IJCNLP 2011 Blog

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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