Scout camp near Bangkok is major relief camp

A Scout camp at Ratchuburi, a town around 50 kilometres south west of central Bangkok, has become a major relief area for the flooded capital with some 26 camps set up for Thai and migrant families. 

On 12 November, ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) members Toby Claridge (UK), Ed Owen (UK) and Scott Robinson (US) delivered 30 tents and a school box to the camp. The Scouts helped set up the tents following a demonstration and the first family moved in within minutes. 

‘Mr Jaturong Meeborsum, his wife and three children left their home in Nong Khaem, a district on the outskirts of south eastern Bangkok, when the water level became over waist deep,’ explained Toby. ‘They arrived with more or less what they stood in.’ 

Even though the rain has stopped and central Bangkok is recovering, there is a stark contrast in the low lying suburbs that surround the capital that are taking the brunt of the flood waters as they head seawards, with new areas being evacuated daily. 

Flooding continues 

Whilst areas to the north of the capital begin the long clean-up and those families can look forward to returning to their homes, those living close to the south still wait in trepidation as the water table rises. 

‘The Meeborsum family’s best estimate was that it would be over a month before the waters will have receded enough for them to return home,’ said Toby. ‘But then their homes will still need cleaning and disinfecting from the inevitable disease that the fetid flood waters will leave behind.’ 

SRT members in Thailand have been concentrating their efforts over the last six weeks to ensure that shelter and dignity is available to those who are displaced by the worst flooding Thailand has experienced in 50 years. 

By working closely with Rotarians, local government, Thai Red Cross and International Organization for Migration (IOM), ShelterBox has provided shelter and other assistance such as mosquito nets and water filters to multiple areas in and around Bangkok, helping over 2000 people.