Date: 20 October, 2011
Source:
In a sudden about-turn after officials claimed Bangkok would be safe from floods, the city’s governor has warned residents in several northern and eastern parts of the city to move their belongings to higher ground and remain on alert.
The districts pinpointed by governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra are: Lat Krabang, Nong Chok, Minburi, Klong Samwa, Kannayao, Sai Mai and Bangkhen.
The Bangkok Post reports that the government opted to use the eastern part of the city to drain massive amounts of floodwaters from the northern outskirts in an attempt to save the economic heart of the capital amid surging water levels.
Despite this, Bangkok is for the most part operating as usual, but tourists should be on alert given the lack of certainty. In an advisory to its citizens, the British Embassy in Bangkok said: “The possibility of flooding spreading to parts of the city of Bangkok and disrupting fresh water and electricity supplies cannot be ruled out.”
Major tourist areas in central Bangkok, such as Sukhumvit Road, Khao San Road, Siam and Silom remain unaffected by the incoming runoff from the central plains provinces. But many riverside piers, restaurants and homes on low-lying sections of the Chao Phraya River have been flooded.
Most public transportation — including the Chao Phraya River ferries, BTS Skytrain and MRT — is running as normal, while shopping malls, government offices and banks are open. On Wednesday afternoon, many office workers living in the affected areas were sent home early to prepare for potential flood waters at their homes, while some international schools decided to close for the rest of this week.
Though the majority of the city remains dry, the floods have disrupted Bangkok’s food and water supplies. Many convenience store and supermarket shelves are missing items like bottled water and non-perishable food, a hot buy as city residents stock up to prepare for the worst.
For those looking to extend their Thai tourist visas, the Nonthaburi-based Chaeng Wattana Immigration Complex in Bangkok’s outskirts is still open, despite floods in the area.
Elsewhere in Thailand
As of Thursday, all airports throughout Thailand, including Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, have not been affected by the floods and are operating as per usual.
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.
The exception is the ancient city Ayutthaya, which has been badly hit by the floods. All tourist attractions there have been temporarily closed.
Despite the TAT’s assurances, tourists should check ahead with tour operators, hotels and airlines before traveling, as the tourism body’s updates are sporadic.
Train services from Bangkok to northern destinations beyond Ayutthaya suspended, with only limited services in the areas affected by the flooding.
The State Railway of Thailand is offering full refunds on tickets for travelers who want to cancel their trips to destinations where train service is suspended. Contact the SRT Call Center at 1690 for updates and info.
Long-distance bus services from Bangkok are still operating, but due to highway closures in flooded regions some are taking alternative routes, resulting in increased travel times. Call 1490 for the latest information.
So far, at least 320 people have been killed and three people are missing in Thailand, according to the government website Thaiflood.com. Some 62 of the country’s 76 provinces have so far been affected, impacting more than 9 million people.
Thai flood resources
Thailand blogger Richard Barrow’s Thaitravelblogs.com offers continuous updates on the flood situation. Click to follow him on Twitter.
English-language news websites the Bangkok Post, The Nation and state-run 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 those 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 called “Thai Flood” has been set up to offer English updates on how volunteers can help and what supplies are needed.