Thailand flooding could get worse

Security 03/11/2011

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has amended its advice regarding Thailand following widespread flooding, flash floods and mudslides; however, it still advises against all but essential travel to the following 26 provinces, including Bangkok, the capital. The provinces are: North; (Phichit, Phitsanulok, 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).

FCO sources confirm that the immediate threat of flooding to central Bangkok has, for the moment, passed. However, 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 defenses have been breached. The extent of this breaching is currently unclear. Other defenses 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. High tides, which are to to return on 9 November, will once again increase the risk of flooding from the Chao Phraya river. Will will continue to review our travel advice regularly.

The consequences:
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.

The FCO also informs that 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. During the flooding period, movement around Bangkok may be difficult and the British Embassy may only be able to provide limited assitance to British nationals.

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. FCO advice against all but essential travel to Bangkok does not include transit through Suvarnabhumi airport.

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. The FCO advises those resident 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 editorial team (source: FCO)