Bangkok’s worst-case scenario for tidal waters to cause a breach of the Chao Phraya river this weekend did not materialise and the threat is now over – until the end of November when high tides will peak again, but by which time the flood waters coming down from the north should have drained away into the sea. Most visitor attractions remain open, even though there was daily flooding around the Grand Palace caused by breaching of the river during high tides.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, floodwaters are now subsiding in the north of the country. The central business district and most areas of Bangkok remain dry, except the north and north-eastern suburbs. Don Muang Airport remains flooded but the domestic flights using that airport have been transferred to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, which remains dry and well protected. Access to and from the airport is normal.
Some hotels have been affected by the floods but are being assisted by others. Business levels have dropped as a result of the floods, so staff level requirements have also reduced – enabling any affected to deal with the flooding in their homes. The water supply throughout the city, except in flooded areas, remains of high quality and almost all essential items continue to be available from hotel store rooms.
