As per a communique from TAT, the flooding situation in Thailand is mainly affecting the central provinces along the Chao Phraya River including Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Other popular tourist destinations in the central region including Pattaya, Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi and Ko Chang have not been affected by the floods.
Tourist destinations in the south of Thailand including Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, Ko Samui, Hat Yai and Phang-Na; and in the north including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Sukhothai, also have not been affected by the floods.
Flood waters in Ayutthaya and some other central provinces have begun to subside, although many areas are not yet fully accessible. Tourist attractions in Ayutthaya will reopen once they have been restored.
Events relating to Loy Krathong, an ancient tradition that has been celebrated since the Sukhothai Era, will still take place in many locations throughout Thailand including Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Tak, Hat Yai and Surat Thani during November 8th to 10th. Some Loy Krathong events have been cancelled in Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Suphanburi due to the flood.
Situation in Bangkok
Most areas of central Bangkok where to tourists normally go are not flooded at this time. The Chao Phraya River, which runs through Bangkok, is at a higher-than-normal level. This is causing some flooding at tourist attractions that are close to the river, especially during high tide periods.
Areas flooded in the 1,568 square km Bangkok Metropolitan Area includes suburbs in the east and west, the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, and districts in the northern part of the city. The government has advised residents to leave these areas until the flood water can be drained.
In central Bangkok, businesses, hotels, shops and tourist attractions remain open as per normal in areas including:
- Khao San Road
- Phetchaburi Road
- Ploenchit/ Chidlom
- Pratunam
- Rama 1 Road
- Rama 4 Road
- Ratchaprasong (Central World area)
- Sathorn
- Siam Square/ MBK/ Siam Paragon
- Silom/ Surawongse
- Sukhumvit Road/ The Emporium
- Yaowarat (Chinatown)
Tourist attractions in Bangkok that are currently closed due to flooding include:
- Central Lat Phrao
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Safari World
The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are operating normally. Taxis and tuk tuks are available as per usual. Many BMTA bus routes have been rerouted or suspended due to the flooding. Express boat services on the Chao Phraya River have also been suspended, as have most water-related tourist activities.
Given the rapidly changing nature of the flooding situation in Bangkok, the TAT advises travelers to carefully consider visiting tourist attractions close to the Chao Phraya River as they may be in areas affected by flooding, which could limit access. Visitors should also check multiple sources of information to make an informed decision about whether they should visit central Bangkok at the present time.
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