After weeks of suffering perhaps the worst flood in a century and being inundated with selfish reactions, how many of us can still hold that Thailand is a uniquely caring and united society?

If you lived in a poor community like Klong Sam Wa and were told by politicians to endure waist-deep stinking water for nearly three months as "a sacrifice" just so others could remain dry, would you still believe in the myth of a uniquely caring Thai society?

Reports of these poor residents forming "mobs" to demand action because they have had enough made headline news yesterday. These angry folks won't settle for the opening of a sluice gate - they want a channel to be dug up so more water can be released downstream, to the possible detriment of richer parts of Bangkok, including the eastern industrial estates.

Is that fair? The answer depends very much on who you are.

So far, some 200 soldiers have been deployed to guard flood barriers in the northern parts of the capital as conflicts between flooded and non-flooded sides continue breaking out in provinces like Nakhon Pathom and Chachoengsao.

The past month or so has certainly tested the notion of a caring and united Thailand, with the stress and strain stripping this cherished idea to the point where can we see our society naked.

People have been selfishly hoarding masses of bottled drinking water and food, while cars are double- or even triple-parked on elevated roads with no regard to how it's affecting traffic. Then there is the constant bickering between the ruling Pheu Thai Party and opposition Democrats as both sides try to make the most out of this disaster, not to mention those who are so busy watching this political soap opera that they have no time to help. Adding to the spectacle are the movie stars and television hosts who see the floods as a chance to promote themselves.

In addition to all that, some shops are cashing in by selling basic necessities at marked up prices, while luxury malls seem to be too busy putting up plastic Christmas decorations to help raise funds for victims.

Nobody can deny that for every instance of selfishness, there are also examples of selfless sacrifice, but we need to ask ourselves one question: have the richer parts of Bangkok become so important that they need to be saved at the cost of Thailand's future?

In reality, rich folk can avoid the floods by taking refuge at posh beach resorts that charge Bt10,000 per night, which is more than a month's wage for most factory workers, some of whom have already lost their jobs to the floods. Others can fly abroad to escape the reality at home.

If people want to cling to the image of Thailand as a uniquely caring and united society, that's fine - but they must make it a reality through their actions. If you have already abandoned that image, or never subscribed to it in the first place, that's also fine. But it would be much appreciated if you would be kind enough not to cause any unnecessary burden at this stage.