In a last ditch effort to save inner Bangkok, the densely populated economic engine of Thailand, the government is choosing to allow floodwaters to drain through the eastern suburbs.
In effect, the government is sacrificing the east of the city for the center, the Bangkok Post reported.
Areas currently deemed most likely to flood are Sai Mai, Klong Sam Wa, Kannayao, Min Buri, Lat Krabang, Bang Khen, and Nong Chok.
Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra of the BMA warned people in those districts to move their belongings to higher ground and to be ready to evacuate yesterday Oct. 19. 1,400 families were ordered to evacuate from near the Khlong Hok Wa and Khlong 2 canals.
The Pheu Thai-led government – which has been at odds with the Democrat-led BMA over how the handle the flooding at time – also issued a warning yesterday, saying that over the next 1-2 weeks affected communities could see floods of up to 2 meters. Pol Gen Pracha Phromnok, head of the Flood Relief Operations Center, said that Sai Mai and Bang Khen may see flooding.
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The Chao Phraya River. Photo: Coconuts Bangkok
