Nakhon Phanom Fireboat Festival Video

Video by TATnakhonphanom

Average rainfall for this area measured over the last 24 hours at Thai Meteorological Department was 3inches (75.9 mm). Measured the water level at my pond (which I had previously pumped out) at near 5 inches.
Lucky there is a dry spell were some of the water can run off, before the next rainfall.


The next mayor system approaching is Tropical Depression Banyan.
It's veering to the south, possibly creating havoc in the capitol, with minor impact locally

• Tracking map at Weather Underground

Cruised around a bit this morning to asses the local situation.

The canal at the north end of ITU was slightly above  3/4 level.

The small pond at Wat That Dum was at capacity and overflowing at the east end

A new even larger pond has formed on the temple grounds

In the village adjacent to the temple grounds, kids were looking to catch fish crossing the road.

Rice fields seemed healthy

A few spots had been flattened by the strong rains

Creek and canal water flow is rapid

Roads conditions in the villages are worsening.  Ideal conditions for stunt driver training

Road crews were out filling holes with gravel and tar. 

Where road crews had not been able to make repairs, highway warning signs had been errected

I know I shouldn't laugh at other peoples misery.
But the picture  at the link (below) just tickled my funny bones.

• Must see photo at the guardian (UK)
  
  Don't miss the whole series of photos on that page. Excellent ohotography

Nakhon Phanom Bridge OPEN

The official opening of the bridge is  on 11.11.11 (November 11, 2011).
The bridge was unofficially opened to the public during the recent Lhai Ruahfai Festival (Fire-boat festival).

The bridge is part of the Asian Highway system: Asia Highway 15 (AH15).
The highway which starts in Udon Thani , is also known as Thailand highway 22.
When completed, AH15 will traverse through Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.

Watching the Floods from a Safe Distance

Used to watch a government operated webcam of the Bangkok riverfront.  I noticed the river level rising.
Recently the cam was taken offline for public viewing.  Access codes are now required to view the cam.
Is it censorship or did the cam receive too many visits to be of use for official purposes?

Bangkok High tide is expected Saturday morning approx. 7 am
Again Saturday evening approx. 7 pm

Wax Castle Parade 2011

The pictures were taken by Joey.
I've been a bit under the weather and did not partake in any of the celebrations and festivities this year.
My past back and neck injuries flared up over recent days, so I had no interest increasing the discomfort.

Events had been publicized to be broadcast live on Thai TV.
I'm only guessing, possibly due to all the flooding, the broadcasting equipment was in use elsewhere.
The local cable TV, 'STV' did broadcast the parade via the internet.  I only found out about the broadcast when I turned on the TV.

The fact that all events are alcohol free didn't encourage me to make an effort.
Not that I'm an alcoholic, but I do use alcohol as a pain medicine alternative when things are really bad.
Joey did mention that many people did ask about me. Mostly former students of mine.


Bangkok Flood Watch

• The next forty-eight  hours will be critical for Bangkok.  Will the repaired dams hold?  Will it rain?  What effects will the high tide have?

Local Weather

Weather Underground 

picture <link>

• Increased chance of rain Thursday through Saturday 60%.  Occasional Thunderstorms.

Local weather conditions and temperatures seem to be quite average for this time of year. 'slightly cooler.'

Pictures Pending

Processing photo's from yesterday's parade.
Cropping, enhancing, Et cetera.
Over 200 pictures. It will take a few hours before they are posted.

Thanks for your patronage.

Meanwhile:  What's your opinion?

Is it real or is it staged?
I tend to believe it was staged.
If it was real, then the guy is just plain LUCKY.

Let's Parteeeeeee

Flood conditions = SHORTAGES = PRICE SPIKE

Dill, one of my favorites, 

has doubled in price at the local night market.

A bunch went from 10 Baht (USD.32) to 20 Baht.  

Vendors are blaming the doubling of prices on shortages due flood conditions

Jicama is in season

Tastes like the offspring from an apple and a potato wedding. Juicy and starchy

Pronounced mangau 'Man Kaeo' in Thai,

also called Mexican yam bean or Chinese potato.

Nutritional Value  

"LIVE BROADCAST" at Thai TV 5

Don't shoot the messenger.  
Festival Brochures advertised live broadcast.
But it didn't happen.
All I can say "this is Thailand"
Possibly a couple of bursts of heavy rain preempted the broadcast ??

 "LIVE BROADCAST" at Thai TV 5 

Sakon Nakhon Royal longboat races final heats

Sunday October 9, 4pm to 5pm local time

Thai TV5 can be seen on the web at

 wwitv.com

Visited the boat race track yesterday. The sun was hot, brimmed hat, umbrella, and/or sunscreen is advisable.

Definitively more race teams than in recent years.
But the general crowd seemed much smaller.

It's the first year no alcohol is sold at the event.

The no alcohol effect could also be noted in the cheering stands.  Not as vocal as in previous years.