Storm Gerrit: Flooded Perth restaurant blames blocked drain in council car park

Mae Ping Thai restaurant bosses fear the popular Perth venue will flood again if the council doesn't act on the Scott Street car park

By Morag Lindsay

December 29 2023, 5:53am

Nongmay Buncharoen says she fears a repeat of the flooding at the Mae Ping Thai restaurant in Perth. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Bosses at a popular Perth restaurant say a blocked drain in a council car park caused the venue to flood during Storm Gerrit.

Mae Ping Thai Dining was forced to close after a torrent of filthy water poured into the premises, soaking carpets and fittings.

Nongmay Buncharoen says she begged Perth and Kinross Council to come and clear a clogged drain in the neighbouring Scott Street car park.

But all she was offered were sand bags.

Nongmay Buncharoen in wellies walking through water at the rear of the Mae Ping restaurant in Perth. — Nongmay trudges through floodwater behind the Mae Ping Thai restaurant on South Street Perth. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Perth and Kinross Council said there had been a “misunderstanding”.

But Nongmay, whose family opened the restaurant 25 years ago, says the authority’s refusal to budge had left her emotionally and physically exhausted.

“Sand bags aren’t going to fix the problem,” she said.

“I’m terrified it’s going to happen again.”

water soaking carpets and pouring downstairs at Mae Ping restaurant, Perth, during Storm Gerrit — Storm Gerrit flood Water seeping through the fire exit at at Mae Ping Thai Dining. Image: Nongmay Buncharoen.

Nongmay said she had to turn away 20 bookings for Mae Ping Thai Dining on Wednesday night.

The Scott Street car park at the rear of the building was still under water on Thursday.

She said it wasn’t the first time it had flooded.

However, the force of the rain during Storm Gerrit sent water pouring through the back door of the restaurant and downstairs to the main dining area.

The council’s unwillingness to tackle the drain means the venue is still at risk, she says.

“They do not have the resources to pump the water out and all the can do is supply sand bags which are no longer holding the water out of the restaurant.

“We have hired a Rug Doctor to suck the water out but it’s a losing battle because the drain is choked up.”

Mae Ping restaurant relies on festive trade

The team spent Thursday trying to dry out the premises so they could reopen in the evening.

Nongmay said she hoped customers would understand and make allowances for the flood damage.

Nongmay Buncharoen in fleece and wellie standing in flood water behind the Mae Ping restaurant in Perth following Storm Gerrit — Nongmay at the flooded rear door of the Mae Ping Thai restaurant. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

“Between Christmas and New Year is usually our busiest time,” she said.

“No one wants any more turkey at this time of year and so they come for Thai food instead.

“We can’t afford to stay closed for another night.

“This is supposed to be the restaurant’s 25th anniversary,” Nongmay added.

“I’m totally hacked off at the lack of support from the council.”

A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said a member of the civil contingencies team had visited the restaurant on Wednesday to provide sandbags.

However, they said there had been a misunderstanding in the request from the Mae Ping restaurant.

Following The Courier’s approach, staff from the roads team went to the car park on Thursday night to monitor the situation and are returning today with a gully emptier.

The spokesperson said a member of staff would also visit the restaurant today to apologise and explain what had happened.