The State of Affairs: Flooding in Bangkok

Flooding in Nonthaburi

In and around Bangkok, it is a sad and uncertain time.  Flooding up north in Ayuttiah, Kanchanaburri and Sukothai is making its way to the ocean via the Chao Praya River which runs right through Bangkok.  Nonthaburi and Pakkret, communities along the Chao Praya closest to us, have been flooded and parts evacuated.  Where we often catch the water taxi to Bangkok, the water is 2-3 meters higher than normal.  Thousands of people have lost their homes and belongings.  People have parked their cars on the expressways to get as far above ground as possible.  This has caused up to three lanes deep of cars in certain areas.  This has also resulted in tremendous traffic because of only one or two lanes available for transport.

All schools in Nonthaburi (where ISB is located) have been closed since last week.  We have just received notice that the Ministry of Education has mandated that all schools remain closed until November 7^th.  ISB will continue e-school for students during the interim.  How this impacts the rest of the school year will not be known right away.  Many of the ex-pats from our community, after securing their homes and preparing for flooding, left town last week for the October holiday and are extending their holiday to stay away from Bangkok until the threat of the high tide this weekend passes.  Although many members of the Thai staff at school have lost their homes and are now living with family and friends, they still showed up for work on our last day to make sure the school was prepared for the threat of flooding.  It is amazing how resilient the Thai people are through such difficult times and how everyone has stepped up to help one another.