TRAVEL SUMMARY

From UK FCO. Updated:05 November 2011

Heavy rainfall across Thailand has caused widespread flooding, flash floods and mudslides, resulting in disruption and over 400 deaths.

We advise against all but essential travel to 25 provinces in Thailand (including Bangkok), which are affected by flooding, as identified by the Thai authorities. The affected provinces are: North; (Phichit, Nakhon Sawan and Uthai Thani) Central; (Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Pathumthani, Nonthaburi, Samutsakhon and Bangkok) Northeast; (Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Srisaket, Roi-et, Surin, Mahasarakham and Kalasin) Eastern; (Chacheongsao, Nakhon Nayok and Prachinburi).

We continue to advise against all but essential travel to the city of Bangkok. A large volume of flood water from the north still needs to pass through Bangkok, and to the east and west of the city, to reach the Gulf of Thailand. This flood water is being contained by a series of barriers, dykes and canals. Some of these defences have been breached. The extent of this breaching is currently unclear. Other defences protecting the centre of the city are untested. There remains a significant risk that central Bangkok will be affected by flooding were these to fail, or were the existing breaches to grow. 12 districts of Bangkok have now been declared evacuation zones. Local authorities have instructed those residents most at risk of flooding to prepare to evacuate. Latest updates on Bangkok districts can be accessed from the Bangkok GIS website. A map of the affected areas can be found here.

During the flooding period, movement around Bangkok may be difficult and the British Embassy may only be able to provide limited assistance to British nationals.

High tides from 9 November, will once again increase the risk of flooding from the Chao Phraya river. We will continue to review this travel advice regularly.

Flooding is likely to disrupt transport, may affect some tourist areas (including the Grand Palace and Khao San Road), and may disrupt electricity and water supplies, though the authorities have said they will do all they can to maintain these. You should take sensible precautions with food and water, including boiling tap water before drinking.

Supply chain disruption and high demand is causing shortages of bottled water, dried/tinned foods and some other products in supermarkets. Cash machines may not work in flooded locations. Hotels are likely to have contingency measures in place and visitors should seek advice from the hotel management. Hospitals also have contingency arrangements in place and are reducing services (e.g. out-patient treatment) as part of their flood preparations.

Suvarnabhumi international airport remains open and can be reached from the city centre, and flights to destinations elsewhere in Thailand (e.g. the resorts of Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui) continue to operate normally. These tourist destinations are not currently affected by flooding and are operating normally.

British nationals already in Thailand should exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities. The local authorities have advised that those people in vulnerable housing in areas expected to be affected by flooding should consider relocating to safer locations if they can do so. We advise those residents in Thailand, and those currently visiting Thailand, to contact their families or friends in the UK regularly to let them know how they are, even if they are in an unaffected area. British nationals requiring urgent consular assistance should call 02 305 8333 (in Thailand).

The Don Muang domestic airport closed on 25 October due to flooding. If you were due to use this airport contact your airline or tour operator for information. There is disruption to road and rail transport, particularly on routes in and out of greater Bangkok (mainly to the north but other directions may also be affected) and in flooded areas. Seek advice from your tour operator or the local authorities for up-to-date information. If you are in an affected area, exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities.

The Thai authorities are closely monitoring the situation. To check areas affected and transport infrastructure impacted please see this latest report published by the Thai 24/7 Emergency Operations Centre or visit the Dept of Highways website. Check with your tour operator, local media, the 24/7 Emergency Operations Centre, flooding updates from the Tourism Authority of Thailand or the Thai Meteorological Department for up-to-date information and warnings.

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/thailand#localtravel

9am: Floodwater at Lad Phrao 5-way intersection is still high; small cars should avoid: lockerz.com/s/153656631 RT @ittipat_Rw/via@tukky_nt

Livestock Dept director-general says no crocodiles on the loose in Kasetsart Univ; anyone who sees crocodiles can call 025620546, 24hr/TAN_Network

Small vehicles should avoid Ratchadapisek Rd in front of Criminal Court/TAN_Network

8.59am: Vibhavadi inbound: floodwater is still at St.John University and THAI Airway HQ: http://t.co/boVA9pjr RT @ittipat_Rw/via@tukky_nt

8.45am: BTS Mor Chit:http://t.co/gIPobkduRT @malairung: @js100radio/via@tukky_nt

PM launches caravan of relief supplies from Royal Plaza for flood victims in BKK, 3 other provinces before visiting Soi Charansanitwong 46/MCOT

9.30am: Floodwater on Lad Phrao inbound is high; cars forced to U-turn at Chokechai4 or turn to Lad Phrao64 RT @js100radio/via@tukky_nt

Chaopraya boat service stops running until Nov 14, they are ready to help evacuate patients at Siriraj Hospital via@Dnn/via@Rajprasong_News

Flood Toll: 506 death, 3.1 million people and 25 provinces affected: Disaster and Mitigation Dept. TR @Thairath_News/via@tukky_nt

Floodwater start flooding soi of PM's house

November 6,

Floodwater started seeping out of sewer to flood the soi of the house of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in Bangkok's Bueng Kum district Sunday morning, the Manager Online reported.

