October 24, 2011
Last year, IFP Fellow Chen "Rochan" Liang from China began his studies for a master's degree in Regional & Rural Development Planning at the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, Thailand. Over the past several weeks, he has witnessed the region's devastating floods, as the waters there continue to rise. He sent us this update, which recognizes the role that local IFP Program Officer Jaruwat Kiatiwongse has played in keeping all Fellows in Thailand safe and informed. Often described as a kind of global "family", members of the IFP community are known to look out for each other, particularly during challenging times. This is one example.
by Chen Liang 陈良 ("Rochan") | IFP Fellow, Asian Institute of Technology
We have all heard about how climate change and natural disasters are becoming more frequent, and have been resulting in a massive amount of people suffering from loss of property and vulnerability to health problems.
Currently, Thailand is experiencing heavy flooding throughout the country, at a level not seen historically for 50 years, according to most reports. The floodwaters have swept across 60 of Thailand’s 77 provinces over the past two months. In particular, the surrounding region in Bangkok has been hard hit, with high water levels even in the city itself, and seven districts labeled at risk.
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) is IFP’s partner organization in Thailand. Their campus is located 40 km north of Bangkok, and the AIT International School has been closed for classes since the 11th of October.
Facing this critical situation is Mr. Jaruwat, IFP Program Officer, who has made a great contribution from his post in the
Bangkok office to look after our safety and manage all logistical arrangements. He always tries his best to show up for us during this especially difficult and unusual time. He reached the AIT campus on the 14
th of October and exchanged ideas with us about the current situation and possible plans for evacuation if things get worse.
We believe this kind of action is tremendous consolation for every IFP fellow who is suffering under high pressure from threatening flood waters.
On the 17th of October, I received a phone call from Mr. Jaruwat as I was joining the meeting held by the AIT president regarding current flood preparations. He told us the water levels surrounding AIT were getting worse and the Institute’s vans were already being arranged for us to evacuate. All IFP fellows were told to be ready to move out the following morning.
The unimaginable disaster arrived three days after our evacuation. We were disconnected from AIT, but Mr. Jaruwat continually gathered information and sent updated pictures for us. In a word, Mr. Jaruwat is hard-working, diplomatic and smart. He saved our IFP fellows, and made arrangements properly during this unique time in Thailand. This is really our fortune. We wish him the brightest future.
Click
HERE to view more photos from the AIT campus and read a letter from the President.
Photos:
Above - Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) sign is reflected in floodwaters.
Middle - IFP Program Officer in Thailand, Jaruwat Kiatiwongse, on his way to visit alumni at work in their communities.
Left - IFP Fellows meet with Jaruwat at AIT.