Thai Travel News Bangkok Flood Update for Tourists – October 29, 2011

Current  Situation:

Thai Travel News advises against all non-essential travel to Bangkok at this point in time, as flooding appears imminent.

Experts say that the entire capital will be inundated with floodwaters and many tourist areas could face between 50cm-100cm of water.  The government has recently advised residents to evacuate now before it is too late.  Many regions throughout the north have already been affected by flooding, with Bangkok’s secondary airport at Don Mueang being inundated with floodwaters.  Flooding has also been reported at some locations along the river as the Chao Phraya reaches record heights. Warnings to evacuate have been issued for people living in riverside areas.

Flood warning have been issued for a number of communities throughout the north, east and west of the city.

Flood protection barriers set up along some of the canals located in the inner suburbs have breached, causing minor flooding in the Sukhumvit area.  Hotels are open for businesses and the MRT and BTS are also operating, however some of the exits at MRT stations have been closed as a precautionary measure to safeguard against flooding. A number of tourist attractions have closed, including the weekend market at Chatuchak. No official word on this, but we’re sure that river cruises aren’t running at this in time.

During periods of intensely heavy rain, there is some localized flooding of certain low-lying streets in Bangkok. These conditions are quickly cleared up by municipal work crews and the city’s storm water drainage system.

Roads out of Bangkok to destinations including Pattaya, Hua-Hin and other destinations along the southeast are reporting heavy traffic, as many residents of Bangkok leave the city.  Local airlines within Thailand are also recording strong bookings and full bookings until the end of the year.

We advise that this warning is for the city of Bangkok only.  There is no flooding affecting Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Hua Hin or Pattaya.  Chiang Mai was affected last month, but floodwaters have subsided and all businesses and tourist attractions are operating normally.

Areas at risk:

A look at the worst case scenario in Bangkok. SOURCE: Bangkok Post

On the street:

Things are calm and it is business as usual. However there it is noticeable that many Bangkokians have left the city as the floodwaters approach. Many shopfronts have erected sandbag flood walls, with some even constructing concrete walls to protect against possible floodwaters as they reach the city.

What is going to happen?

Well, no one really knows for sure at this stage.  The worst case scenario is that the entire city is covered in water in depth from  50cm-150cm.  In the event of flooding covering the city, transport will be affected, supplies of fresh water and electricity may be affected and food would be difficult to find.  Some have said that flooding of Bangkok could take longer than a month.  Different experts are saying different things at this stage.  As we know more, we will definitely update it on Thai Travel News.

Our advice:

We advise staying close to the airport for easy evacuation should the need arise.  If staying in the centre of the city, we recommend choosing accommodation that is close to a BTS Skytrain station.  In the event of serious flooding, we believe that the BTS Skytrain would continue to operate, and travellers could easily transfer to the AirportLink train service to Suvarnabhumi Airport at Phayathai BTS.   

The situation at present is constantly changing and it is difficult to foresee an outcome.  Few tourist attractions have closed, shops are open and transport around the inner suburbs of Bangkok is still normal. However, to fully enjoy your holiday to Thailand, we would believe that the best option would be to postpone your holiday until a later date.  We would like to stress that this is not for safety reasons, but in the interest of a holidaymaker.  Changes in the situation are occurring all the time, and while tourist attractions, shops and transport are open now, it is impossible to say that they will be open in one weeks time.  The city is also prone to traffic jams, which become in recent days have become worse as flood warnings made.  The volatility of the situation could have a negative effect on a holiday, which is supposed to be an enjoyable experience.

For those who have purchased non-refundable tickets, there are still many places within Thailand that are not affected by flooding.  From Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, travellers can access Pattaya, which is situated about 90 minutes from the airport. Also along the eastern coast is Trat, home to Koh Samet, while Hua Hin, located three hours to the south of Bangkok, is also open for tourists.

Bangkok Flood Maps:

For live flood maps of the city, visit:

http://www.thaitravelnews.net/bangkok-flood-map - A nifty map of the city showing areas of flooding in real time.  Unfortunately it is in Thai language, but with an understanding of the city, this can be useful.

http://www.thaitravelnews.net/floods/view-water-levels-bangkok/- A very detailed map that shows the water level throughout Bangkok’s canals.

Affected Area

Don Muang

Lak Si

Saimai

Dusit

Bangkok Noi

Phra Nakhon

Lat Krabang

Nong Chok

Minburi

Khannayao

Bang Phlat

Thawee Wattana

Chatuchak

Sukhumvit

Unaffected Area

Siam Square

Silom

Sathorn

Pratunam

Victory Monument

Suvarnabhumi Airport

Hua Mark

Khaosarn

China Town

Ratchadapisek

Petchburi

The Risk:

Map of Flood Protection Barriers in Bangkok:

Transport in Bangkok

Road: Some roads have been affected in the north of the city and should be avoided as some sections are closed due to flooding. Roads to the southeast and Hua Hin remain open. Visitors routes. For more information, please call Highway Hotline 1586 (local call only)

At the time of publishing, 21 roads have closed around the city.

