Marine Thatphanom FC Update - August 2018

Whilst we in The UK & Europe are basking in unusually hot and sunny weather, Asia is the opposite and whilst it is the rainy season, this year has had unprecedented rain falls causing problems all over Asia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines have had national emergencies in some places and these are set to continue

This rainy season has affected 2 projects that Marine Travel have been involved with Both Marine ThatPhanom in Thailand and Clark Jets Rugby in Olongapo in the Philippines have had unprecedented rainfall in their areas

On a recent 2 day visit to Thatphanom in North Eastern Thailand to our football project Marine Thatphanom. Rain in this area between Nakhon Phanom and That Phanom has been extraordinary with The Mekong River bursting its banks on a 20km stretch of the river causing devastation in places, extensive flooding, ruining crops and destroying houses and farms, these floods have stretched as far as 2km’s inland from the river

Fortunately the Marine Thatphanom base on the rivers edge is currently still in tact but the water level has risen 6 metres and has destroyed fish farms along the banks, depriving the community of precious income.

Whilst local authorities are desperately pumping flood water from fields and communities back into the Mekong, this is causing the water levels to rise further down the river.

It’s a tragedy to see the affects of the rain to the community and how long this will continue and the long term effect to the community, no one knows.

Marine That Phanom FC have cancelled training sessions for the next 2 months, as their playing field is under water and the safety of getting the kids to and from the ground is concerning

However, whilst there I was able to present to Coach Tam of a local Thatphanom club and a coach with Marine ThatPhanom; Marine FC’s used away strip from last season to be used in tournaments by the senior players

Also we were able to present to Coach Jet of Thatphanom school two full juniors Everton kits home and away to be used for training and matches matches, also donated by Under Armour 20 pairs of UA kids sized trainers for the poor kids of the school.

I am sure we will hope and pray that the rains and floods soon subside and the families and kids can get back to some normality

Find out more & see the pictures
http://www.marinethatphanomfcappeal.co.uk/blog.html

Updated 14:30 - 30 Aug 2019 by Richard Cross