Flood Update: Waters Starting to Recede in Some Bangkok Areas and Ayutthaya

Posted: Thu 24 Nov, 2011 3:00 PM

In many parts of Bangkok and Ayutthaya flood waters have started to recede. Central Bangkok has remained dry throughout.

 

See and hear from tourists on the ground in Bangkok what the situation is REALLY like for tourists.

 

Please check the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) website regarding the ongoing flood crisis that has affected much of central Thailand and parts of Bangkok.

 

Bangkok Situation

As of Thursday November 24 (3 pm local time), central Bangkok remains dry, although some streets in outlying areas of city centre remain partially flooded. The flood situation in most parts of suburban Bangkok seems is easing. Central Bangkok remains dry. Suvaranbhumi Airport, sky train and underground and airport link trains are operating normally.

 

Tourism districts such as Silom, Sukhumvit Road and Siam all remain unaffected. All major downtown hotels are open, including the major ones along the Chao Phraya River.

 

This weblink has dozens of (almost) live webcams of traffic conditions and roads throughout Bangkok. It is an excellent resource and shows the true picture on the ground across Bangkok.

 

In most areas of Bangkok, convenience stores are starting to catch up again with supplies of of water, noodles, soft drinks and similar products.

 

Upcountry areas

Upcountry, places NOT affected are Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Sukhothai, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Pattaya, Ko Chang, Rayong, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Ko Samui, and all other southern provinces.

 

These places all have normal transport and weather conditions.

 

However, there are still difficulties in numerous central provinces such as Ayutthaya. Similarly, Pathum Thani province to the immediate north of Bangkok has been impacted. However, these areas are improving.

 

Transport

Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok is operating normally as are all upcountry airports. Don Muang Airport in north central Bangkok, which handles some domestic flights, has been closed due to localised flooding. You may find this Bangkok Post of interest – Suvarnabhumi Open, Images Misleading.

 

All BTS "skytrain", MRT “underground” and Airport Express trains are currently operating normally. Cross-river ferries on the Chao Phraya are operating, but not the Riverboat Express. Shopping malls, restaurants and offices are all open for business. There are plenty of taxis, but they may not go to outlying districts of the city.

 

Trains

The State Railway of Thailand (call 1690 within Thailand) says that travellers travelling to the South will be transferred by bus to Nakon Pathom 60 km west of Bangkok where they can board trains to the South.

 

Train services to Chiang Mai (the North) and Northeast Thailand (Isan) have resumed since October 29.

 

General Advice

Tourists planning to travel to anywhere in Thailand are strongly advised to check transport conditions for their destination and confirm arrangements with their transportation providers.

 

Tourists are advised to check if their Governments have travel advisories in place regarding travel to Bangkok.

 

The flood situation in and around Bangkok is highly varied. Be aware that local conditions could change. Stay up to date on media and social media reports. Follow #ThaiFloodEng on Twitter.

 

PATA is monitoring the situation closely in association with TAT and will keep members informed.

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