North of Bangkok

1. Vibhavadi Road – (inbound) Memorial Intersection to Laksi Intersection - (outbound) from Laksi Intersection

2. Phaholyothin Rd (inbound and outbound), from Memorial Intersection to Phaholyothin 50.

3. Kamphaengphet 6 Rd (inbound and outbound) from Muang Ake Village to Thung Song Hong Estate.

4. Songprapha Rd (both sides) from Srisamarn Intersection

5. Cherdvuthakat Rd (both sides)

6. Veruvanaram Rd (both sides)

7. Liab Khlong Song Rd (both sides) from Saphan Poon Intersection to Intersection in front of Royal Thai Airforce’s unit

8. Chantarubeksa Rd (both sides) from Navy Academy to Chatarubeksa Intersection

9. Kosoom Ruamjai Rd

10. Dechatungka Rd

11. Chaeng Wattana Rd (Soi 14)

West of Bangkok

1. Charansanidvongse Rd (both sides) from Bang Phlad Intersection to Rama VII Bridge

2. Sirindhorn Rd (both sides) from Bang Phlad Intersection to Sirindhorn elevated road

3. Arun Amarin Rd (both sides) from Arun Amarin Intersection to Siriraj Hospital

4. Borom Raja Chonnanee Rd (both sides) from Pinklao Bridge Sirindhorn elevated road

5. Borom Raja Chonnanee Rd (both sides) from Buddhamondhol 3 Intersection to Buddhamondhol 4 Intersection

6. Utthayan Rd (both sides) from Utthayan Intersection to Buddhamondhol 3 Intersection

7. Sala Thammasop Rd (both sides)

8. Charansanidvongse Rd (both sides) from Borom Raja Chonnanee Intersection to Bang Khunnon Intersection

9. Elevated frontage road (both sides) from Taling Chan to Buddhamondhol III

10. Buddhamondhol III (both sides) from Borom Raja Chonnanee Intersection to Utthayan Intersection

Rail: Northbound trains have been suspended until further notice.  Refunds are available to passengers who have purchased tickets online.

Southbound trains have also been suspended due to water inundating a section of the tracks just to the south of Bang Sue.

Bus: Some services around the northern suburbs and Nonthaburi have been cancelled. Nationwide services still running. This number is increasing on a daily basis.

Taxis: Finding a taxi in flood affected areas may be difficult. In non affected areas, there are no issues

BTS and MRT: Operates normally.  70 MRT exits have been closed for precautionary measures to protect against flooding. We believe that in the event of flooding, the BTS Skytrain should remain operational.

Piers / Ports: Ferries in the Chao Phraya River have stopped until further notice.

Air:  Don Mueang Internaitonal Airport has closed affecting all Nok Air and Orient Thai flights. Nok Air have subsequently suspended all services until November 1, while Orient Thai has announced that it will operate domestic flights from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Local airlines Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways have implemented ticketing policies covering changes in travel dates due to the current situation.  Many international airlines have also implemented flood policies.  Check with your airline for more details.  Flights out of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport have become increasingly hard to find in recent days.  We advise any change of plans or urgent bookings be made sooner rather than later, due to the increased demand for seats at the present time.

Attractions:

Future Park Rangsit closed indefinitely

Dream World closed on 21-31 Oct

Chatuchak Weekend Market

We believe that this list will grow in the coming days.

Accommodation: Accommodation in most of the major tourist centres throughout the city remain open for business. An influx in demand for accommodation throughout the city has been reported throughout Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi, and Cha-Am.  Any bookings should be made in advance to ensure availability.

Food:  Many supermarkets have experienced a shortage in supply of some easy-to-store products.  Products, such as instant noodles and bottled water, have sold at out many convenience stores around the country. However, food is not difficult to come by, and we can assure you that Bangkok is not in a state of famine.  One of the major suppliers, CP All, has issued a statement of apology and insisted that demand will be reached.

Useful Contacts:

TAT Call Centre:                1672

Thai Airways:     +66 (0) 2356 1111

Bangkok Airways:            +66 (0) 2265 8777

Twitter: @bangkok_airways

AirAsia: +66 (0) 2515 9999

Nok Air:                1318 or +66 (0) 2900 9955

State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Call Centre:          1690

Transport Co.,Ltd. Hotline:

(inter-provincial bus service)      1490

 Alternative Travel Destinations:

Hotel rooms in alternate destinations are selling out fast.  Travellers or residents seeking an alternative in Hua Hin, Pattaya, Koh Samet or even Chiang Mai are urged to do so sooner rather than later.

Pattaya is situated 1.30 hrs drive from the airport, with accommodation from cheap $14 guesthouses, ranging to luxurious five-star branded hotels. Visitors can take a bus direct from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya for 124 Baht, while private transfers cost between 1,000 Baht – 2000 Baht depending on how well you can bargain.

Accommodation can be found in Pattaya for as little as $14 per night for those on a budget, while big savings can be made on some of the citys’ five star hotels. Click on the following to search for hotels in areas which are not affected by floodwaters:

Pattaya Hotels

Hua Hin Hotels

 

Koh Samet Hotels

Koh Chang Hotels 

Phuket Hotels

 

Bangkok Hotels

 

Travellers can also depart to other centres after arriving from their international flights.  Other centres around Thailand remain unaffected by flooding, such as Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui. Vietnam is also easily reached by a  number of carriers that operate from Suvarnabhumi Airport.  Tickets to Ho Chi Minh City sell for around US$70, but a Vietnamese visa is required for most nationalities.

For those who may want to fly to Chiang Mai in the north of some of the southern resort islands, visit our flight search, which compares all three major domestic carriers, THAI Airways, Bangkok Airways and AirAsia,  departing from Suvarnabhumi.

Visit our flight search at:

http://flights.thaitravelnews.net