If you have been watching international news, you already know that Thailand is dealing with epic record-breaking floods caused by an overly wet monsoon season. Some areas have been flooded for as long as two months. More than 500 people have already lost their lives and the flood waters have started to to move out of the heartland and into Bangkok.

According to the Associated Press, evacuations are under way in 17 of Bangkok's 50 districts. While the evacuations are not mandatory, they continue to disrupt the lives of the Thai people. It is the worst flood in Thailand for more than half a century. The floods have already impacted 25 of Thailand's 64 provinces.

Thailand is also suffering because the floods have impacted the economy. The floods have not only impacted industrial and manufacturing sectors, but also the concerns of tourists and business travelers. Many shop owners have had to close their stores as it is not uncommon for flood waters to be 5 feet deep or more.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand recently suggested checking multiple sources before visiting central Bangkok, including the authority's own tourism update page. But many business publications are urging tourists to remember that much of Bangkok is still dry. In areas where it is not dry, however, the city is struggling to keep the streets free of rubbish that blocks the drainage system designed to drain the water.

"We come from a big family and we are worried for all our friends and family over there," said Alan Wong, general manager of Kung Fu Plaza in Las Vegas. "Many of our employees are also in touch with or trying to get in touch with family members."

Wong says that they are relieved that Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and New Zealand are among the countries that have pitched in significantly to help massive relief efforts. Some Americans are making individual donations to help aid flood victims in Thailand, but Wong said that the U.S. hasn't made as strong of a connection with the Thai flooding as it has other disasters in other parts of the world.

"I read the U.S. is giving about $2.7 million to aid Southeast Asia as a whole and some consult from what it learned from managing the Katrina recovery," says Wong. "Every little bit I am sure will help a recovery effort that will cost billions."

Wong says that while it is difficult for many Americans to help Thailand, he hopes those who can will consider making a contribution to assist the efforts of various recovery operations. One of several options is the Thai Red Cross Society. As an alternative, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has created a page that allows donors to direct donations to the Thailand flood relief efforts.

More than 9.8 million people have been directly affected by the flooding, nearly one million displaced. To appreciate the true extent of the flooding, Wong suggests viewing an aerial survey of the area posted on October 25. In the first few minutes, the flooding does not look severe, but then it becomes clear that miles and miles of land are underwater, especially in the rural areas of Thailand.

"The aerial footage puts the devastation into perspective," says Wong. "Entire highway systems are submerged and in one segment, a helicopter is making relief drops to people waiting by their homes in boats. Our hearts go out to the Thai people."

Although the Wong family has been living in the United States since the 1970s, Wong says his father frequently makes trips to Thailand and they feel very much connected. Thai people who visit Las Vegas almost always include Kung Fu Plaza as a destination because the restaurant has a reputation for authentic Thai food.

Kung Fu Plaza has been the oldest and most authentic Las Vegas Thai and Chinese restaurant since 1973. It is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. It was named Kung Fu before Thai food was ever popular in the United States as a way to distinguish it from Chinese.