Thai Travel News Flood Situation Advice for Tourists – Current for December

Updated 14/12/2011

Current Situation:

The vast majority of floodwaters have receded.  There are some small pockets where floodwaters are still receding, but there would not post any inconvenience or threat to tourists.  Travellers visiting Bangkok are safe, and the city is operating normally.

Trusted Travel Advice:

Any threat of flooding has long gone and travellers should strongly consider returning to Bangkok.

For information relating to your specific situation- email editor@thaitravelnews.net or add us to Skype: thaitravelnews 

  • Current Risks:

Slim to nil.

No outbreaks of water borne diseases resulting from the floods have materialised.

As far as Thai Travel News and the Editorial Team is concerned, the flood situation has long passed.  This page will be updated on a less frequent basis, informing on recovery matters such as the return to Don Mueang. 

Click here for a Live Map of Bangkok’s Floods (Thai Language) 

 

  • Flood Relief Operations Command (FROC)

FROC was the Thai government-run efforts to provide relief and manage the flood situation.  The operations command has begun winding down their operations over the past few days as the situation has normalised in most parts.

  • Transportation

Bangkok’s secondary airport Don Mueang remains closed.  Floodwaters have dried out, but still no clear date has been given on when commercial flights will return to the facility.

Passengers travelling on Nok Air and Orient Thai airlines should note that their services are operating out of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).  

  • Tourist Attractions

All tourist attractions are open as normal.

Click here for a list of embassies and consulates in Thailand

If you have any specific questions relating to the flooding situation, please feel free to chat with us on our LiveChat feature, which is situated at the bottom of the page, add a comment, or email editor@thaitravelnews.net

 

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  • diur

    Dear Sir, I`m Diur from Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Please advise you, whether the situation in the downtown (Siam, Pratunam, MBK) is quite safe to visit? I intend to Bangkok tomorrow (3 / 11) for four days and settled in a hotel in Pratunam or Siam area . Thank you ..

    regards,
    Diur

    • http://www.thaitravelnews.com Jared Sheldon

      Met Kenalan. Situasi di daerah Siam / Pratunam sekarang cukup sehat. Banjir ga ada disana sekarang.

      Selamat libur di Bangkok!

      Jared
      (I am a multi-talented man!)

  • Anup Kabra

    Is Dream World open ? If not, when is it likely to open?

  • kwolf

    Dear Sir/Madam,

    I’m a tourist, i will visit Bangkok tomorrow (Nov 03) but the flood situation is terrible in Bangkok. I need your advises i should go there or not.
    My plan are:
    - From Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pratunam market
    - Visit some places in BangKok and shopping around Pratunam and Platimun mall

    So, I do not know the transport from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pratunam market is ok or can not go by taxi.

    Thank very much,

  • Eugene

    Good day,

    We will travel to Thailand on 21 of Nov to Bangkok and go to Samui by bus at once.
    Could You please advise what exactly South Bus Terminal do I need, the Old (Pinklao- Nakomchaisri Rd.) or the New one (Borom Ratchani, which is now at Holland beer hall on Rama 2 Road)? We will use the municipal bus strts at 20:30.
    Thanks in advance.

  • MILLI

    Hello,

    I am travelling to central of Bangkok on 8th Nov staying in Ratchatewi area planning to do shopping in Platinum mall.

    Is the area affected? Or any of the shops are opened in Platinum mall?

    How about the transportation from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Ratchatewi area?

    Thank you.

    • http://www.thaitravelnews.com Jared Sheldon

      You know what they say, no news is good news. And that is certainly the case with transport between the airport and Ratchatewi. Shops are still open at this stage. We are just hoping that the floodwaters are contained.

      Thanks,

      Jared

  • Pingback: Thailand Flooding: an update | Orient Xplorer Blog

  • dianne

    Hi. I am planning to travel to bangkok on december 8. I want to ask if the flood situation is still existing by then. Should I cancel my trip or pursue with it?
    Thank you.

    • http://www.thaitravelnews.com Jared Sheldon

      Hi Dianne, where are you plannign to go exactly?

      Jared

  • J

    I am due to travel today and arrive in Bangkok on the 6th Nov in the evening. I am booked in at the Sofitel Hotel in Chatuchak so that I can catch the bus from Mo Chit on the 7th to Buriram. Pleas advise if I can still do this. Thank you.

    • http://www.thaitravelnews.com Jared Sheldon

      Hi there, sorry about the late reply. Well, you’ll find that there are floodwater around the hotel. It shouldn’t be any threat though. Your hotel will look after you.

      Yes, buses are still running to Buriram .

