Thai flood crisis: Updated info for tourists

Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River hit a record high of 2.53 meters on Sunday, with spillover from the swollen river and runoff from the north flooding several Bangkok districts, including Thonburi on the west side of the river.

In addition to the growing number of waterlogged streets, many Bangkok riverside communities are experiencing tidal flooding, some close to popular tourist attractions like Khao San Road, the Grand Palace and Chinatown. Visitors should follow the situation closely given the lack of certainty.

Yet, as of Monday, major tourist areas in central Bangkok, such as Sukhumvit Road, Siam and Silom, remain unaffected by floods. Shopping malls, bars and restaurants in those areas are open, while all major hotels are operating as usual, including those on the Chao Phraya River.

In a statement released to its guests, the riverside Mandarin Oriental Bangkok said: “The hotel’s management team is monitoring the situation very closely and working around the clock to ensure the hotel stays unaffected. Effective flood management measures continue to be implemented.”

Some public transportation, including the BTS Skytrain and MRT, is running as normal, though the Chao Phraya River Boat has stopped service until November 7. Traffic has reportedly eased significantly in the city center, as many drivers are opting to leave their vehicles parked on raised ground.

The floods have also disrupted Bangkok’s food and water supply chain. Many convenience stores and supermarket shelves are short on items like bottled water and non-perishable food, though the city’s small, family-owned shops don’t seem to be affected.

In response to Bangkok’s ongoing flood issues, Thailand’s Tourism Authority announced Monday that it has canceled the city’s upcoming Loy Kratong Festival, including all dinner cruises and festivities along the Chao Phraya River.

Elsewhere in Thailand

As of Monday, all airports in Thailand with the exception of Don Muang are operating as usual, including Bangkok’s main international aiport, Suvarnabhumi. Last week, Airports of Thailand told state-run MCOT that Suvarnabhumi is not at risk of flooding.
Many airlines are waiving administrative fees for passengers who have booked flights to Bangkok and wish to reschedule or cancel their journeys.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) says major tourist destinations such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Sukhothai, Kanchanaburi, Ratchburi, Pattaya, Ko Chang, Rayong, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Ko Samui are all experiencing normal weather conditions.

Despite the TAT’s assurances, tourists should check ahead with tour operators, hotels and airlines before traveling.

In its latest update, released Sunday, the TAT says flood waters in Ayutthaya and some other central provinces have begun to subside, although many areas are not yet fully accessible. Tourist attractions in Ayutthaya will reopen once they have been restored.

Train services from Bangkok to Chiang Mai have just resumed from Bangkok’s Hualamphong train station as of Monday morning, though trains would re-route via the east to avoid flooded areas. Contact the SRT Call Center at 1690 for the latest updates and info.

Long-distance bus services from Bangkok are still operating, though some are taking alternative routes to avoid flooded areas of Thailand, resulting in increased travel times. Call 1490 for the latest information.

Thai flood resources

Thailand blogger Richard Barrow’s Thaitravelblogs.com offers continuous updates on the flood situation. Click here to follow him on Twitter. Barrow also offers some advice to tourists wondering whether they should cancel their plans in thisGo article.

Bangkok blogger and writer Newley Purnell posts a daily round-up of flood-related news, maps and information on his blog, Newley.com.

English-language news websites the “Bangkok Post,” “The Nation” and state-run “MCOT” all have in-depth coverage of the Thailand floods.

The TAT’s news site offers semi-regular updates on the floods. Tourists can also call the TAT Information Line at 1672 to check local conditions, or visit the Thailand Meteorological Department website for updated weather forecasts.

For visitors in Thailand looking to assist with the country’s flood relief efforts, the Bangkok Post has compiled a list of organizations accepting money and/or supplies. Bangkok’s Dusit Thani Hotel is accepting donated supplies too.

A Facebook page and Twitter account called Thai Flood has been set up to offer English updates on how volunteers can help and what supplies are needed.