The death toll from the most devastating flooding to hit Thailand in over 60 years following heavy rains since late July has now risen to almost 300. Nearly three million people are said to have been affected by the floods and the disaster has caused serious damage to the country`s agriculture. Industries are in suspension such as motor vehicle firms Toyota, Sony and Honda along with Western Digital and many other factories to the north of Bangkok. Damage so far has been assessed at more than 20 billion baht and 26 out of the country's 77 provinces are affected. Bangkok is bracing for a large amount of run-off water that will coincide seasonal high tides making it harder for the flood waters to flow out to sea.
Amateur radio has been assisting with flood relief communications, helping victims in the affected areas. In use by hams is the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand (RAST) club station callsign HS0AC and a special flood relief centre with the callsign HS0AB has been established at Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport. Please be advised that Thai radio amateurs are standing by on 144.900 MHz, 145.000 MHz and 144.9375 MHz (VHF) as well as on frequencies of 7.063 and 7.060 MHz in the 40-metre HF band.
RAST is actively assisting in flood relief operations and the society is accepting donations by bank transfer to its Savings Account at the Krung Thai Bank (KTB), Pradipat Branch, Account Number 034-1-86101-4. Below is a video showing activities at the special flood relief amateur radio station at Don Mueang Airport (in Thai). RAST is also posting information about developments to its web site available via the following Link
RAST would like to thank the IARU in advance for notifying member societies of this disaster and of the emergency frequencies being used to help flood victims in Thailand at this time. Owing to the volume of water and continuing rainfall, this emergency is likely to continue for many more days and we will notify the IARU Region 3 once things return to normal.
Sincere 73,
Tony Waltham, HS0ZDX
The Radio Amateur Society of Thailand (RAST) under the Patronage of His Majesty the King.
- Jim Linton VK3PC, Chairman, IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee, via Ken Yamamoto JA1CJP, Secretary, IARU Region 3.
Flood relief amateur radio station at Don Mueang Airport
