Floods in Thailand

The rainy season this year has created massive flooding in many provinces in Thailand, which is the world's biggest rice exporter.

Sadly the floods have wiped out over a quarter of the country's crop. Damages could top six billion dollars in Thailand's worst flooding in 50 years.

The country's current woes­ include nearly 400 dead and 110,000 displaced. 

This just illustrates the limits of man's ability to control nature's sometimes overwhelming force. With the floodwaters sweeping through Bangkok and overflowing the banks of the Menam Chao Phraya, the government declared a three week national public holiday for Bangkok and the affected provinces as residents evacuated their homes.

 Fortunately Rayong Province where I live has not been affected except for the lack of food and water in our local stores and markets. That is because people from other flooded areas have migrated to our small town of Ban Chang. The shelves in our only supermarket are almost bare. I couldn't even buy cookies for the monthly Birthday celebration I do with the kids.

Here at our school we decided to collect money, canned food, mamma noodles and water, even boats and dog food to help the flood victims, many who are completely homeless and living in makeshift shelters.

The flood situation gave us a chance to help the students learn about charity and giving generously to help others in times of hardship and need. During one of our morning assemblies military officers from the Satahip Naval Base came to school to pick up all the donations. They will distribute them to the needy flood victims.

Since it was November it was also a good time to teach about being thankful for our many blessings. The kids made feathers with their photos on them and then created a THANKSGIVING  TURKEY. 

          I am constantly filled with wonder and gratitude. 

Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong is perhaps the country’s most beautiful holiday. Many hours are spent carefully crafting the krathongs using a wide variety of exotic and fragrant flowers that bloom in Thailand. We even made them in school. Each krathong is a work of art, and it is believed that when set afloat they take ones troubles with them.

Nation wide the Thais honor the water spirits by lighting candles and setting them adrift on tiny baskets along the country’s waterways. 

You can buy one of the colorful magnificent creations handmade by the local residents or you can make your own small boat with flowers, coins, three sticks of incense and a candle, then launch it into the river or ocean in the evening, resulting in thousands of lighted krathongs on the water.

My Kathong floating out into the great ocean of life.   Notice the orbs!

In addition to many spectacular fireworks, Thai families launch translucent paper hot-air lanterns that light up the night skies. The solemn sending off of these lighted lanterns has become a festival highlight. A sight to behold as I stood on the beach watching in awe.

Celebrated on the full moon in November, Loy Krathong, began in the 13^th century, and pays respect to Mae Khongkha, Goddess of the country’s life bringing rivers. 

The festival with roots in Hinduism and Buddhism has taken on an additional meaning; today releasing the krathong symbolizes the letting go of anger, grudges, and bad luck and ushers in a new year of happiness and blessings.  

The November Full Moon and spectacular fireworks over the ocean

Loy Krathong seemed especially appropriate this year to pay homage to life giving water as many Thais have been affected by floodwaters.