      Kind Regards,

      Jared

      • J

        Thank you Jared, you are a star for trying to get back to all of us!

  • Hadi

    Dear Sir/Lady
    My friends and I already have arranged to travel to Bangkok from 22 November up to 24 Nov. 2011 and after this period we will go to phuket for 5 days
    We have reserved hotel via our tour for the mentioned dates. But now it seems the weather conditions is not good and stabile.
    Could you please tell me some about the city condition (flood affected areas / recreation centers condition / availability of food and water / security and safety of city area & etc.)
    You response will be helpful in our decision to travel.
    I really appreciated for you quick response.

    • http://www.thaitravelnews.com Jared Sheldon

      Hi there,

      Well the situation is rather unpredictable at this stage. Phuket will be fine, there are no problems there. Seeing that you are only staying for two day sin Bangkok, I wouldn’t worry too much. Are you going with a tour group?

      At present, flood affected areas are outside of the main tourist areas, but spreading slowly. It could stop, it could continue. We don’t know. Best thing to do is monitor the situation and evaluate the situation as it goes on.

      On a personal note, I live here, and I don’t feel that my safety is under any threat.

      Thanks,

      Jared

      • Hadi

        Hi Mr. Jared
        thank you for your response.
        As I told, we will stay in Bangkok for 3 days and after that we will going to Phuket.
        All of this trip arranged via our tour.
        We are worried about our flight from Bangkok to Phuket.
        Is the inner airport open yet?

  • Nei

    Hi Jared,

    With the current situation in Bangkok, is the overland travel from Sukhumvit to Aranyaphratet still possible via road without additional travel time due to detours? We’re planning to take a bus from Ekkamai Station. Do you know what time buses depart for Aranyaphratet?

  • zhymhiie

    to whom it may concern,

    i would like to know if there is any news or updates about the drainage plan from the administrative? if ever, where and when will it take place ? And will it damage other towns, villages or cities other than those areas already affected if the drainage plan occurs? i just wanted to know if our campus (ABAC- Suvarnabhumi campus) will get affected soon enough they planned it to drain around eastern bangkok? im a student from there who is also concern about the conveniency of other students, teachers and households around there.

    Thank you so much in advance.

    • http://www.thaitravelnews.com Jared Sheldon

      The government nor the BMA have published any detailed plans (in English for my sake, maybe there is in Thai) as to the specific measures in place.

      I can only speak as to what I know, which is quite general.

      As far as I know, the plan is to drain the city in a coordinated manner. That means opening some flood gates, while closing others in a methodical manner. As to when and when the gates are opened and closed, I don’t have that information. I would certainly like it though!

      If you came across that (whether it is in Thai or English), let me know.

      editor@thaitravelnews.net

      Thanks,

      Jared

  • Mr. Sushil Mehta

    Hello,
    My daughter is a student in Bangkok and residing in Bang Phlad area.
    We are from India and very worried about her. Is there any particular direction you could point out for her safety?
    She is residing in a building, on 15th floor ,with her friend.
    The street is flooded since days and the food supply is getting less and less.
    Please guide us to be able to guide her.
    Thanking you
    Sushil Mehta

    • http://www.thaitravelnews.com Jared Sheldon

      Hi Sushil,

      Thank you for your email.

      The situation isn’t too unsafe. As a resident of Bangkok I do not at all feel that I am in any threat. I went to the front line of the flooding today and the deepest it was up to my ankles. Power is still running, and tapwater is clean. Many apartments have special UV filter machines that provide drinking water for 1 baht per litre, and I’m sure hers does.

      Food supply is declining and some items have been difficult to buy, but believe me, Bangkok is nowhere near a famine.

      I would say that she is fine, but if she feels that her safety is under any threat, speak to the Indian embassy. There is a link to embassy phone numbers from the main page of Thai Travel News.

      I hope I that alleviates some of your concerns. My mother feels the same way!

      Jared

  • Anthony Carbone

    Hello

    We are landing in Bangkok on Nov. 20th, staying at the Hansar for two nights, then heading to Chiang Mai (and Phuket and Krabi) on the 22nd. Do you recommend that we just skip Bangkok and fly to Chiang Mai the 20th? We look forward to our two week vacation in Thailand and hope our flight can land in Bangkok. Any advice would be much appreciated.

    Anthony

  • http://www.gementerprises.com Gary E. Meyer

    I was in BKK last week and right now in Udon. You folks are 100% CRAZY to even think of coming to Bangkok now-absolutely CRAZY as a tourist. Now is not the time-period and I am an American and saw this first hand.

