Latest News from Thailand

Continue praying for the people of Thailand. Today authorities in Bangkok were preparing critical flood prevention measures just hours ahead of an expected surge in the rising water throughout the city. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has warned that nearly all the 50 districts of Bangkok are under a general threat of being inundated when a high tide and excess runoff from up the Chao Phraya River reaches Bangkok over the next 24 hours. Meteorologists estimate that the water level on the Chao Phraya River will peak on 29 October. The unusually high tide is expected to seriously test the already strained flood walls and canals in the central downtown districts of Thailand. A smaller high tide has already flooded the Chinatown area within the Samphanthawong district. Other areas, such as the southern Bang Phli district where Suvarnabhumi Airport (VTBS/BKK) is located, are not considered to be under imminent threat of being overrun by the excess flow of flood water.

Suvarnabhumi Airport is still open and operational, although some flight disruptions have already occurred due to an influx of thousands of travelers attempting to get flights out of Bangkok. Flood canals and holding basins on the airport grounds are reportedly under great stress, and Japanese transportation officials who have been called in to monitor the operations at the airport are concerned that the flooding will breach the perimeter walls. Although it is not likely that the surge in floods on 29 October will directly threaten the airport, operations may still be shut down in the coming days if the main runways and apron areas become flooded.

Government officials are still advising all Bangkok residents to leave the city as a precaution if they have the ability to safely and effectively evacuate before the expected surge. Furthermore, for the first time on 28 October authorities imposed a mandatory evacuation for residents in some districts in the northern areas of Bangkok. Police officers in small boats have been going house to house to order any residents inside to leave. The city is currently under a government-declared holiday until 31 October that was implemented to allow residents the opportunity to evacuate and move to higher ground.

Massive traffic jams are blocking main highways leading south out of Bangkok as to millions of residents are trying to leave the city by car. Trains out of the city are operating sporadically, and there are unconfirmed reports that the nationwide rail network may be shut down because transportation officials are unable to safely manage trains carrying millions of residents fleeing the flooding. While many foreign travelers and expatriates have already chosen to leave the city over the past week, hotels in Bangkok have been packing sandbags around the buildings to protect guests in preparation for the rising water. Water levels raging anywhere from 3 ft/1 m and up to 10 ft/3 m could deluge some areas of the city.

Our missionaries Brook, Sara & Hailey Sarver are safe in another part of Thailand. They have left their home after moving their belongings to the 2nd floor. It may be a few weeks before they are able to return home. Pray for them and their witness to Thai people during this challenging time.