How the rich cope in crises
How uncertain is the flood situation in Bangkok?
Tricky enough that even a normally well-informed businessman doesn’t trust the news.
ASTV Manager reports that Red Bull ruler Chalerm Yoovidhya would just as soon not see his Ferrari and 20 other European supercars floating down Soi Thong Lor, where he lives.
So he moved them all to “higher ground” – a 47-storey condominium owned by Songkran Issara. Bet you wish you were a Ferrari.
It’s jet-ski Jay!
So many celebrities have pitched in on flood relief that we can’t keep track, but singer Jetrin “Jay” Wattanasin is, as usual, a standout in a crisis.
Jay’s led his jet-ski team in rescuing people in areas hit by flash floods, like Bang Bua Thong, Bang Yai and Don Muang. Jay also participated in a fund-raising event last Saturday, selling T-shirts.
As @jjetrin, he keeps the news updated on Twitter, and his fans in turn keep him informed about what’s really happening and what help is needed where. Jay carries the ball from there, serving as an information clearinghouse and mobilising other jet-skiers and celebrities.
On the hustle
Another singer, Ruangsak “James” Loychusak, is keeping his house in Sai Mai under close watch, but so far it’s been safe from the deluge.
He’s been updating the situation with tweets, complete with photos, to show people that Sai Mai is not 100 per cent flooded, as the other news media might have them believe.
Last week James did his own fund-raising for flood victims, toting a donation box from one building to the next on Wireless Road. If they didn’t understand him, he had a loudspeaker too.
James was impressed when a maid at one hotel dropped Bt100 into his collection box. “That money isn’t much for most people, but to her but it was a lot. I was overwhelmed!”
James is trying to raise six digits worth of those banknotes and will add a stack of his own, then plans to wade into the water himself and help folks.
