This flood not only affects Thailand, but the entire world. Thailand is the world’s largest manufacturer of rice, rubber, and computer hard drives, accounting for more than 25% of world production. Over 12.8 million people have been affected.
Unfortunately the official warnings came too late and there was much confusion. The night of October 18, sirens from ambulances and emergency vehicles were heard throughout the night. Rumors were spread about “broken dikes” and a pickup truck with a loud speaker driving through the streets was announcing warning messages. Residents were told to evacuate within 24 hours to safe areas because the water had come through the broken dikes and would reach our area that night.
Shops ran out of supplies and, with shelves emptied, were forced to close down. People had to travel to dry places to buy food and water to carry home. Some merchants took this opportunity to double the prices of items such as sandbags, boots, drinking water, fresh food, etc.