It said the Lamchiek Canal, which is aobut 300 metres away from Yingluck's house, started swelling its banks.

It said water started coming out of sewer on soi Yothin Pattana 3, where Yingluck's house is located.

-- The Nation 2011-11-06

9.25am:PM distributes relief supplies to flood victim at KrungThon Bridge,Bang Plad:http://t.co/fxar1Tau RT @jeerapong_nna/via@tukky_nt

8.45am: Prachaniwate 1 turned to be canal with 40-50 cm high flood water: http://t.co/DDOySr9V by @thaitripstoday RT @Aim_NT

Six Diseases To Be Cautious Of During Floods

8.29am: Panya-Ram Indra Rd, Bangchan, sees floodwater at 30cm; cars are passable: http://t.co/6GrSSkRE via @latphrao_kttrsn/via@tukky_nt

Thai Floods: Kudos and consequences for Phuket

WELCOME (finally): Perhaps for some aboard the bus, this was a first trip to Phuket?

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/510432-thai-floods-kudos-and-consequences-for-phuket/page__view__findpost__p__4825770

Plenty of Malaysian drinking water available at Tesco Lotus, Kae Ra/via@AndersInNon

10:54am water level in MuengAke is 30cm lower, (believe) b/c of "big bag" that help slow down the North run-off.~@jin_nation/via@Tulip_Oum

Sorayuth (CH3) reports that postive effect of big bag system most apparent at Muang Ake where water down 30cm. Leaks elsewhere need fixing/via@terryfrd

Sorayuth: One defence of inner city, Bang Sue canal, has been overwhelmed. Next to face test is Samsen canal. Then Saen Saeb./via@terryfrd

Sorayuth reminds viewers that Saen Saeb (or Saeb Saen as he called it today) flows past Siam Square & MBK./via@terryfrd

11.10am:Navamin or Sukhaphiban 1 Rd sees floodwater at 20-30 cm; deepest is 60 cm. #ch3 http://t.co/LpP2lYwr/via@tukky_nt

Jatujak weekend market remains open; BTS Skytrain, MRT underground services at every station functioning as normal/MCOT

11.25am:Floodwater from Phasee Charoen has reached Bang Bon; expected to rise to 80 cm; evacuation urged #thaifloodEng #ch3/via@tukky_nt

PM launches caravan to help flood victims

BANGKOK, Nov 6 - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Sunday launched a caravan of flood relief supplies to help flood victims in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Nakhon Pathom before going to visit flood victims in Bangkok’s Bang Phlat district.

The caravan left the Royal Plaza and is heading along six routes including three destinations in the capital and three others to each province of Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Nakhon Pathom.

She reassured that the government will not abandon anyone and asked everyone to exercise patience to get through the crisis together.

The government will be the core in restoring the country to return to normal, she said adding the government’s kitchens have been set up in 18 districts to cook food for distribution to affected residents.

After the launch of the caravan, the prime minister visited local residents in Soi Charansanitwong 46 in Bangkok’s western district of Bang Phlat to hand out relief supplies. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-11-06

11.36am:Transportation Minister:Rama II Rd won't be blocked fr floodwater coz it's the way to the sea (1) #thaifloodEng TR @jin_nation #ch3/via@tukky_nt

Govt will retrieve 340 highway (Talingchan-Bangbuathong) instead to use it the way to the south. (end) #ThaifloodEng #ch3 TR @jin_nation/via@tukky_nt

For foreigners who would like to travel to TH at this time check out http://t.co/OtztX3Jz #ch3/via@Biz_TheNation

11.40am:Water seeping into RamkhamhaengRd sub sois.Main road still clear.Soi 164: http://t.co/sPs5xtBN RT @BangkokPatrick/via@tukky_nt

11.49am: Water starts seeping from drain near BTS Sanam Pao station TR @vow_vow/via@tukky_nt

11:57am Crocodile found in Villa Ramintra, Khobon Soi 10 in Bangkhen district [see photo] http://t.co/N1RKfTaT ~ @Rawangpai/via@porpich

12.09pm:More evacuation order from BMA: Klong 10, Khoo (north side), Koak Fhad sub district in Nongchok/ San Saeb in Min Buri/ (1)/via@tukky_nt

(cont) More evacuation order from BMA: Nhong Khaem and Phasee Charoen district TR @joize_nna/via@tukky_nt

11.59am: More under surveillance listed from BMA: Lad Phrao and Thon Buri #INN /via@tukky_nt

RT @ktnews: BMA evacuation call for Nong Jok, Pasi Jaroen, Nong Khaem, Min Buri. Watch-listed are Lad Prao, Thon Buri./via@tulsathit

Bangkok Airways

Bangkok Airways’ daily operations from/to Suvarnabhumi Airport is running per normal schedule. The airline’s ticket counter on 4th floor at Suvarnabhumi Airport is also open as normal.

URGENT: BMA orders evacuation of Nongchok, Pasicharoen, Nongkaem, Minburi districts and places Lardprao, Thonburi districts on watch list/TAN_Network

Bangkok announces evacuation zones for Pasi Charoen, Nong Kaem districts; Klong 10, Kokfad, Saensaeb, Koofangnua sub-districts/MCOT