IJCNLP 2011 Blog

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

Update: 5 November 2011

Current Situation:

The flooding situation in Thailand is mainly affecting the central provinces along the Chao Phraya River including Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Other popular tourist destinations in the central region including Pattaya, Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi and Ko Chang have not been affected by the floods. Tourist destinations in the south of Thailand including Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, Ko Samui, Hat Yai and Phang-Nga; and in the north including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Sukhothai, also have not been affected by the floods.

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Source: 

Update: 05 November 2011

Despite flooding in several districts of Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand’s national airport, is operating as usual. It has also been well-protected from flooding.

Because some news agencies had shown pictures of passenger airplanes surrounded by high water, the Committee on Public Relations for the Flood Relief Operations Center explained that the airplanes had been decommissioned prior to the flooding and were, in fact, at Don Mueang, not at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
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Source: http://www.tatnews.org/

Update Date: 02 November 2011

The flooding in Thailand is mainly affecting the central provinces along the Chao Phraya River including Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Other popular tourist destinations in the central region including Pattaya, Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi and Koh Chang have not been affected by the floods. Provinces in the south of Thailand also have not been affected by the floods.

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.

Events relating to Loy Krathong, an ancient tradition that has been celebrated since the Sukhothai Era, will still take place in many locations throughout Thailand including Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, and Tak during November 8 to 10. Some Loy Krathong events have been cancelled in Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Suphanburi due to the flooding.

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Suvarnabhumi Airport is “highly confident” its flood-prevention scheme – with its 3.5-metre-high, 37-metre-wide earth dyke and sheet piles – will be effective.

Airports of Thailand senior executive vice-president Somchai Sawasdeepon said the airport also has a team of officers to monitor water levels at six flood gates, including Lat Krabang, Saen Saeb and Samrong. Airlines at the airport are being notified of water levels every three hours to ensure smooth aviation operations in Thailand despite the flooding in Don Mueang Airport.

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Source:

Update: 30 October 2011

Flood protection barriers in the heart of Thailand’s capital Bangkok have managed to hold during the critical peak of high tides yesterday, as the waters begin to recede after 400 people have lost their lives.

However the threat to the centre of the city is not over, with Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra warning the city not to become complacent, despite flood protecting holding during the high tide.

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Source: TAT

Update: 29 October 2011

Thailand has been facing the worst flooding it’s seen in half a century; thus, if you are traveling or planning a trip to Thailand at this time, you are advised to stay well-informed. There are many places you can travel very safely to, and have a normal, wonderful Thai holiday says the Tourism Authority of Thailand . There are also some things that you should stay tuned in to, in order to avoid any unexpected developments.

This FAQ is provided to answer some important questions, and to give you the information you need to keep up with the developing situation.

1.    What tourist destinations in Thailand are not affected by the floods and are okay to visit?
While several major tourist attractions in a few central provinces have been temporarily closed due to the floods, they represent a very small portion of the many thousands of tourist attractions throughout Thailand. All other tourist attractions in central Bangkok, as well as elsewhere in Thailand, such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kanchanaburi, Hua-Hin, Pattaya, Rayong, Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui, and all provinces in the south, have not been affected by the flooding.

2.    Will there be any difficulty to visit all the important tourist places in Thailand now due to the flooding?
At present, no.  The only two centers that have closed are Dream World and Future Park Rangsit.  Both are in the northern suburbs of the city, which has already become affected by rising waters.  The floods are mainly affecting the provinces in central Thailand including parts of Bangkok and a few provinces in the north and northeast.  Flood waters in several provinces in northern Thailand have begun to subside.  Provinces in the south of Thailand have not been affected by the floods.  Ayutthaya has been the only tourist destination widely affected by the floods, while other provinces where tourists generally go have been slightly impacted.

3.    Do you have any ideas whether tourist shopping places like Platinum Mall or Chatuchak (Weekend) Market is still open at this point of time?
At the present time, all major shopping centers remain opened.  Chatuchak Market is closed to visit during 28-30 October at the moment. You should check the current status of the sites you wish to visit in Bangkok with the news and contact numbers provided.

4.    Does the severity of this year’s floods mean it’s better to avoid Thailand for holidays this year, even in the high season?
No, as the floods are a result of the annual rainy season, which is over before high season. The rainy season is now coming to an end, which will allow the flood water to clear out and provide for restoration of the affected areas well before high season. It is too early to cancel trips planned for December 2011 through February 2012, the normal tourist high season in Thailand.

