There goes my Neighborhood

Flood aftermath
Thailand Tourism was nearly decimated due to the recent floods with a few exceptions.
An all out effort is underway to return the industry to normal by February.
Thailand Tourism Authority wants to entice tourists with Value added tour packages rather than discounts.

Think it's the wrong way of doing things,  getting a free massage (Value added), instead of a discount on my hotel bill just doesn't entice me to travel.
If you look on the net, many travel agents are offering discounts on tour packages.
There's still plenty of negative media.  Areas where flood waters are receding are now hosting an increased mosquito population.


I'm not wishing for a return of the floods, but there was one matter I did appreciate about the floods.
For a few weeks there was hardly any mention of Thai politics in the news.  Now the mudslinging is back and seems stronger than ever.


Unseasonably cool temperatures this week.
Average night time temperatures for this time of the year is 16C (60.8F)

	Fri	Sat	Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed
Thai Meteorological	30/15	29/16	30/17	31/18	31/20	32/21	....	32C = 89.6F
Weather Underground	25/12	28/14	27/15	28/18	29/18	29/19		30C = 86   F
Accu Weather	28/13	29/13	30/14	31/18	28/22	30/19		25C = 77   F
Meo Weather	24/13	25/15	26/16	27/18	25/19	26/19		19C = 66.2F
Weather Channel	28/16	28/15	29/16	30/16	29/16	29/16		12C = 53.6F

 My thanks to those readers who noted and wrote of their concern that I had been away from this blog a few days: "...unusual..."

The cooler than normal weather has made it's presence known in my joints and bones.  A whiplash injury of some 40 years ago decided to come out of hiding.  After a few days of above tolerable discomfort, the pain went way over the threshold  and I decided to visit the hospital last night.

I opted to go to the government hospital.  As mentioned I'd been dealing with this injury for 40 years and could  recommend the appropriate treatment:  A shot to quell the pain immediately, anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxants for the coming days.  I was accompanied by two Thai family members, who took care of all the administrative matters.  

Was a bit taken aback when I entered the doctors office.  At first I thought 'this must be the assistant.'  The guy didn't look older than 19.  He was the doctor alright.  I guess it's true, Asians tend to keep their youth longer.

A shot where the sun don't shine and the medicines set me back 180 Baht (US$5.83).

I'll be taking advantage of the 100 baht massages I'm offered till I recuperate.
Two or three a day should do the trick

Youth Football Sponsor

A month or so ago I attended the local youth football games.

I supported 'My team,' by buying water and sport drinks for half time.  The coach said I was their sponsor and would have my name on team jerseys next season.  He asked me for 500 baht for the printing costs.

Guess they didn't wait till next season.

Didn't expect people to be wearing my name on their bellies either.

There goes my neighborhood

Heard promises of the street leading up to my house being paved for a few years now.
Actually had given up on that some time ago.
But now there's talk of not just paving the dead end street.
The latest talk is that they are going to tear down two houses and an apartment building across the street and widening and lengthening the street.
If  there's any truth to that my residence will be on a major thoroughfare.
Next step in the discussion phase is supposedly a gathering of neighbors and planning officials.
Nothing imminent, but my brain is working overtime.  I could make 'the second house' into a....!

Deliveries up, and so are the prices

Noted an increase of delivery trucks in the area over the last few days.

Apparently some products are now being restocked, especially cookies, crackers, candies.

No replenishment of soft drinks.  Those shelves at Big C are filled with water bottles.

Apparently some independent retailers  still have coke on hand.  There was plenty available at a recent wedding.

Egg prices have nearly doubled to 67 baht per 10 piece carton

Clean-up starts now, no end in sight

Thailand Unemployment looms

Great photo's worth a look

• Means of Transportation in Flooded Thailand

Minimum wage rise postponed Bangkok Post

Invention, Prevention, and Music to My Ears

Noticeable Thai Invention

Suranaree University of Technology has the patent on an

• Artificial stick emits sound waves which kill  mosquito larvae Manager 

NOK Air Flights to Sakon Nakhon  through January 2012 

Flights from Bangkok to Sakon Nakhon will most likely continue using the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok through January.  New estimates indicate that repairs may well take a minimum of 60 days before Don Muang airport becomes usable again.  Damage estimates may be further altered once the field is dry enough to determine if additional repairs  are needed

