Bangkokians Continue To Panic Buy Amid Mounting Frustration
Don’t Panic! Bottled drinking water, convenience foods, some baby products and local beers (Singha and Chang), are not so easy to find. It is probably advisable to stock up a bit, but don’t go crazy and start panic buying. It is the cheap brands that are flying off the shelves from 7 Eleven, Family Mart and some supermarket chains such as Big C and Tesco Lotus. In particular, cheap brands of drinking water and instant noodles are leaving shelves bare.
Calm Down! Meanwhile, the Thais in flooded areas of outer Bangkok are becoming increasingly frustrated. It is partly understandable, but the Thai government are trying to emphasize how essential it is that Suvarnabhumi International Airport and the central business districts in Bangkok remain operational. Not an easy task under the circumstances.
High & Dry! Central Bangkok remains dry and safe, as it has since the floods descended upon the capital. The flood defence barriers are holding up (so far so good) and Suvarnabhumi International Airport remains high and dry.
Trick Or Treat? Downtown Bangkok is still dry, although Halloween was rather subdued this year, due to the flood fear factor. A number of people endeavoured to get into the party spirit, but the crowds were scarce. Many Bangkok bar bosses felt tricked rather than treated this Halloween. One long-term Bangkok bar owner commented, ‘Once again, exaggerated media reports, plus travel warnings, has killed bar trade. I fear that a lot of people have cancelled their holidays, but let’s hope they book again later.’