Thai flooding threatening Bangkok

The Thai capital of Bangkok is on full alert as floodwater from record rainfall continues to run down toward the city.

Water has overflowed from the Chaoo Phraya River in central Ayutthaya province and other places, leaving 320 people dead.

The water has inundated 6 industrial parks and affected about 430 Japanese-affiliated companies there.

Floodwater has reached Bangkok, downstream of the river, and is approaching the Ladkrabang Industrial Estate, about 30 kilometers east of the city center.

Most of some 50 Japanese-affiliated firms operating at the complex, including Honda's motorbike plant, have shut down.

Outside Bangkok, water has overflowed from a canal leading to the centre of the capital, flooding roads. Workers were seen trying to pile up mud scooped from riverbeds to use as improvised sandbags.

On highway shoulders in and around Bangkok, many vehicles have been parked to avoid damage from floodwater.

More floodwaters from the river are expected. Adding to the threat of flooding is seawater levels, which are forecast to rise from October 28th, due to a spring tide.

Thursday, October 20, 2011 18:38 +0900 (JST)