Thais fill sandbags in attempt to protect capital from flooding

2011-10-18 21

Hundreds work in tandem filling sandbags in Bangkok
They are responding to the governor's calls for 1.2 million bags to help reinforce the capital's flood defences.
More than 550 people have died in Thailand and Cambodia as the worst floods in half a century continue unabated.
(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) VOLUNTEER RESIDENT, SOMSAK NASUAN SAYING,
"I took a day off from work to watch out for the floods and protect my house. So, I'm here to help them fill up sandbags"
Meanwhile, Cambodian families line up in boats to collect Chinese-sponsored aid packages including rice, blankets, tents and medicine.
Foreign embassies and the World Bank are providing relief, but months of severe flooding have caused vast damage in Thailand, Cambodia the Philippines and Vietnam.
Lindsey Parietti, Reuters