Flooding in Thailand

http://news.yahoo.com/thailand-bangkok-escape-floods-waters-recede-070711609.html

 

Having been there just two months ago, the situation was already quite grim.  Now it has gotten worse and reports say that nearly ONE-THIRD of the entire country of Thailand is now flooded.  This also has affected Cambodia and Vietnam.  Since the monsoon is winding down at this point, there will be relief in sight as they transition into the dry season but it could take at least a month for the flood waters to recede. 

 

This was the worst monsoon season they had in decades.  When I go back there during the January break, things should be dry and back to normal again but we'l see.  At any rate, the effects of the flooding are a lot more severe than the news indicates.  This is also affecting the beaches in the south, as reports from travelers have shown.  All the dirty flood water runoff is spilling into the Gulf of Thailand and killing all the fish and aquatic life.  Result?  Garbage and dead fish strewn all over the beaches, polluted waters, and a nasty blow to the tourist season.

 

On a more positive note I'm going to be heading to Burma for the most part during the winter break and will get a different slice of the experience.  The crazy guy on a bike journal is almost up and running, will point you the link once I've got it.