Bangkok Flooding Gets Worse

Thailand's inexperienced PM Yingluk Shinawatra, sister of fugitive Thaksin, has performed poorly during the flood crisis and is clearly out of her element. She spends most of her time in photo ops with flood victims, while her government wrangles.

Bangkok, Thailand. November 6, 2011. It is very difficult to get accurate information about the flooding in Bangkok. Government pronouncements come from different sources, which are frequently contradictory, and everyone one meets repeats the latest rumors. It is, however, inescapable that, during this past week, the record floods in the capital city have increased so that as of today, Sunday, November 06, 15 out of 50 Bangkok districts are under water, with the most recent floods advancing in the city center into areas previously thought not to be at great risk. Those areas already flooded have not seen any decrease in water levels, and in some, the waters have risen higher. Fetid, foul smelling bodies of water abound, with the spread of disease an ever growing concern. For those who have been spared flooding to date, there is anxiety whether their areas will flood next. A frequent lament heard from many is that they simply want to know if the water will reach them, but the authorities offer no guidance, and the uncertainty, fear, and anxiety in the city are palpable.

I live in a part of inner Bangkok, which is unlikely to experience any water, and I live in a 5th floor condominium, far above the street. Still, life for me is anything but normal. Most of my usual activities have been canceled and my social circle is at least halved as friends and acquaintances have returned to their villages, temporarily moved to other cities in Thailand, postponed their return to Thailand from abroad, or are just staying at home with the TV on, watching endless scenes of flooding and over-reporting of the same “news.” The stores have empty shelves, but are being restocked on an ad hoc basis, yet there are no overall food shortages. Bottled drinking water is generally unavailable, but tap water is still flowing at almost full capacity and, according to the metropolitan water department, has not been contaminated. Most Bangkok residents still go to work, ride the skytrain or subway, drive on the roads, and live life much as pre-flood, but no one talks about anything other than the floods. “Is there water in your area?” begins every conversation.

Disasters like this bring out both the best and the worse in people and there are abundant examples of both. When I hear someone talking about how the Thais are handling the floods, their individual comments tell me more about the speaker than they do about the Thais. Those people with a negative view of Thais, their government and society, find ample evidence to support their bashing (as if they needed any), and those who are unrealistic about the “Land of Smiles” are quick to repeat the stories of selfless and heroic actions and generosity which abound. It will take a long time, and lots of study and serious thought, to correctly analyze what this flood has meant. In the meantime, everyone, including me, has an opinion, right or wrong.

As for me, I’m content to stay put for the time being. My area of Bangkok is functioning and there are still enough things for me to continue to do, such as attend school, the FCCT, some musical events, etc., for me not to have to isolate in my condo. If any of the “worse case” happenings frequently talked about, do occur, such as contaminated drinking water, disease, a shutdown of public transportation or power, I’ll leave as soon thereafter as possible. I’m feeling guilty about being in such a favored, indeed privileged, position, while so many others are suffering, and I am becoming increasing glum; still, I’m not quite ready to jump ship.