It is very challenging to get any kind of accurate read on the near-term prognosis (for flooding in central Bangkok) based on the local TV and printed news. In the same day you've got one expert (former Royal Hydrologist) saying central Bangkok will not flood, and another senior scientific type saying central Bangkok will flood for 4 weeks.

I think we may be in for a longer period of uncertainty, maybe 2 or 3 weeks, before the situation in central Bangkok is ultimately resolved.

Travel to the North (except by air), Northeast and East remains very challenging. Trains are still not running to Chiang Mai. And bus/auto travel to these areas is nearly double the normal travel time.

In some briefings on TV this morning there is a lot of mention of the areas east of Bangkok potentially becoming more flooded; the areas from Minburi down through Samut Prakan.


The BMA releases from late night have some ominous wording, but that could be an issue with the translation?

http://www.bangkokgis.com/flood/


Announcement on Flooding Situation in Bangkok, oct 23, 11.30 pm.
Monday, October 24, 2011 at 1:09 pm, the center's director of special Bangkok
Announcement of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
Subject: Announcement on Warning on Flooding Situation in Bangkok.
-----------------------.
MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra, the Governor of Bangkok, said that an. assessment of the flooding situation in Bangkok revealed that the volume of the flood from the area of Rangsit, Prathumthani Province that has been increasing significantly and will continue to increase at larger volumes from now on. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, hence, informs the public that the areas of the following districts will be affected, namely, Don Mueang, Lak Si, Bang Khen, Chatujak, Bang Sue and Sai Mai.


BMA, consequently, instructs people residing in those mentioned areas to move their valuable belongings, automobiles and others items to higher ground. Those residing in the areas posing with potential dangers to lives and properties are instructed to move and seek temporary shelters at the center of flood relief operation designated and prepared by BMA. In particular, the priority must be assigned to those with sickness, underage, and older ages. The general public and all governmental agencies are required to monitor the situation very closely and follow the further announcements of BMA.


However, the Governor requested the general public not be panic and be assured that BMA will perform its duties with the utmost accountability and will join the Flood Relief Operation Center of the government in improving this situation of hardship and assist people all 24 hours. BMA will mobilize all emergency services teams as well as medical teams to stand ready in providing assistance and advice to the public.


Upon assessing the situation with all indicators BMA would like to inform that a rather serious upcoming is very imminent and inevitable. However, BMA will further assess the situation for the other surrounding districts tomorrow. Should the situation turn critical, the Governor assures that he would be the very first person to inform the public as announced and promised.


Moreover, BMA has relayed this message to the Permanent - Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to instruct the embassies, the residences of ambassadors and diplomatic corps locating and residing in those mentioned areas. BMA has also prepared this announcement in English for those foreigners in Bangkok to be informed as well.


The Governor reiterated that this mishap resulted from the area of ​​u-turn under the Rangsit Bridge on the Paholyothin Road where BMA had initially reinforced with sand bags in improving the conditions of flooding. But unfortunately while BMA was continuing the tasks in the area it had been opposed by groups of people. The opposition had led the group of the opposing resorted to violence forcing BMA to redeploy its work force. The incident then caused the overflow of flood into the area of ​​the Memorial Site.

Time: 11.30 pm.

Last Updated on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 01:35 am


edited to add: It is clear and sunny today, at the start anyway. It is very quiet in town, today is a Monday holiday (Chulalongkorn-observed) so still a 3-day weekend. Many people have also left to return to their homes, either to help there or escape flooding here. The start of the 2nd semester is some/many/all schools has been pushed back to 15 Nov. (from 1 Nov.).

This satellite image illustrates there is a lot more water yet to be drained. http://122.155.18.230/gistda_n/Galle...ge-noarrow.jpg


Regarding the beer situation, there are some big breweries in Pathum Thani (Boon Rawd: Singha, Leo), Ayutthaya and Khon Kaen (more of a transportation issue) which are probably affected: shut down, no supplies, no one can get to work. Some 16,000 + factories flooded, many of which process packaged food and drinks, shortages should not be unexpected. So far the fresh markets (fruit, product, fish, chicken, meat) seem well stocked. For those interested, markets like Or Tor Kor (khampeng Phet MRT), Sam Yan (Sam Yan MRT), Khlong Toei (Khlong Toei MRT) offer interesting sights and excellent fresh, prepared food options on site and nearby, during the day. The second floor at Sam Yan is best at night. Note that many MRT station entrances, are closed, so you may have to cross the street to gain access.