  They're "thinking" flood prevention now

Why not build a canal in Bangkok, similar to the Los Angeles canals.
The L. A. canals sits dry most of the times, but when heavy rains do arrive in the area, serious flooding is prevented.
Such a plan is at least being discussed now:

•  "Thai authorities are considering the construction of a super-express waterway through Bangkok..." CNN

Of course my favorite response to Thailand's recent flooding comes from Ayutthaya, where city planners are dusting off ancient city maps and learning how their ancestors were keeping dry

• Ancient Thai capital may revert to old plan for flooding The News Tribune

Despite Floods Thailand Tourism UP

Read an article which claims October tourism numbers are up over last year.  That's not hard to believe.
Bangkok is obviously being avoided, but other destinations have seen an increase in numbers 

•  Phuket...Tourism Record

Music to my ears

From a distance it sounds like a marching band.
Closer up it sounds like a dryer tumbler filled with rocks.
It's becoming a familiar sound.  This time I'm glad so hear it in my neighborhood.  The street to my house is full of potholes.  Driving on this road has been like a ride on at an amusement park.

Those bosoms are factory made

Weather is approaching form the south, south-east.

The heaviest rains are most likely over southern Vietnam and Cambodia.

Hopefully the storm will dissipate somewhat before reaching us.

Winds from the north, north east are beginning to cool the area.

Today's high is most likely the highest temperature of the week until the weekend.


Flooding is no deterrent for Bangkok police

That's the impression I got looking at the Bangkok Post.  It's a picture of a policeman on a bamboo raft.
The article mentions that a number of water pumps have now been pressed into service.
You'd think they would have done that weeks ago.  But then this is 'Amazing Thailand.'
There's even talk of digging a canal from a highway. Would not be at all surprised if the highway was previously a canal.

Thailand isn't the only country suffering from extreme floods

While all media is being bombarded with news, videos, pictures, comments and continuous updates of Thailand's floods, Cambodia floods are almost totally non-existent in international media.

In Bangkok most folk had at least enough warning to move their cars to higher ground, not so in Italy.











Plenty of video clips at You Tube of the November 2nd Miss International Queen Competition

I have never seen any talent in lip sync performances.  Keep in mind those bosoms are factory made

Dry Season is Wedding High season

July seems to be the most popular wedding month worldwide.
Not so in Isaan where July is the start of the rainy season.
Now with the dry season well underway,  I've noted a steady increase of wedding plans, and have a number of invitations confirming 'Dry Season is Wedding High Season'

  Thailand's past corruptions come home to roost

That's about the best way  to describe the discoveries reported in this news item.
Would be interesting to see statistics of how many Bangkok canals have disappeared in the last five decades

• The Nation - Many city canals 'illegally blocked'

Boat builders doing brisk business in Thailand

Love the float with a couch  (1 minute 4 seconds into the video)

A major crack is developing in Antarctica.

A big chunk of Antarctica is expected to break off later this year or early next year.
The estimated 880 sq km ice cube is expected to drift north.
It is a reoccurring event. A similar such breakup occurred in 2001.
What is of interest is the effect the ice cube will have on cooling ocean temperatures in the area.
Possibly months of drought conditions on nearby continents months after the ice cube dislodges and melts.

• BBC News - Major berg forming in Antarctica   

Dehydration a major cause of Kidney Stones

Had this pain on the left side of my groin on and off for almost two days.
Didn't take a medical degree to determine the cause.
I drink too much coffee, which we all know dehydrates the body, as does alcohol. 

The pain had not been severe enough for me to decide to seek medical attention. 

Searched out alternative treatments and determined what I had around the house to use. 

Drank a healthy amount of olive oil and apple cider vinegar, followed by extra helpings of water. 

After ten minutes I jumped up and down a few times. 

The stone seems to have been dislodged.  However, all that jumping has created uncomfortable pains in my spine.  Rum and coconut juice should remedy those pains.

Protect I.P. Act Targets Overseas Web Pirates

It is aimed at websites outside the U.S.A. distributing anything copyrighted. 

