NATIONAL AND THAI GOVERNMENT

The internet is buzzing with news that sensationalistic “journalist" Andrew Drummond of Bangkok and Scotland has become so engrossed with hate for Thailand, especially Pattaya that his exaggerations and false statements on his website have escalated into downright fabrications, fake interviews and little investigation for the truth.

Heavy rain and flooding hit several northern and northeastern provinces while local authorities are prepared for more rain as tropical storm Nok-Ten enters Thailand Sunday. In Phrae, flash flooding triggered by heavy rainfalls hit several areas in Rong Kwang district. A portion of Phrae-Nan road from the municipality office to the district office and the Rong Kwang police station is under about 50 centimetres of water. In Den Chai and Mueng district, several villages were inundated. Chuan Sirinanthaporn, Phrae governor warned local residents in disaster-prone areas of flash flood and mudslide. In the northeastern province of Nongkhai, heavy rain and flooding hit many areas including the municipality. Many main roads are currently under water. People evacuated their belongings to higher ground. Meanwhile, as a by-election is being held in Constituency 2 on Sunday after the Pheu Thai candidate was given a yellow card, officials worried that the heavy rains may result in low voter turnout. Several provinces in the North have released water from reservoirs to prepare for more rainfall stemming from tropical storm Nok-Ten.

Pattaya Times newspaper reports that airline and rail service have been suspended in some areas due to heavy rain and flooding, while flash floods have caused property damage and power outages. Government hospitals in Thailand's north and northeast are on standby for flash floods and emergency medical services.

After the election, the winning Prime Minister may need Chonburi's Phalungchon Party coalition votes to form a new government which would bring added development funds to Pattaya and the region.