The flood peak has come and gone. A number of people sighed with relief. I’m one among this lucky group to have escaped the direct flood both at home and at work. So, my Great Flood experience has been limited to anticipation, comprehension and helplessly witnessed the whole saga from the news media- very closely.Of course, a lot of people are not as fortunate. Those in Bangkok who are affected are, right now, assessing the damage and start up process, or waiting for the little water left to come down. On the Facebook yesterday, there was a call for volunteer to help the clean up at one of the public venue, which I thought was a great idea. News on volunteering on a community service like this always brings positive sentiment to the public. It reminds us that we Thais are in this together, suggesting unity- a rare commodity in this nation nowadays. It also connotes hope, a new chapter to a nightmare, etc., etc.
Then I read one comment that stopped me cold. One guy wrote that perhaps we shouldn’t publicize the clean-up activities just yet, as others are still sunk in water. Suddenly, I saw his point and fully appreciate it. Bangkok is the last stop as the flood water came from the north and trying to go to the sea in the Gulf of Thailand. Provinces north of Bangkok started experiencing the flood a month or two before us, and even the north of Bangkok, Pathumthani, the flooded started a month ago. The flood in those areas is more severe and lasts longer. Many may be not see their homes completely dry until the year end.
Bangkok has the smallest impact from the flood and gets over the soonest, but we made the loudest noise, being who we are. Trying to save the capital, the government and the BMA even intentionally delayed the flowing of water through Bangkok, keeping other areas in flood condition longer than otherwise. Although I do not oppose those measures, understanding that damage to Bangkok will make the country economic disaster even worse. But somehow, it must be hard to for those upcountry folks to watch Bangkok getting dried and cleaned while their homes are still deep in water. The disparity between Bangkok and grassroot folks are far apart enough already. We don’t need this to make it larger. If I were one of them, my questions would be: And they say we are in this together! Where’s justice in this country? Those city folks with money always get it easy, etc., etc.
So, be relieved, be hopeful, but just don’t gloat about it. There are others who have sacrificed, so we get dry this soon. Perhaps we should send them more help and a big thank you campaign?
Bangkok has the smallest impact from the flood and gets over the soonest, but we made the loudest noise, being who we are. Trying to save the capital, the government and the BMA even intentionally delayed the flowing of water through Bangkok, keeping other areas in flood condition longer than otherwise. Although I do not oppose those measures, understanding that damage to Bangkok will make the country economic disaster even worse. But somehow, it must be hard to for those upcountry folks to watch Bangkok getting dried and cleaned while their homes are still deep in water. The disparity between Bangkok and grassroot folks are far apart enough already. We don’t need this to make it larger. If I were one of them, my questions would be: And they say we are in this together! Where’s justice in this country? Those city folks with money always get it easy, etc., etc.So, be relieved, be hopeful, but just don’t gloat about it. There are others who have sacrificed, so we get dry this soon. Perhaps we should send them more help and a big thank you campaign?
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