Hi guys. was wondering whether anybody had any news on the weather now in bangkok especially and whether the floods will be round for long?

i intend to fly out around 20-25th december but hope the floods will clear before then.

any news will be much appreciated,

cheers,

alex

I received word today that the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has updated its travel advice for Thailand regarding the floods. In a nutshell, it is advising against all but essential travel to the affected provinces and also to the city of Bangkok, as flood waters are expected there up until 31 October.

Note that they state Suvarnabhumi Airport is still open and unaffected by flooding at this stage. Their advice not to travel to Bangkok does not include transit through the airport; if you are transiting and flying out to Phuket or Samui then all is fine currently.

Please be aware that sometimes such government bureaus take an extra-cautious line when advising to travel, but generally their reports are factually correct. Use their advice together with the advice of people and other travellers on the ground in Thailand (on this forum and others).

One point to be aware of is that some insurers invalidate your insurance if you travel to an area that the FCO (or international equivalent) is advising against and have to make a claim in such an area.

The updated advice is here: Thailand travel advice

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My latest travels: Shikoku Pilgrimage

Things must be serious as the Chatuchuk weekend market is not opening this weekend!

There is a huge amount of flood waters on its way to Bangkok running overland aswell as down the river system. This problem has been made worse due to a decision earlier in the year, not to release water from the dams along the rivers even though capacity was already high. There is nowhere left for the water to be diverted and a king tide this weekend will further increase the river heights.

If another way of draining all this water is not found it could take a month or more for this flood to receed.

If you also factor in the disease issues that stagnant water will invariably cause and the low level of staples such as drinking water etc, then it would be difficult to recommend travelling to Bangkok until Christmas.

The good news is that the south of Thailand is unaffected and if possible, I would look to altering any plans rather than cancelling travel.

If the main airport stays open, transit through Bangkok will be possible, but I would seriously consider trying to get a direct flight into Phuket, rather than chance it.

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I love Thailand this much

To illustrate how much water is trying to make its way to the Gulf of Thailand, via Bangkok, have a look at this graphic. scary to see how much water need to find its way down to the ocean #ThaiFloodEng

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I love Thailand this much