October 25, 2011 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, BANGKOK, (Oct. 24): The prime minister expressed concern over the high tide set to rise at the end of this week (Oct. 28-31) and said that all parties concerned have met to prepare for the challenge. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Monday inspected the floodwater drainage in Phra Khanong pumping station, while dismissing claims that her government is planning to use Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road as a route to release floodwater into the sea. Regarding the proposal to use Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road as passage of floodwater, Ms Yingluck said it is still "unnecessary" and that the capital’s existing flood prevention dykes can still function. She said the government would do its best to minimize damages. "The government has called a meeting of all agencies concerned today (Oct. 23) to urgently evaluate the situation and inform the public. Evacuation plans, key premises protection as well as spaces for parking a large number of cars will also be considered," Ms Yingluck said.
The governor of Bangkok made an urgent announcement just before midnight Sunday, advising residents of Don Mueang, Laksi, Bang Khen, Chatujak, Bang Sue and Sai Mai districts to move their belongings to higher ground and evacuate some vulnerable citizens including the elderly, patients and children to temporary shelters provided by the local authorities.
The governor said he has asked the foreign ministry to inform embassies and foreign diplomats living in these six areas and nearby to monitor the situation. The BMA released both English and Thai statements on its website to report the situation to Bangkok residents via www.bangkokgis.com/flood/. Meanwhile, Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said almost 40,000 soldiers equipped with life-saving necessities, vehicles and boats are fanning out across flood-hit areas in many provinces to help evacuate people trapped in their homes amid rising water.
The army chief assured the public that 3,000 more soldiers have been assigned to help evacuate people stranded not only in the seven districts declared at risk areas and other vulnerable areas of the capital (MCOT online news, Oct. 23-24, 2011).
CCT Response  The charity concert “Stage Music” held last Friday evening, October 21, 2011, was successful. Around 500 audiences expressed their solidarity with the victims. All revenues without any deduction has been given to the Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT).
Last weekend (Oct. 22-23), the SDSU Director, Mr. Uthid Siriapapong was in the affected area in Nakorn Sawan and Chainat Provinces for flood situation assessment and to collect additional information. The CCT organized the Rehabilitation Working Committee comprised of delegates from various departments and units. The Committee is preparing a long-term integrated rehabilitation proposal. The project will become one of the major activities of the CCT in 2012. We thank the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and Ms. Duangsuda Sribuaai for their continued support to the CCT and in solidarity with the flood victims in Thailand. We appeal churches and ecumenical organizations to remember the flood victims in Thailand and the work of CCT in their daily prayers. To support CCT in its efforts to provide relief aid to the flooded victims, please send your contributions to: Account name: The Foundation of the Church of Christ in Thailand Bank name: Siam Commercial Bank, Thanon Phetchaburi Branch (S/A) Account number: 008-2-61457-4 Swift code: SICOTHBK Contact persons: Elder Chusak Wuttiwaropas, CCT-Relief Committee Chairperson: cwuthi@gmail.com Mr. Uthid Siriapapong, SDSU Director: uthid@hotmail.com Prawate Khid-arn
October 12, 2011 Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ, Rain continues in the central part and the flood areas are getting bigger and wider. Mr. Natapong Maneekorn, the staff of the Social Development and Service Unit (SDSU) of the CCT and Mr. Niwat Sirisarn of the Dara Academy School are in the flooded areas. They reported from the flooded areas that the local government officers led them one area where about 1,200-1,500 households are submerged. Thousands acres of paddy field, orchards, gardens, playground, and roads are covered with water as high as 2-5 meters. People, animals, cars have been moved to the highways. Many of them urgently need food and temporary shelters. Many have been left without enough food for days. In Ayutthaya and Nakorn Sawan Provinces, only the big trucks can go into the city as the water is too high for the small cars and vehicles. The flood gradually moves down to Bangkok. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration prepared to move the people out of 9 districts/zones in Bangkok. These districts are expected to be affected in the next few days. CCT Response: TheCCT has formed Emergency Relief Committee (ERC). The treasurer is the Committee.The Committee is developing plans and budget for emergency relief and rehabilitation.The Committee also coordinates with local authorities and related church-based organization, i.e. World Vision and Habitat for closer coordination. We are pleased to learn, in Nakorn Pathom Province, theCCT Chinese Church Nakornpathomdonated 5,000 cotton bags to the local municipal Office. At theStudent Christian Center(SCC) in Bangkok, Mr. Surakit Kamolrat, Director, announced that SCC is opening its kitchen for 3 days, 12-14 October 2011, to cook food. The meal-box will be distributed to the flood victims in Ayutthaya Province. He encourages students, churches and walk-in pedestrians for this solidarity. CCT would like to thankchurches, organizations and ecumenical friends for their support and donations for the relief work. Rev. Dr. Prawate Khid-arn
Office of the CCT Policy Management Contact: Ecumenical Relations Office
Church of Christ in Thailand
328 Phayathai Rd.
Ratchatevi
Bangkok 10400
Tel. 022146000-9
Fax. 022166010
email: cctecume@loxinfo.co.th
website: www.ero.cct.or.th |