Those free downloads of music and songs are a primary target.  Even innocently recorded home movies may be targeted  if your radio or TV  happens to be playing in the background.
One website claims that kids like Justin Bieber may well wind up in the courts.  Justin got his start posting videos of him singing copy protected songs
Protect IP Act at WIKIPEDIA  

• Thailand Flood Map Dated October 31

• Mile-long cracks found in Bangkok floodwalls telegraph.co.uk

Weather

Local: increased chance of rain over the weekend, Monday and Tuesday.
While Thai Meteorological Department suggest only a 10% chance of precipitation, others predict anywhere from 40 to 80% possibility.
All weather agencies are in agreement of a cooling trend noticeable on Wednesday with lows ranging from 18C to 16C (not the previously forecast 14C)

As if there isn't enough misery in Bangkok and surrounding provinces, rain is in their forecast during the early part of next week.

Those crazy men and their flying machines

In aviation  terms this is called a crash landing.

There was no "crash" though.

With the exception that the landing gear failed to deploy, this was a near perfect landing

German aviation marvel
The eggbeater is airborne

Thailand Floods, Ya' ain't seen nothing yet!

According to some soothsayers, this years floods in Thailand are a minor preview of what is yet to come.

One local prediction has it that flooding will be even worse next year.

The end of the world as we know it has been predicted as long as man has walked the earth.  So far it hasn't happened.

BUT
Somehow the prediction of
'you ain't seen nothing yet,'
made me pay attention.
That same source predicted unusually cool temperatures, some eight months ago.
Looking across the globe, that prediction has already materialized.

Next year's forecasts are all over the map everything from normal to severe cold to severe hot. Depends which agency is doing the reporting.
The answer will come right around Christmas.  That's when the heating ocean waters give birth to El Nino.
That's the mischievous little boy responsible.  It's said that he's been getting stronger with the help of global warming.  If you believe in that sort of stuff...


One of the best photography collections of the Thailand floods  and how Thais are coping
Denver Post - Oct 31

Loy Krathong and all festivities along the Chao Phraya River CANCELLED
Zero occupancy at Bangkok riverside hotels
Pattaya Mail - Nov 1

• I did receive a TAT e-mail today (Nov 2) advertising the celebration both in Bangkok and Ayutthaya from Nov 8 through 11

"We must use the wrath of nature as our teacher,"  HRH 1990

San Francisco Chronicle

Video published on Nov 1, by Associated Press on You Tube

My flu like symptoms continue

Food Shortages Noted

Tom at Isaan Life reports of some shortages at the Khon Kaen Big C.
Worth taking a look at.  His report includes some revealing pictures.

Stocking up was a no-brainer some weeks ago, when they first mentioned the floods are coming.
I bought a 45 day supply of some  items I knew I just could not do without.
First time I ever bought a whole case of MAMA noodles.
It's interesting to note by the empty grocery shelves what the fast selling items are.

Potatoes and apples are apparently not on that list.



Local Provincial Youth Games

The Provincial Youth Games continue here in Muang Sakon Nakhon. Football, boxing, the Thai version of lawn bowling and many other sports are part of the events.
I've only attended one event. My flu like symptoms continue to zap me of energy.
Do plan to attend a Sakon Nakhon football game this afternoon.

Did watch the Mahasarakham girls defeat Korat last Saturday.  Both teams really impressed me.  There were moment when I wondered if these were really girls teams.



Thailand vs Australia Game 2

The game is scheduled for October 15.  Because of the Bangkok floods they are considering moving the game.
Chiang Mai is an alternative under consideration. Bangkok stadiums not inundated, are being used as refugee camps.  If the game does take place in Chiang Mai, they may well be faced with unseasonable cold temperatures.
Personally I wish they would not move the game.  Having the game in Bangkok at this time would be an immense morale booster for Thais.
In game one played in Australia, the hosts won 2-1.

Before the Australia game Thailand plays in Saudi Arabia on November 11. (11.11.11)


Nakhon Phanom Friendship Bridge Dedication Ceremony
is on November 11 (11.11.11)


I did recently mention that the parade season has begun.
DIRTY OLD MAN ALERT: You may be interested in other videos by this uploader. I won't post them on this blog as it IS NOT AN ADULT CONTENT BLOG.  You can find the links of interest at the end of the video

It's all downhill now

If strategic dams continue to 'hold,' the worst is over.  Now it's a matter of waiting for the water to run it's course.  Probably some weeks, followed by a lengthy reconstruction period.

It's going to be interesting to watch  how that unfolds.
Will they rebuild like it was before, or consider modifications to avoid such catastrophes in the future?
Will graft flourish?

Local Food supply
While major chain stores are having problems restocking their shelves, local markets and street vendors seem to be benefiting with increased business.