    • http://www.thaitravelnews.com Jared Sheldon

      Hey Gary,

      Thanks for the comments. I am absolutely flabbergasted when I read reports of executives for hotel chains who blame websites like TTN for portraying BKK in a negative image. Do they really want people to see Bangkok like this?

      Jared

  • Arijit

    I will be travelling bangkok in 2nd Week Dec, Will condition will be worse or improve by then ? reading lots of news regarding shortage of food supply.

  • Max

    I have bought air tickets for a family (6 people) holidays in Bangkok between 24/11 to 30/11. It will be mainly for shopping and if possible visiting the tourist attractions. As long as the International Airport is running, I can’t refund my tickets. What is your advice for the trip?

    I am planning to stay in hotel at Sathorn or Chidlom – Ploenchit or Sukhumvit? Are they all in unaffected areas (currently)? Any ranking of flodding risk between the three areas?

    max

  • Yeo

    Hi Jared,

    I will be traveling to BKK on 17-21 Nov.Should I postpone my trip as I would like to visit chatuchak and erawan shrine.Will chatuchak resume business by 18 Nov.hope to hear from you soon.

    Regards,
    Yeo

  • Conor Cu;kin

    Hi Jared , I am supposed to be flying into Bankok on November 23th .I was going to venture around Thailand for a month. Should I reschedule now cause of the floods ?

    I could possibly defer my trip for a month . Would that be best option?

    Cheers

    Conor

  • saadsatar

    hello\can i travel to pattaya from bangkok by bus \thankyou

  • Elissa

    I saw that, a few days, you told a commenter that if he or she was only going to be in Bangkok for 2 days, it might be okay. Do you still think that’s the case? (It was 3 or 4 days ago when you wrote that, so an eternity with the fast-changing situation!) Our current tickets have us in Bangkok for two nights en route to Chiang Mai, and another single night on our way back from Krabi. Should we forgo these nights? I know the latter would be difficult, as we have an early flight back to the states. Should we try to stay at the actual airport? (Our hotel right now is the Hansar)… Thanks for any advice! Your site has been so helpful through all of this.
    Best,
    Elissa

  • Hadi

    Dear Jared

    we will stay in Bangkok for 3 days from 22-25 Nov. 2011 and after that we will going to Phuket.
    We are worried about our flight from Bangkok to Phuket.
    Is the inner airport open yet?
    regards

  • Hannah

    Hello,

    I will be travelling to bangkok roughly on november 27 and staying there for a week, will be travelling from central bangkok (MBK platinum mall that area) to Nothanburi, pak kret. will it be safe around that time? :/

    Thanks so much!

  • MAC

    Hi Jared

    I’ve been closely monitoring your website for information and I want to say thanks for providing such a great service.

    I am bringing my family to Thailand on 14th December , stopping in Bangkok for one night and then (hopefully) taking the train down to Ko Lanta. Do you have any information on how the southern trains are running at the moment?

    Obviously it is difficult to predict how the situation will be a month from now , but I would appreciate any advice you can give me on this. Thanks very much. We are thinking of the people in BK at this difficult time.

    Best regards and hope things improve for you all soon.

  • Eugene

    Good day,

    Could You please tell me if the Southern Bus terminal at the Rama 2 (Holland Beer Hall) still operates? I need to get to Samui from there.

    Looking forward for Your reply.
    Thanks in advance.

  • PW

    Am arriving in Bangkok next Thursday, 18/11/2011 staying at the Courtyard Marriott. Would like to see Bangkok but if food, water, health, transportation is an issue, could certainly reschedule for another time. Recommendation?

    • http://www.thaitravelnews.com Jared Sheldon

      Hi, Sorry for the delay in my reply. Things have been hectic at our end over the past few days.

      Food = Not a problem. Food is everywhere here.
      Water = It’s back in the stores and your hotel has a large amount stored away.
      Health = Believe it or not, healthcare here is amazing. Hospitals are spotless. But as always, ensure that you have adequate health insurance.
      Transport = Not a problem. Taxis are everywhere, BTS/MRT is operating normally.

  • t2ric

    A pleasant day for all bangkok residents. Anyone care to comment regarding
    drinking water supply if there’s enough supply in the vicinity of pratunam?
    Scheduled to visit bangkok this weekend and stay at a hotel near pratunam
    and deeply concerned about potable drinking water.
    Thanks for anyone replying about this.

    • http://www.thaitravelnews.com Jared Sheldon

      Within the last few days, I have seen bottled water return to the stores. Thankfully! I’ve begun to grow tired of Pepsi! :)

  • saadsatar

    how about the road between bangkok airport and pattaya\by bus\and how about the airport in bangkok is it opened

    • http://www.thaitravelnews.com Jared Sheldon

      Hi there,

      The road between the airport and Pattaya is open. Buses are operating from Suvarnabhumi for 124 Baht.

