Floods hit Bangkok

On Thursday, October 20th, the Thai government announced that the capital Bangkok could no longer be protected from flooding due to the massive volume of water built-up at the north of the city.


On Thursday, October 20th, the , the Thai government announced that the capital Bangkok could no longer be protected from flooding due to the massive volume of water built-up at the north of the city. Consequently, sluice gates have been opened allowing the water to flow through the city. According to authorities, Central Bangkok is protected by flood barriers which have been reinforced by security forces over the past days. The government is trying to save inner Bangkok diverting the water in the eastern suburbs. The most affected districts should be Sai Mai, Klong Sam Wa, Kannayao, Min Buri, Lat Krabang, Bang Khen and Nong Chok. Several suburbs in northern Bangkok are already under water. On Wednesday, October 19th, authorities urged the population to stay on alert and move to higher ground in preparation of flooding. Severe road transport disruptions are expected in coming hours due to flooding and landslides.
Thailand is facing its worst flooding in decades. Since July, heavy rains have triggered severe floods in most of the country, killing at least 320 people, affecting thousands others and damaging seriously the country’s infrastructures. In most of Thailand, the monsoon runs from May to October, with September and October being the peak of the rainy season. In the south-eastern part of the Thai peninsula, the monsoon runs from November to March.
People travelling to Thailand must listen to local and international media in order to get updated information. Stay away from flooded areas and obey to all recommendations given by local authorities. If you are told to evacuate, do so and follow specific routes. Confirm all your travel arrangements and allow more time for travel. Travellers must be aware that several western embassies advise their citizens against all but essential travel to the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla, where an Islamic insurgency is going on.