5.    What is the total number of tourist attractions that have been closed by the flooding?
Some tourist attractions in a few central provinces have been temporarily closed, as well as the majority of tourist destinations in Ayutthaya province. Of the more than 1,200 tourist attractions that interest international visitors to Thailand, only about 3% have been affected by the floods. This includes 40 tourist attractions in the central region. Other than the World Heritage Site in Ayutthaya, all of the tourist attractions that visitors like to go to when they come to Thailand remain opened.

6.    Will I have a nice trip as a tourist?
If you stay informed and avoid the areas in and around Bangkok that are temporarily flooded, you will have your typical, amazing Thai holiday. Chiang Mai is functioning perfectly as usual, and open for business, as are all the fabulous beach resorts in the south.

7.    What advice do you have for travelers who want to travel safely around Thailand at this time?
Stay abreast of all the latest news, including the TAT’s . There are many websites and phone numbers listed in the site that you can use to travel safely at this time, and enjoy your holiday. Simply travel by air out of Bangkok to any of Thailand’s major tourist destinations and you’ll be fine.

8.    Are most hotels and tourist destinations throughout Thailand operating as normal, or is it very quiet now throughout Thailand?
Tourist destinations outside of the flooded areas of the central provinces are reporting near-normal occupancy and booking rates for accommodations. The government is putting tremendous effort into protecting central Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi Airport, which are two key tourist areas, from flooding. Key tourist destinations in the south, north and northeast, as well as destinations in the central provinces such Hua Hin and Pattaya, have not been affected by the floods so we are confident that they will see the tourist numbers that are expected for the high season.

9.    What is the status of Thailand’s airports?  Could they possibly be closed soon?
Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok has not been affected by the floods and is operating as usual. The airport has considerable flood protection measures in place and officials are monitoring the situation closely. Don Muang Airport, which is located in a northern suburb of Bangkok and handles domestic airlines serving a small number of provinces, has been closed until November 1st due to flooding. All other airports in Thailand are opened and operating normally.

10.    Are the trains still running north? Just wondering if we should skip the north and go south?
Tourist destinations in the north, such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Sukhothai, are best accessed by air as some roads and railways in the central provinces are closed due to the floods. Provinces in southern and eastern Thailand remain fully accessible by road and train.

11.    What is the transportation system like now? How well is everything functioning?
Some roads to the north of Bangkok are closed at present. Thailand’s main airport, Suvarnabhumi, is opened, and you can fly to anywhere else in Thailand from there with no problems. Thailand’s secondary airport, Don Muang, is closed at present, with Nok and Orient Air moving their services to Suvarnabhumi.

12.    Prime Minister Yingluck has declared Bangkok to be a disaster area. This sounds like the situation is very serious, so why should people risk coming to Bangkok?
Tourist destinations in the north, such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Sukhothai, are best accessed by air as some roads and railways in the central provinces are closed due to the floods. The State Railway of Thailand cancelled all south-bound train services from Bangkok Friday 28th Oct 2011. SRT has arranged the bus from Hua Lamphong Station to Nakhon Pathom station and passenger can continue the train from there to Southern part. Provinces in southern and eastern Thailand remain fully accessible by road and train.

13.    What are foreign government travel advisories saying about the situation in Thailand? Are they warning people to stay away?
Various governments issue travel advisories based on their impression of a situation and what they feel is in the best interest of their citizens. The TAT encourages travelers to review these travel warnings, as well as consult several sources of information, and make a personal decision about traveling to Thailand at this time.

14.    What kind of flood control measures does Bangkok have in place?
According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority, the flood prevention and drainage system protecting Bangkok includes a vast network of dams and drainage systems, all being utilized to minimize the impact on Bangkok. There is also a highly sophisticated flood control centre with high-tech devices for rain forecasting and synchronizing the meteorological information with various agencies that are also involved in nationwide flood prevention efforts.

15.    Will there be any difficulty in getting food and water?
There have been cases of food, such as instant noodles, and bottled water, sold out at major supermarkets across Bangkok.  This is due to a supply and demand issue, in which suppliers simply underestimated the public concern over the flood situation.  Most other items are readily available, and no major shortages are reported upcountry.

16.    Why is the TAT remaining so positive about achieving its targets for arrivals?
The TAT’s outlook remains positive for several reasons, including the fact that of the more than 1,200 tourist attractions that interest international visitors to Thailand, only about 3% have been affected by the floods and the remainder are open and welcoming visitors. The most affected area is the central region, where 40 tourist attractions have been closed due to the floods.

17.    What effect is the flooding having on major events coming up in Thailand?  Can you give me an update please?
Major events going ahead as planned include:
- Phimai Festival, from November 9th to 13th, at Phimai Historical Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province.
- The 5th Thailand International Balloon Festival in Chiang Mai from November 25th to 27th.
- Loi Krathong Festival and Candle Festival in Sukhothai, from November 8th and November 10th at the Sukhothai Historical Park.
- The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Fair 2011 in Chiang Mai, although the opening date has been moved back from November 9th to December 16th.

