Thousands leave flood-surrounded Bangkok

BANGKOK, Oct 27 (AP): Tens of thousands of people jammed bus stations and highways to flee Thailand's capital as flood forecasts turned more grim and the first official evacuations were ordered. Floodwaters bearing down on the metropolis of 9 million people have killed 373 people nationwide since July, caused billions of dollars in damage and shut Bangkok's second largest airport. The capital has mostly escaped unscathed, but residents are preparing for flooding that seems all but inevitable. Bangkok Gov. Sukhumbhand Paribatra said Wednesday residents of two of the city's 50 districts - Don Muang and Bang Phlat, both already partially submerged - should leave for safer city shelters. "This is the first time I am using the term 'evacuation,' the first time I'm really asking you to leave," Sukhumbhand said. Elsewhere in the city, thousands of people packed Bangkok's Mo Chit bus terminal, trying to leave town on their own. Many appeared to be taking advantage of a government-declared five-day public holiday to avoid a possible watery siege. The holiday runs Thursday through Monday in flood-affected areas, including Bangkok.