Unusually heavy rain has fallen across Thailand causing the worst flooding around the country for over 50 years. The flooding, which follows months of monsoon rains, has already killed 356 people, with nearly 9 million others affected, authorities said. Overall damage from the floods could top $2 billion, with the worst yet to come as the waters destroy shops and paralyses factories nationwide, the Thai Finance Ministry said.

Many well-known franchise restaurants in malls are closed due to the fact that their supplier industries are closed because of the floods. More than 500,000 people lost their jobs as 4,000 companies closed in Central Thailand and Northern Bangkok. The water swept away houses, factories, jobs, livestock, businesses and lives. Rice paddies have been inundated and the situation may well deteriorate over the next days and weeks. Many parts of North and Central Thailand are under the water, but the water is being redirected and will arrive in Bangkok. The Prime Minister made a public announcement; “The opening of the water gates will make the water levels rise. The move will help us control the volume of run off from the north. I want the public to understand this and not panic," Much more water is expected in Bangkok and other areas in next few days.

The OM Thailand team is ministering in Ayutthaya. Although it is only one hour away from Bangkok, the team took 6 hours to get there due to traffic and detouring around the floods. The team is also looking for opportunities to partner with others this week in Bangkok. Many churches have reported that the church buildings are under the water, but the team can see the unity in Christ as unaffected churches host believers with temporary shelters. OM Thailand is partnering with the Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT) and Thonburi Church Coalition. The churches are beginning initiatives to help the worst affected in their communities. As many people panic about the uncertain economy and situation, the team is sensing a growing sensitivity to God, with more new people walking into church every week seeking God’s love and peace.

Please pray for the people of Thailand. Please click here to go to OM Thailand's Facebook page for more details about the situation and how you can be praying.

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