Bangkok and Ayutthaya under water

Another news post, then I'll stop :)

I was talking to a Thai friend who lives in Bangkok a few nights ago and she was telling me all about the Thai floods and while she thankfully won't be affected, millions have been. I've spent lots of time in Thailand and can not say enough wonderful things about the culture, people, history, food etc. It's always awful when stuff like this happens but somehow I think it hits you harder when you've been there and seen the places and people first hand. The Thai government says that Bangkok should be spared the worst of the floods as sandbags and canals are sending the water out to see. However that is not true for many other parts of the country, including some very beautiful and historic spots.

I was saddened to read that Ayutthaya (the Thai capital from the 14th to the 18th century and home to hundreds of ruins, temples etc.) has been overrun and many of the ancient structures are now severaly flooded. Ayutthaya is one of the coolest places I have ever been and I really hope that the damage is not permanent. 

Here are a few pics of the city from 2009:

a park with ruins in the background

up close to an old building

a temple

a Buddha that is still cared for, it survived the destruction of the city.

in the court of one of the largest buildings

the lake and bridge in the Royal courtyard

another shot of the courtyard with a temple in the background

the main walking area

CNN has reported this on the Thai floods.

I'm sure there are charities that are collecting for this. Lets just hope that they can get this sorted out and life can get back to normal asap.