      Suvarnabhumi Airport (The main airport) is open, but Don Mueang (secondary) remains closed for the moment.

      Kind Regards,

      Jared

  • Affan

    Hi Jared,

    Information that your are providing is truly helpful, appreciate it! I have planned my vacations in Thailand from 15th december 2011 to 3rd Janurary 2012. I will be mainly staying in Phuket, Koh phangan, Koh Samui and Koh Phi phi. My aim is to attend the Full Moon party. I have three questions for you

    1. Is the number of attendees will be lesser this december in full moon party as compared to last year december due to floods?

    2. The time period I mentioned above, will the situation get better at that time?

    3. The places I have mentioned I am intending to visit, are they affected at all or is there any chance that these places will get affected?

    Thanks much for your help.

    Regards,
    Affan

    • http://www.thaitravelnews.com Jared Sheldon

      Hi Affan,

      Thanks for your comment.

      To answer your questions.

      1. Is the number of attendees will be lesser this december in full moon party as compared to last year december due to floods?
      Most likely. But I don’t think it would be a huge decline. The type of traveller who attends the FMP wouldn’t be turned off by the flooding situation.

      2. The time period I mentioned above, will the situation get better at that time?
      Yes it should.

      3. The places I have mentioned I am intending to visit, are they affected at all or is there any chance that these places will get affected?
      None at all.

      Cheers,

      Jared

  • Rocky

    My friend and I have made reservations in Pattay from Nov 4 to 6 and in Bangkok from Nov6-8. I am concerned about the current situation of these two places & the availability of tourist attractions, the beach and nightlife. How bad are things?

  • sun

    hi, i’m currently living in Singburi and i have to go to Cambodia for visa run.
    I plan to go couple days later and i was wondering if the bus runs normally?
    (singburi – mo chit- aranyaprathet)
    or do you recommend another route for visa run ?

  • Manish dabasia

    I intend to be in Bangkok for 5 nights and in Phuket for 3 nights, from 14th December, 2011 to 22nd December, 2011. As long as the airports are operating I am not entitled to refund for ticket cancellations. I am travelling with 3 children. Is it safe to travel to Thailand then ? Or should I just cancel the bookings ?

    • http://www.thaitravelnews.com Jared Sheldon

      Hi there, Floodwaters are receding in Bangkok at the moment. Inner Bangkok is safe at this point, and on a personal level I think it will remain safe. Floodwaters are nowhere near central Bangkok, so you should be fine. As for Phuket, it has been unaffected by floods.

      Enjoy your holiday :)

  • Affan

    Thanks much Jared, you are a true help! keep up the good work! I am keeping my plan as is :-]

  • emi

    hi jared,
    i’m going to bangkok at 26 nov, my question is when Dream World will open ?
    Thanks in advance ^^

  • Claudia

    Dear Jared,

    First of all thanks a lot for the great help.

    I will stay in Bangkok for 1 night at the end of November 2011.
    I am planning to stay in a hotel in the Pratunam area.
    Is the whole Pratunam area dry?
    I am planning to stay at the hotel S2S Boutique Resort (21/1 Soi Ratchatapan, Ratchaprarop Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevee).
    Or is it saver to stay somewhere at a hotel closer to the Petchburi Road (e.g. Centre Point Petchburi) or somewhere close to the Bayoke Tower?
    And is it possible to take the skytrain from the airport to the Phaya Thai Station or Ratchaprarop Station? Is it dry around these stations?

    Do the mini bus / small buses – which are located close to the Victory Monument – drive to the south, e.g. Hua Hin?

    Thank you so much!

    Hope that that the situation for all of you Thai people will become better soon!

    Best regards,
    Claudia

  • http://www.facebook.com/jared85 Jared Sheldon

    Hi Everyone, sorry for the slow updates, I've had a problem with the new comments feature and they weren't being posted on the page. That problem should be sorted now, so if you have any questions, simply ask. Cheers, Jared and the TTN team.

  • http://www.facebook.com/jared85 Jared Sheldon

    Updated. But no real changes! The situation is getting a lot better within Bangkok. If you have a ticket booked, go. These updates will probably become more sporadic as the situation improves.

  • http://www.facebook.com/mazizm M Aziz Malik

    now thai is ok for tour?

  • http://www.facebook.com/jared85 Jared Sheldon

    Hi there, now is fine. I'm just updating it now.

  • Amitshar4

    whats the status of pattaya, is it safe to travel now