The U.S. Department of State has issued an alert to U.S. citizens concerning travel in the flood-affected areas of the central and lower parts of Northern Thailand, including Bangkok.

The alert recommends against all but essential travel to metropolitan Bangkok, and 20 additional provinces: Sukhothai, Pichit, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Singhburi, Angthong, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Lopburi, Sara Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Pracheen Buri, Chacherngsao, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Kamphang Peth, and Tak.

Severe flooding has hampered transportation and limited access to some essential services in the affected regions.  Bangkok’s main international airport, Suvarnabhumi, is operating normally, however, Don Muang Airport, which typically handles a number of domestic flights, is closed due to the flooding, its flights having either been canceled or diverted to Suvarnabhumi.

The flooding is becoming more widespread in the outer Bangkok metropolitan area.  Portions of inner Bangkok may become flooded, particularly in areas along the Chao Phraya River.  There are reports of shortages of bottled water and selected food items within the Bangkok metropolitan area, and transportation and electric power could be disrupted. It is unclear how long these conditions will last.

Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand

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