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Travellers heading to Thailand may have heightened safety concerns following heavy rainfall and severe flooding across the country.
A two-day public holiday has been declared as authorities race to drain floodwaters from Bangkok.
At least eight people have died in flood-related incidents across Thailand since 16 September.
On Tuesday, the Thai Meteorological Department forecast: “The southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf is weakening. Less rain is forecast in the country while isolated heavy rain is possible in the western part of the North, especially in Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai Province.
“Thunderstorms are forecast in the South. People in the area should beware of heavy rain and accumulation that may cause flash floods, overflows and landslides, especially along the waterways near foothills and lowlands.”
Here is the latest travel advice for Thailand, plus all the key questions and answers, following severe flooding in Bangkok.
Read more: Thailand declares public holiday as Bangkok races to drain floodwaters
Is it safe to travel to Thailand?
The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has updated its Thailand travel advice with a weather warning.
“Severe flooding is affecting parts of Thailand following heavy rainfall in a number of provinces, including Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan. All 50 districts of Bangkok have been declared disaster-affected areas. Travel disruption, including road closures and flooding of low-lying areas, is possible,” said the FCDO.
It added: “The Thai government has declared special public holidays on 28 and 29 September in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan.”
Travellers are advised that government services may be closed or operating with reduced capacity, and to follow the advice of local authorities.
General FCDO flooding advice says: “Heavy rainfall can cause flash flooding, landslides and disruption to transport, particularly in northern, north-eastern and mountainous areas.
“Conditions can change rapidly and may result in road closures and local travel disruption. Lakes, caves and waterfalls are particularly at risk of dangerous flash flooding.”
Where has flooding hit?
Severe flooding has swept Thailand in areas including Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan.
All 50 districts of Bangkok have been declared disaster-affected areas, with around 700,000 residents affected by flooding over the weekend and neighbourhoods in eastern Bangkok hit hardest, the Bangkok Flood Control Centre reported.
What have local authorities said?
The government has declared 28 and 29 September special public holidays in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan to help reduce travel and mitigate the impact of flooding.
Bangkok governor Chatchart Sittipunt called for urgently lowering water levels in the city’s canals.
“We must urgently lower the water level in the canals as much as possible to drain water from the roads and communities more quickly,” he said. “Some areas may require more time and gradual drainage.”
Are flights still travelling to Thailand?
Flights to and from Thailand, specifically Bangkok, are delayed and being cancelled on Tuesday morning.
More than 259 flights are currently delayed at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport, with at least 58 flights cancelled, per Flightradar24.
Can I cancel my Thailand holiday?
As the FCDO has not warned against non-essential travel to Thailand, there will be no special circumstances in place to cancel a trip for a full refund. The conditions for cancelling your trip depend on your holiday provider, so it’s best to contact them if you want to postpone due to weather concerns.
Companies are not obligated to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim on your travel insurance due to safety concerns unless government advice changes.
Read more: Bangkok floodwaters begin to ease after torrential rains
