All of Bangkok is on alert as runoff from the outskirts continues to advance into the city, with streets in Bangkok's Lat Phrao district now dealing with floods.
According to a report in Friday's "Bangkok Post," 20 percent of the city is now flooded. Affected areas include north and western Bangkok and several riverside communities, some close to popular tourist attractions like Khao San Road, the Grand Palace and Chinatown.
As of Friday, major tourist areas in central Bangkok, such as Sukhumvit Road, Siam and Silom, remain unaffected by floods. Shopping malls, bars and restaurants in those areas are open, while most major hotels are operating as usual, including those on the Chao Phraya River.
Though the area surrounding the Chatuchak Weekend Market is dealing with flooded streets, the market itself is reportedly dry and open this weekend.
In a statement released to its guests, the riverside Mandarin Oriental Bangkok said: "The hotel's management team is monitoring the situation very closely and working around the clock to ensure the hotel stays unaffected. Effective flood management measures continue to be implemented."
The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are running on their usual schedules, though the Chao Phraya River Boat has stopped service until November 7. Certain MRT exits are closed due to floods, but all stations are open as of Friday morning.
Read on CNN Money: Thailand floods could create laptop shortage
The floods have also disrupted Bangkok’s food- and water-supply chains. Many convenience stores and supermarket shelves are regularly short of items like bottled water and non-perishable food, though the city's small, family-owned shops don't seem to be affected.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced that it has canceled the city's upcoming Loy Kratong Festival, including all dinner cruises and festivities along the Chao Phraya River. Celebrations are still planned for other Thai cities, including Chiang Mai and Sukhothai.
Elsewhere in Thailand
As of Friday, all airports in Thailand with the exception of Don Muang are operating as usual.
Don Muang is Bangkok's secondary domestic airport and is now flooded. Flights have since been moved to Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok's main international airport, which is unaffected by the floods.
More on CNNGo: Flights diverted as floods swamp Don Muang Airport
Many airlines are waiving administrative fees for passengers who have booked flights to Bangkok and wish to reschedule or cancel their journeys.
The TAT says that major tourist destinations such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Sukhothai, Kanchanaburi, Ratchburi, Pattaya, Ko Chang, Rayong, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Ko Samui are all experiencing normal weather conditions.
In its latest update, released Wednesday, the TAT says 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.
Train services from Bangkok to Chiang Mai have just resumed from Bangkok's Hualamphong train station as of Monday morning, though trains will re-route via the east to avoid flooded areas.
Contact the SRT Call Center at 1690 for the latest updates and information.
Long-distance inter-provincial bus services from Bangkok are still operating, though some are taking alternative routes to avoid flooded areas of Thailand, resulting in increased travel times.
Inter-provincial buses from Bangkok to southern provinces are leaving from a temporary station with shuttle services to and from the Southern Bus Terminal, also known as Sai Tai Mai. Call 1490 for the latest bus schedule and route information.
Read more: Thai flood crisis: Updated info for tourists | CNNGo.com http://www.cnngo.com/bangkok/life/thailand-floods-updated-info-tourists-883113#ixzz1ctjwOLNC
No comments:
Post a Comment