Recommend you turn down you volume on this video!! (Helicopter sounds)





English subtitles


Video cams of Bangkok streets under water
Bangkok CCTV 487  Bangkok CCTV 473


Or you can find a complete list of all Bangkok CCTV here

Bangkok Floods: Natural or Man Made Disaster

Just wondering: Do they have water taxis waiting at the Bangkok Airport?

• Kidding aside.  Many people expect the Thai currency to weaken because of this disaster. That may well just be wishful thinking.  As a comparison consider the natural disaster in Japan.  It did nothing to weaken their currency, in fact it got stronger..

• Word in the media is that all this flooding is not really a natural disaster, but the result of man made stupidity.  Supposedly a decision was made to not release water from dams to insure sufficient water for farming.  When the heavy rains did arrive, water from the dams had to be released in large volumes to avoid bursting of the dams.
  This is really just speculation, but the decision definitely was at least a contributing factor.
  
  
• Many empty shelves at the local market, but surprisingly there was a limited amount of milk on the shelves.  Also plenty of potatoes, carrots, and onions, most likely from regional sources.

• Sakon YFC vs Burirum YFC Saturday 10 a.m. at the football field on ITU


• Cooling temperatures for the next few nights, then things should turn back to NORMAL, with plenty of humidity in the daily forcasts.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is open for all domestic and international flights

=

NOK AIR domestic flights resumed Friday 

=

BBC has a very revealing satellite photo of Bangkok

Thailand announces Five Day Flood Escape Holiday

*

• Weather alert: Cooling trend, expect temperatures to drop to 18C (64.4) over the coming days. 

•   A health alert: has been issued in association with the cooling weather.

•   Thailand announces Five Day Flood Escape Holiday: Thurs, Oct 27 - Mon Oct 31 , in 21 Provinces

• Chao Phraya on the brink  Bangkok Post >>plenty photos<<

• WANTED: Crocodile Hunters in and around Bangkok  New York Times

*

That health alert arrived a bit late for me, 
Recuperating from a cold:

I should have seen it coming.
I sleep under a fan, not only to keep cool, but also to avoid mosquito bites while sleeping.
Days had been hot and humid. Late evenings had been pleasantly cool, after midnight it got a bit too chilly under the fan.

First a chest infection. I was coughing so hard, at times I was close to passing out.

I've learned from experience when it gets that bad to head for the couch. Passing out and hitting your head on the tiled cement floor leaves lasting memories (headaches).

I tried a home remedy of jasmine tea, honey, cinnamon, licorice. Surprisingly reduced the coughing and chest pains by the following day. There was a tsunami coming out of my sinus. Used a box of tissues in eight hours. Needless to say I spent three days mostly prone.

Except last night when I had visitors!

Bangkok Domestic Airport CLOSED, NOK Air suspends operations

Bangkok Post: NOK Air suspends all flights until November 1


ALJAZEERA  Flood waters enter Bangkok's domestic airport

Also noted earlier in the day. Flow of water has been greatly hampered due to canals being full of vegetation and other debris. Something which should have been considered weeks ago!!

Loi Krathong Celebrations start early

Loi Krathong is still weeks away, yet fireworks seem to be on sale already.
They've been going off for the past two days, early mornings and late night.
I don't mind them all that much, but my two dogs sure do.
Thunderstorms or fireworks and they want to hide behind the washer or under the bed.

Generally most ma and pa stores display legal fireworks on the sidewalk.
Quite often you can find a bigger bang for your money, but it's not openly displayed.

Local Loi Krathong celebrations begin with a parade from the city monument to the lake park.
While revelers float their Krathongs on the lake throughout the evening



 WIKIPEDIA

• "...the act of floating away the candle raft is symbolic of letting go of all one's grudges, anger and defilements, so that one can start life afresh on a better foot.

One of the recent Wax Castle Festival concerts

Don't miss these

• 'pro' pictures of the recent Wax Castle Parade****

Headlines that caught my attention


Plenty headlines regarding the rise of prices for both rice and sugar.  Both prices continue to escalate.
'Sugar premium up as much as 44%' reads one of the latest headlines


Bangkok Post

• Bangkok Soaking (pictures and maps)

Silicon Republic

• Germany’s Rosat satellite debris scatters over northern Thailand

CarBuzz  

• View of $12,000,000 worth of Honda's underwater

 News Com Au 

• Pink is just a figment of your imagination

CBS New York

• Lady Liberty gets  high tech birthday presents

From my Inbox
Drunk at the Train platform

Toilet Training Asia Style

New Tourist reservations down by almost 75% according to Press TV

The airport depicted in the above video is the old airport, now used primarily for domestic flights.

