Thai flood crisis: Updated info for tourists
Floods move into city, though tourist zones are operating normally. Plus, country update
25 October, 2011
A tuk-tuk plows through flooded streets near the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok on Monday.
Bangkok is bracing itself for the worst as floodwater continues to flow into the city, with runoff from the north leaving many roads in the city's Sai Mai, Don Muang, Lak Si and Bang Phlad districts flooded.
According to local media reports, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration says 4 billion cubic meters of floodwater from Ayutthaya is expected to reach the capital by Wednesday through the western areas of the city. The problem is, the city can only drain 400 million cubic meters per day, say officials.
Watch on CNN: Heavy cost of Thai floods
As of Tuesday morning, major tourist areas in central Bangkok, such as Sukhumvit Road, Khao San Road, Siam and Silom, remained unaffected by the incoming runoff from the central plains provinces. Shopping malls, bars and restaurants in those areas are operating as normal, but tourists should follow the situation closely given the lack of certainty.
Many riverside piers, restaurants and homes on low-lying sections of the Chao Phraya River have been flooded, as well as suburban areas of Bangkok.
Also on CNNGo: Stress, anxiety as Bangkok residents wait for the worst
Some public transportation, including the BTS Skytrain and MRT, is running as normal, though the Chao Phraya River Boat has stopped running 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 Bangkok Post reports that the city is now experiencing a taxi shortage, as many drivers have decided to take their vehicles off the road, while others have returned to their homes outside the city.
The floods have also disrupted Bangkok’s food and water supply chain. 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 visitors 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 Tuesday, most airports throughout Thailand, including Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, remain unaffected by the floods and are operating as per usual.
Nok Air, which operates out of Bangkok's domestic Don Muang Airport, has cancelled all flights until November 1 due to floods in that district. Flights can be changed free of charge. From 3 p.m., Tuesday, Thai Orient will fly out of Suvarnabhumi International Airport instead of Don Muang.
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.
The exception is the ancient city Ayutthaya, which has been badly hit by the floods. All tourist attractions there have been temporarily closed. For more on the situation, read iReporter Ed White's account.
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 350 people have been killed and more than 9 million people affected.
CNNGo iReport assignment: Share your Thailand flood stories
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 this CNNGo article.
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 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 Twitter account called "Thai Flood" has been set up to offer English updates on how volunteers can help and what supplies are needed.
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