Thai inmates evacuated due to floods

Thai inmates leave their prison cells, but not in the circumstances they would like.
Around 1,700 prisoners are being evacuated by authorities due to severe flooding in the ancient city of Ayutthaya.
With each convict handcuffed to another inmate, the men slowly waded through chest high waters to flee the prison building.
Officials said that the men were evacuated due to safety concerns.
(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL OF CORRECTION DEPARTMENT SOMSAK RANGSIYOPAS, SAYING:
"There is lots of water this year, the water level is at 150- 170 cm. If the convicts remained inside it would not be safe."
The entire city is struggling with the severity of this year's floods.
One resident said these were the worst deluge decades.
(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) SUCHART THANOMWARAPORN AYUTTHAYA RESIDENT, SAYING:
"This is worse than in 1995, it's never been this bad. I've lived her for 20 years and this year is the worst."
On Tuesday government officials said that at least 244 people have died in floods in Thailand since mid July.
Simon Hanna, Reuters.