Several provinces in Thailand have been submerged in monsoon floods for several days since late September.
Despite this, some residents in flood-hit Chachoengsao Province still refused to leave their homes.
These included 62-year-old Witthu Pimkaew (transliterated from Thai), who said he does not want to evacuate as someone might “steal” his beautiful wife.
In an interview with Workpoint News 23 on Wednesday (7 Oct), Mr Witthu said water levels have reached the floorboards of his home.
Despite this, he continued to run his grocery store, with customers from the village using makeshift paddle boats to buy from his shop.
Source: Matichon for illustration purposes only
Items in his store had even begun to run out because he was unable to go out and restock them.
Mr Witthu also shared that their tap water supply had been cut off, forcing them to use floodwaters for bathing.
As for using the toilet, he said that they had to go out into the rice fields to defecate.
Despite these circumstances, Mr Witthu refused to evacuate and leave his home.
When asked why, he quipped: “My wife is beautiful, I’m afraid someone might try to steal her.”
Source: @WorkpointNews23 on YouTube
The optimistic shopkeeper also sang a song to encourage other flood victims and urged them to persevere together amidst the challenges.
Additionally, he also thanked rescuers for bringing relief supplies to their village.
According to Thai PBS, 64,516 households have been affected by the flood in Chachoengsao Province.
In Bang Khla district’s Samet Nuea and Samet Tai subdistricts, the flooding reportedly began over 10 days ago, when water from the Khlong Si Yat reservoir overflowed.
The water has since become stagnant, turning into a dark colour and emitting a foul odour.
Source: Matichon
Residents are urging government agencies to resolve the issue regarding the stagnant water, raising concerns about the potential spread of disease.
While some Bang Khla residents have evacuated, others refused to leave their homes and have resorted to using pieces of Styrofoam as makeshift rafts.
Source: Khaosod
Some residents have also received relief aid from government agencies and organisations, but this has not been the case for everyone due to accessibility issues and limited supplies, Matichon reported.
Also read: Man in Thailand modifies sidecar motorcycle into raised vehicle to tackle 1-metre-deep floodwaters
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Featured image adapted from ข่าวเวิร์คพอยท์ 23 on Facebook, Matichon.