RUN-OFF AND HIGH SEAS THREATEN CHAO PHYA LEVELS

       The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is keeping watch on twin flood threats to the Chao Phya River - approaching run-off from flooding in the North and, on October 18-20, heavy inflows of sea water, which could lift river levels by up to 2.20 metres.
       BMA governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra led city executives yesterday on an inspection of the Chao Phya at Ratchawong pier and Klong Bangkok Noi.
       They found the city's water level had already risen by 20cm-30cm, following the release of 2,500 cubic metres of water from the Chao Phya dam. Records showed the river had risen by 1.8 metres at Memorial Bridge.
       Sukhumbhand warned that from October 18 to 20 there would be massive inflows of sea water to the river, especially on Tuesday October 20, which will see the highest inflows. However the river's flood level should not exceed 2.2m.
       The BMA has piled up 4.2 million sandbags to form seven-kilometre-long flood barriers on both sides of the river where permanent flood barriers are not yet built - but should be in place by late next year.
       Local officials have been ordered to be ready to help the 28 communities in nine districts that are most at risk. The public can call for flood information on the BMA hotline 1555 around the clock, he said.
       In Angthong, where floods affected 300 families and 2,000 rai of farmlands in Muang and Pa Moke districts, residents of Muang district's tambon Ban Id have gone fishing, following news that some Pho Thong district residents caught two giant 100-kilogram catfish on Wednesday night.
       In Pa Moke district, flood water had risen 11cm since Wednesday and the Chao Phya River there was 50cm above its banks. In Muang district it was 7.20m deep and 30cm below the river banks.
       The Chao Phya dam released 2,092 cubic metres of water per second yesterday, slightly less than the day before. The local irrigation authority has opened the sludge gate to Klong Bang Kaew, causing the canal to overflow and cover the Asia Highway in 80cm-deep water.
       Up north, the weather on top of Ang Khang and Inthanon mountain in Chiang Mai is getting cooler. The lowest temperature was between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius.