, unless BKK has not flooded!! Then I may return here.
One day at a time.
Re: tickets to get home, I can hang on until Monday, when I already have confirmed (upgraded) seats all the way to ORD. Would prefer to do that option instead of going home early.
Oct 24th, 2011, 09:57 PM
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Yeahhhh.....be safe.....can u feel the love in here for you?
Wow, you can never tell what will happen on a trip.....it's what makes the world go round and we along with it.....be safe. This will be a memorable one I'm sure.
Aloha!
Wow, you can never tell what will happen on a trip.....it's what makes the world go round and we along with it.....be safe. This will be a memorable one I'm sure.
Aloha!
Oct 24th, 2011, 10:13 PM
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If Bob has offered to collect you from the airport, I think you should take him up on it.
Even if it doesn't flood at the Alelphi, if they decide to cut the power and stop transport you will be stranded. Best to get out whilst you have a chance. You will be back to Bangkok. Dont feel like you are deserting. You will be able to offer more assistance by staying safe and coming back to support the econonmy at a later time.
Even if it doesn't flood at the Alelphi, if they decide to cut the power and stop transport you will be stranded. Best to get out whilst you have a chance. You will be back to Bangkok. Dont feel like you are deserting. You will be able to offer more assistance by staying safe and coming back to support the econonmy at a later time.
Oct 25th, 2011, 03:23 AM
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Currently getting a downpour in central city Bangkok. Hoping it doesn't last too long. We do not need this extra water.
ShaneK, Khao Lak is looking more promising at this point. If the airport can remain open, then getting back to BKK in order to fly home on Monday should not be a problem. I could avoid city center by coming in Sunday night from KL and then staying in/near the airport, and flying out Monday morning.
Mcbeanie, I probably will not see you before you depart for home tomorrow. Have a safe uneventful journey! I'm at Maeng's right now, and plan to go over to see Jack around 8:00-8:30. Several of us will converge on his location! He'll be surprised. Rain has now pretty much stopped. It should cool things off.
HT, I feel the love... So many fodorite friends offering me their good wishes and advice. Much appreciated.
Ken, I'm staying dry. Maeng sends her best. Aren't you missing her cooking???
More news as it happens... stay tuned.
C
ShaneK, Khao Lak is looking more promising at this point. If the airport can remain open, then getting back to BKK in order to fly home on Monday should not be a problem. I could avoid city center by coming in Sunday night from KL and then staying in/near the airport, and flying out Monday morning.
Mcbeanie, I probably will not see you before you depart for home tomorrow. Have a safe uneventful journey! I'm at Maeng's right now, and plan to go over to see Jack around 8:00-8:30. Several of us will converge on his location! He'll be surprised. Rain has now pretty much stopped. It should cool things off.
HT, I feel the love... So many fodorite friends offering me their good wishes and advice. Much appreciated.
Ken, I'm staying dry. Maeng sends her best. Aren't you missing her cooking???
More news as it happens... stay tuned.
C
Oct 25th, 2011, 08:26 AM
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Pizza and watermelon smoothie sounds good. I'm going to know more tomorrow, Bob. will keep you posted, Bob. I would say the chances are at about 60% now that I will come down... but I'm also looking at other options as well.
Maeng cooked dinner at Side Pocket. Lunch was at Korean Bar b q (Maeng cooked) which was delicious. Not a small b'fast to start my day. I need to fast tomorrow. I really woofed it down today!
It was a very busy and productive day today. Work at the office, 3 good meals, time for friends, and a sharing of some of my old teaching materials with a Thai teacher of elementary aged kids!! (this was planned... I brought stuff for her)
We shall see what tomorrow brings. I just read on facebook that the water is lapping at the door of China Town. That isn't that far away.
I'm dry right now... plan to stay that way. Whatever it takes.
Maeng cooked dinner at Side Pocket. Lunch was at Korean Bar b q (Maeng cooked) which was delicious. Not a small b'fast to start my day. I need to fast tomorrow. I really woofed it down today!
It was a very busy and productive day today. Work at the office, 3 good meals, time for friends, and a sharing of some of my old teaching materials with a Thai teacher of elementary aged kids!! (this was planned... I brought stuff for her)
We shall see what tomorrow brings. I just read on facebook that the water is lapping at the door of China Town. That isn't that far away.
I'm dry right now... plan to stay that way. Whatever it takes.
Oct 25th, 2011, 03:12 PM
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I'm going to talk with United Airlines today to see if I can just leave for home a couple of days early. I want to be out of here before the king tide this weekend. I see that high tide in the gulf as a very real threat, and something that will stop the flow of all the water trying to escape the countryside. All that water has to go somewhere, and since BKK is pretty much below sea level, my guess is that there will very possibly some serious flooding right here in the heart of the city.
I hope I am wrong. At this point, I just think I will head back home. My confirmed ticket is for Monday, but I will try to leave by Saturday morning's 7am flight out of here.
The other options I had considered were Chiang Mai, Phuket (Khao Lak with the rhkkmk's who are there now), or leaving the country for Georgetown Penang.
Because of all the uncertainty, I think it best to go home.
I hope I am wrong. At this point, I just think I will head back home. My confirmed ticket is for Monday, but I will try to leave by Saturday morning's 7am flight out of here.
The other options I had considered were Chiang Mai, Phuket (Khao Lak with the rhkkmk's who are there now), or leaving the country for Georgetown Penang.
Because of all the uncertainty, I think it best to go home.
Oct 25th, 2011, 04:59 PM
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After speaking with the 1K UA agent, I am sticking with PlanA, shich takes me home on Monday morning, as previously scheduled.
Now I'm going to try to get a seat to Phuket. I'm thinking it's gonna cost me...
Bob, will let you know when I'm arriving! Make sure things are sunny and dry there.
Now I'm going to try to get a seat to Phuket. I'm thinking it's gonna cost me...
Bob, will let you know when I'm arriving! Make sure things are sunny and dry there.
