Well, we’re here: it’s the first test. Tonight, tomorrow and Sunday’s high tides will be abnormally high, while the crest of flood waters from Thailand’s north will arrive in Bangkok at the same time. It will be the first in a series of challenges for the flood defenses deployed to keep (most) of Bangkok dry. … read the full post

As we wrote this post, authorities asked residents in some areas on the outskirts of Bangkok to evacuate after a flood levee reportedly collapsed. TAN Network said on its Twitter feed that the emergency flood centre advised that “the collapse of Banprao floodgate in Samkok, Pathum Thani may bring 1m floodwater to Rangsit, Saimai, Klongluang, … read the full post

The next couple of days will be key in seeing whether Bangkok escapes the worst of floods that have now swelled across two-thirds of Thailand, though even if the city eludes the waters, the last three days of October will be another test, authorities say. “Don’t underestimate the floods,” Energy Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said according … read the full post

As the tides swell twice a day towards their peak this weekend, Bangkok readies sandbags, moves valuables to higher ground, and charges flashlight batteries, all the while hoping that this isn’t going to be the one. At the moment, the river embankments are holding in most of the city — during this morning’s peak in … read the full post

Bangkok is still bracing for flooding in a few days to a week as waters from elsewhere in Thailand continue to surge towards the already low-lying capital. Thirty of Thailand’s 77 provinces have been hit by floods and landslides since July, with a death toll now edging towards 300. Reuters reports that the total area … read the full post

The stars — and moon — are moving into alignment to bring Bangkok some of the worst flooding in fifty years. October 16 will see a spring tide (a tide that is higher than normal because of the position of the moon) that causes the Chao Phraya river to stop draining towards the sea, while … read the full post

Bangkok scams are rampant. A while back we featured a story on scams throughout Thailand, but after living in The Big Mango I do think these city streets deserve some special attention. Now you might fancy yourself a savvy traveller but let me just say that these scammers are skilled. In fact, let’s start off … read the full post

While not the stuff that office escape daydreams are made of, getting medically protected while travelling is an important consideration. Travelling with a bit of stomach flu is possible, but travelling with malaria is not. If you’ve left home without arranging malaria treatment or have made a mid-journey change of destination that carries a higher-risk … read the full post