18.    Where can I view maps of flooded areas and highways?
See this Thailand Flood Map (); or view the Department of Highways site showing affected roads throughout Thailand: (in Thai, but with maps).

19.    What websites provide the most up-to-date information that I can check day to day?
The TAT is communicating these facts to potential visitors worldwide through regular updates to our 24 international offices, media worldwide, online and via direct communications with tour operators. The situation can be monitored through . You can also check the following sites for additional information:
- Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (English) – www.bangkok.go.th/th/main/index.php?&l=en
- Thai Meteorological Department (in English) – www.tmd.go.th/en/
- Flood Relief Operation Centre (in Thai) –

20.    What useful numbers you can tell me to get more information?

Please remember to stay well-informed until the flooding subsides. There is much information available, and you should print out or make note of these websites and phone numbers. There are people everywhere willing to help and assist you, should you need it. If you do find yourself in need of official assistance, the Thai Tourist Police are well-trained and able to assist you; they can be reached by calling 1155. Chances are that you will not need any of these emergency numbers, but it is best to be prepared and not caught unawares. That way, you’ll get the most out of your time in Thailand, and be able to fully enjoy your time here.

Source: Reuters

Update: 29 October 2011

BANGKOK — Receding floodwater north of Bangkok have reduced the threat to the Thai capital, the prime minister said on Saturday, but a rise in coastal high tides in the Gulf of Thailand will still test the city’s flood defenses.

“If things go on like this, we expect floodwater in Bangkok to recede within the first week of November,” Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said on national television.

Bangkok’s main waterway, the Chao Phraya River, has swollen close to its brink during unusually high tides, causing some flooding in nearby areas. Buildings across Bangkok have been sand-bagged for protection. Many residents have fled the city or stocked up on water, food, life jackets and even boats.

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Announced by: TAT News

Date of published: October 28, 2011

Situation in Bangkok

Most areas of central Bangkok where to tourists normally go are not flooded at this time. The Chao Phraya River, which runs through Bangkok, is at a higher-than-normal level. This is causing some flooding at tourist attractions that are close to the river, and some parts of Chinatown, especially during high tide periods.

Within the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, several suburbs and areas adjacent to the Chao Phraya River are experiencing flooding. As these areas are largely residential and industrial zones, they are not normally visited by tourists.  The government has asked residents to leave these areas due to the flooding.

The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are operating normally. Taxis and tuk tuks are operating on a limited basis. Many BMTA bus routes have been rerouted or suspended due to the flooding. Express boat services on the Chao Phraya River have also been suspended.

According to government officials, October 27th until November 1st, 2011 will be a peak period for flooding due to a combination of high seasonal tides and the large volume of water flowing from the northern provinces through the Bangkok area. The government has announced holidays during this period to facilitate the management of flood control measures. The Chatuchak Weekend Market is closed the weekend of October 29th.

Given the rapidly changing nature of the flooding situation in Bangkok, the TAT advises travelers to carefully consider visiting tourist attractions close to the Chao Phraya River as they may be in areas affected by flooding, which could limit access.  Visitors should also check multiple sources of information to make an informed decision about whether they should visit Bangkok at the present time.

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News:

Update: 29 October 2011

Suvarnabhumi Airport is confident of its Flooding Prevention System and constantly monitoring the water levels.

Mr Somchai Sawasdeepon, Senior Executive Vice President of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) and Acting General Manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport, said Suvarnabhumi Airport is confident of handling the flooding situations around Bangkok and its vicinity, as it has a highly capable Flooding Prevention System in placed with (3.5m high, 23.5m long and a base 37m in width) soil barriers surrounding the airport; where the height of the barriers was recently increased from 3m to 3.5m, completed on 18 October 2011 with assistance from the Department of Highways. Also, Suvarnabhumi Airport has 6 reservoirs with capacity to store 4 million m3 of water, with the current level of water in the reservoirs being at 1 million m3 (25%); as well as 2 Pump Stations (4 water pumps in each station) with ability to drain water out at a rate of 12 m3 per second or 1 million m3 per day.

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Two of Thailand’s largest airlines, THAI Airways International and Bangkok Airways, have implemented a ticketing policy for the current flood situation.

A number of international carriers that fly to Suvarnabhumi have similar policies in place, including Malaysia Airlines, EVA Air, British Airways and Qantas.

Low-cost carrier AirAsia has not implemented a policy for flight changes or cancellations.

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