The continuous heavy rain across many provinces, including Bangkok and its vicinity, has caused widespread flooding at multiple points, severely affecting many people nationwide. Recently, Thairath Entertainment interviewed Bum Panadda Wongpudee Chairwoman of the Make Good Foundation about their efforts to help people during the flood crisis.
How has the Make Good Foundation's work in Surin been?
"Oh, the water was very strong. We have an integrated team from Roi Et on standby in Surin, and another team from Mae Jo who helped people yesterday is in Sa Kaeo. These teams are coordinated with us. We cover their fuel expenses and continue working as usual. Those two teams are on the ground there. After we went to Surin yesterday and returned at night, the foundation went on standby, and now we're actively working in Pathum Thani, relocating patients."
We heard you mentioned that anyone near flooding areas can evacuate to the Make Good Foundation's temporary shelter?
"Yes, exactly. Some houses are single-story, and residents may not know where to go if their homes are at low levels, especially if they have patients. They can come to the foundation's shelter. (Are beds, pillows, and mosquito nets ready?) Maybe not fully ready yet due to the emergency, but at least they can come and stay temporarily. (Is there food?) Yes, there is."
Is the situation really severe everywhere?
"It's all around. We've received many requests for help—some to relocate patients, some to move pets. The difficulty is that officials are stationed at fixed points. For example, if we're in Pathum Thani but need to move someone to Nonthaburi, it's not easy because the roads are impassable. It feels like the entire city and its outskirts are flooded. I believe Bangkok still has convenience stores and some resources for people to help themselves. Water levels are reportedly about waist-high at most, but in Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani, the water is higher—some places up to chest level."
Why is it this severe?
"Because the rain has been continuous without stopping, causing drainage systems to be overwhelmed. This is the real deal—drainage can't keep up. I understand this. This morning at 09:22, we got a warning, but it was a bit late (laughs). I think the definition of a crisis varies; maybe they waited until the water reached about chest level before issuing a warning. I'm not sure. But from what we've seen on site, we advise: 1. Don't be careless, especially if there are elderly or bedridden patients—evacuate early if possible. 2. If you anticipate rising water, prepare a backpack with drinking water, important documents sealed in plastic, medications, and perhaps some first aid supplies so you can carry it easily if you need to evacuate."
Regarding cars submerged in water, the first thing to avoid is starting the engine. Many people don't know this; when water recedes, they try to start the car immediately, which can cause engine damage as water may have entered the engine compartment. It's better to get a tow or use a flatbed truck. Right now, tow services are busy because many cars are stranded in flooded streets. So please do not start your vehicle immediately; let the service center check the battery and other systems first. This advice comes from those with extensive field experience."
Also, for refrigerators in homes flooded by water, once the water recedes, do not plug them in immediately. The compressor may operate abnormally. Clean the refrigerator thoroughly and have an electrician inspect the wiring or have a technician check if it was submerged."
How many people have reached out to the Make Good Foundation for help? Are your DMs overwhelmed?
"The admins are overwhelmed, working non-stop. Requests come from all over the city and country. Sometimes we have to forward cases to other rescue teams closer to the location for easier access. For example, if someone is in Lam Luk Ka, our team there handles it. Cases in Pathum Thani are passed to that team; those in Lat Phrao go to that team, and so on."
People nationwide are anxious. What message do you have for them?
"I can only send encouragement—I don't know what else to do. We help as much as we can and try to post updates whenever situations change. Flooding like this is rare in Bangkok, but teams are already active in other provinces like Surin and Sa Kaeo. In provinces like Chonburi and Rayong, floods come and go quickly, unlike Bangkok where water lingers awaiting drainage."
Weather forecasts say rain will continue until noon tomorrow?
"That's what they say, but weather can be unpredictable. If rain stops by noon tomorrow, that's good. Water levels are high now; we recently had to relocate bedridden patients needing oxygen first. Please don't be careless or panic. Many still remember the 2011 floods."
Where should people park their cars on high ground?
"Many malls are offering free parking now. For example, at Rangsit Future Park, parking is free for everyone. People can park their cars there safely. I send my support to everyone and will try to assist as much as possible."
Is the Prime Minister returning from England soon?
"It's good that he is coming back. But wherever he is, he can still give orders. At his level, he doesn't need to personally relocate patients, but he can manage the situation."
At the frontline, have government agencies arrived to assist? Some comments say they haven't shown up yet.
"(Shakes head) I haven't seen anyone yet. You can see from videos that the roads are empty. But government officials may also be affected by flooding. Let's not be too negative—they are people too and may have family or property to protect. They can't just abandon their homes to help."
People on social media are saying "we can handle this = ..."? (ambiguous phrase) This seems to imply reassurance or solidarity.
"Yes, we have to handle it. We support each other (smiles). I just tell my team I will do my best. That's it. My voice is hoarse from constant rain exposure."
Who can the public rely on now?
"There are many agencies actively involved. I'm trying to answer like a pageant contestant right now."
Can you give a message to the government as a prompt?
"I believe long-term solutions must come from the government. I'm sure they are working hard. Officials are also affected by flooding. The Prime Minister is concerned; he said he's in England but is returning soon. For now, we must all stay strong and watch out for reptiles escaping the floods—this morning there were snakes and centipedes coming out."
Any words of encouragement for everyone?
"I send encouragement to everyone and thank all the rescuers who sacrifice a lot. Many of them have flooded homes too but still go out to help others. Thank you so much."
Where will you personally be helping initially?
"Right now, my children have told me to stay home because I'm seriously ill."
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