Thai flood crisis: Bangkok on high alert, southern tourist areas operating normally

With up to a third of the country affected by flooding, including parts of the capital Bangkok, Thai Government officials have admitted that the Pathum Thani flood situation is out of control in areas north of the capital.

While Thailand's tourism industry has so far been largely unaffected, with southern islands escaping the flooding, attractions in Bangkok have been closed.

The city's Floodhit Dream World Fun Park and Future Park Rangsit have been closed indefinitely because of flooding of surrounding roads.

However, Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi (international) Airport is operating as normal and its flood defences have been fortified.

The Bangkok-based Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) says there is no need for travel agents and tourists to change Thailand travel plans due to flooding to the north of Bangkok.

PATA interim Chief Executive Bill Calderwood explains "as you are aware from TV and media reports, some parts of Thailand are experiencing much heavier than usual seasonal flooding.

"However, central Bangkok and the majority of its suburban areas are functioning normally. All of Thailand's airports are operating normally, including Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. There has been no disruption to BTS 'skytrain' the MRT 'underground' and public transport systems in Bangkok. All Bangkok hotels and major tourism attractions are also operating normally."

PATA says that the flood affected areas are to the provinces to the immediate north of Bangkok. Tourism and transport activities in those areas have been heavily affected and tour operators are modifying programmes that visit or have to pass through those provinces.

Meanwhile luxury tourism brand Anantara has issued a statement designed reassuring visitors that the country is still open for tourism.

The statement from the Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas group reads "the management and staff of Anantara Hotels Resorts and Spas and Bangkok Marriott Resort and Spa, would like to confirm that despite recent heavy seasonal rain in parts of Thailand all of our properties have not experienced any disruptions to business and continue to welcome guests.

"Over the past several weeks, seasonal rains that are heavier than usual have resulted in widespread flooding in Thailand. The floods are mainly affecting the provinces in central Thailand and a few provinces in the north and northeast.

"Provinces in the south of Thailand have not been affected by the floods. Ayutthaya has been the only tourist destination widely affected by the floods, while other provinces where tourists generally go have been unaffected.

"The authorities have ordered every available measure to be taken to protect Bangkok's inner-city commercial and residential districts from flooding and the hotel management teams are working closely with the authorities to monitor the situation.

"All of Anantara's properties in Thailand including Bangkok, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Phuket, Hua Hin, South of Krabi and Chiang Rai have all been unaffected and are experiencing normal weather conditions.

"Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas holds all guests' wellbeing and safety in the highest regard and will uphold the stringent safety standards that the company is known for. This potential for flooding is being monitored extremely closely and precautionary measures are being taken.

"Should there be any change in water levels in and around the properties guests will be kept fully informed at all times."

PATA's Calderwood adds thataid that industry professionals concerned about the Thai flood situation can get updates from a dedicated Thai tourism website, stating "the site has excellent information on the flood situation including contact numbers, transport updates, maps, news reports, tourist testimonials and more. I strongly recommend it as a useful resource. "

Flood updates from the Tourism Authority of Thailand can be viewed at www.thailandtourismupdate.com

9th March 2011 - THAILAND NEEDS TO CHANGE ITS BRAND IMAGE