Local Tourism seems to not be suffering.  Have noted a number of regulars have returned for their 'winter' vacation, and there are plenty of new faces around town.



Some people still need special instructions on using a western toilet

Shortages becoming obvious

Shortages at the local market are becoming more obvious now.
Milk was out of stock yesterday, in fact the entire dairy section looked quite bare.
Plenty of bare cupboards now being filled with less essential items.

Estimates are that flooding may last well through November.
One can only hope that the supply system returns to some sort of normalcy before then.

You can see current river conditions in Bangkok at this Government operated webcam.

Bangkok 1942, The Venice of the Orient

New Mandela in an article "How exceptional is Thailand’s rainfall in 2011?", has historical data for the Chiang Mai area from 1914. The previously worst flood was in 1970.

Bangkok became the VENICE OF THE ORIENT in 1942

Floods in Thailand are nothing new.
In fact they happen almost every year at different locations from minor inconveniences to major disasters.  That's why houses had been built on stilts for centuries in this part of the world

Unseasonably heavy rains in 2011 started in April with "...50 inches of rain within little over a week..." in southern Thailand
NASA


Bangkok Weather outlook (5555)

Click on picture for facebook original

Local Outlook: SAME SAME

Sun, occasional light clouds, humidity.
If you're sweating while standing still, blame the humidity

	Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thus	Fri	Sat	Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed
Thai Meteorological Dept.	30/20	30/20	30/20	30/20	30/20
Weather Underground	30/20	30/21	30/21	30/21	29/21
AccuWeather	32/21	32/21	31/20	31/20	32/20	32/19	32/18	30/18	31/18	30/19	30/19
Weather Channel	31/22	31/22	31/22	30/22	30/22	30/22	30/21	29/20	2//20
Meo Weather	32/21	31/21	30/21	30/21	30/21	30/21
AccuWeather Real Feel	38/22	38/22	37/21	31/20	32/19	32/19	32/17	31/18	31/18	30/19	30/19

38C= 100F,  30 C=86F,   20C=68F,  17C=62.6F

Another YFC win! -=- Cold Front delayed?

Third win for team Yothasing.
Of course I was invited to sponsor the team for a third time.
With that goes the bill for water and energy drinks.  I don't mind.
What did bother me was the heat.  I was sweating in the shade.

Refereeing the game today was Dee, a Sakon FC player.

The game was played almost all the time at the opponents end of the field. Yothasing win 1-0

Weak almost calm winds

After the game most of the team met at my house for another winning team BBQ. 


That predicted cold front may be delayed somewhat. 


This afternoon winds were mostly from the north, quite mild almost calm. Not enough to cool down daytime temperatures 106F/41C in the sun.


The floods are inevitably entering Bangkok. 

Haven't seen anything on the major networks CNN, BBC, Aljazeera  all morning.  They are overdoing the Gaddafi news coverage, as if the rest of the world is ON HOLD.

Local reports of some concern 
are from  Manager Online (ASTV) 

• Their news item notes that produce prices have doubled in many cases at local markets. 
• Produce are also being monitored for toxins which may have leeched into recently harvested vegetables.
       Note to self: buy frozen and canned goods

US Embassy US Citizens Services

Maps
Storing Your Vehicle During the Flood
Basic Emergency Preparedness Recommendations
Helpful Health Tips .... in a Soggy Situation
Flood Clean Up Information

•   Flood Information

•  Flood Information on Facebook 

Estimates:  Less than 1% of households have flood insurance in Thailand

Death toll grows in floods across Latin America  Herald Sun  

Some produce in short supply

It's especially obvious in the fresh produce section.

Noticed a few days ago that some produce were out of stock.

Instead of keeping shelves empty at one store, shelves were filled with onions, an item apparently not yet in short supply.

This afternoon I was able to buy the last two kilo of potatoes at the local night market.

Not certain if gasoline will be in short supply locally.  The refineries are outside the flood areas. 

 Thai Soldiers Rush to Reinforce Bangkok Flood Walls  

Voice of America - Oct 18 

 Shortage shutters eateries 

Bangkok Post - Oct 17 

Another win for he Yothasing team 5-1