Belgian ambassador: warning to residents and tourists

Today (October 20, 2011) the Belgian ambassador in Thailand sent an e-mail message to his compatriots. The editors of Thailandblog publish this message in full.

Dear compatriots,

One third of Thailand's territory is under water. The situation in Cambodia remains extremely serious. In both countries, 600 deaths have already been reported and hundreds of thousands of people have left their homes. In Laos and Myanmar, the impact of the rain and floods is fortunately more limited, but people have also been affected by the catastrophe there.

I think it is now time for a warning to the people of Bangkok. I know that you, residents or visitors, follow the news on radio and TV, in the newspapers and on Twitter. Be attentive and carefully follow the advice and orders of the Thai authorities.

I have just adjusted the travel advice, and in it I ask the Belgians who plan to visit Thailand to re-evaluate their travel project. You know that both Bangkok airports may be under threat, even though they remain fully operational at this time. However, I think a clear warning is now in order.

I enclose with this message the latest version of our travel advice, I recommend that you read each new one information to follow closely.

Yours faithfully, 

Rudi Veestraeten

Ambassador

Flooding in Thailand

General

The floods in Thailand, especially in the central plains, have already claimed more than 315 lives. The water continues to flow to the central basin, north of the capital Bangkok and possibly also to Bangkok itself.

The rainy season is not over yet, and heavy showers are also expected in central Thailand in the following days. From 29 to 31 October there will be another spring tide, with an increased risk of flooding in the capital.

Bangkok

In Bangkok, large-scale preventive measures have been taken to control the water level of the Chao Prya River and protect the inner city from floodwaters from the north. However, in the north, east and west of the city, several neighborhoods are under water.

Since October 18, the situation for Bangkok has become increasingly critical. The barriers that have held back the water so far are difficult to hold and it is unclear how the situation will evolve in the following days. It is possible that a large part of the city center will be flooded.

Bangkok's two airports are now also in immediate danger. If there is water on the runway, the airport must be closed immediately. That is not the case at the moment, but we strongly recommend that you follow the information closely through the media.

We recommend Belgian travelers to postpone their departure to Bangkok until there is more clarity about the fate of the airports in a few days.

The Bangkok government specifically warns of flood risk in the following districts: Nong-Jok, Lam LukKa, Klong Luang, Meenburi, Klong Samva, Lad-krabang, Prawet, Thonburi, Nonthaburi, Samut Sakhon.

Inland

In many places there is water that is meters high, which only slowly drains to the center and to Bangkok. That water may remain in the central plains for weeks.

Flooding has resumed in the northeast since October 18, as the Moon River overflowed after heavy rains and the discharge of water from dams.

Major transport links in Thailand are closed: all trains to the north have been canceled, the main traffic axis between Bangkok and the north is locally unusable.

There is a very high risk of flash floods (sudden inflow of water), and more generally urban and rural flooding. In some places the water is more than 2 meters high. Mudslides also threaten human lives.

In flooded areas, there is also a greatly increased risk of infectious diseases, bites by insects and animals, and health in general.

The Thai government warns of the risk of water contamination with chemical products in the flooded areas, especially in the vicinity of industrial parks.

Due to the continuous heavy rains, large areas in 27 of the 77 provinces are under water: there is a negative travel advice for the following cities and places: Sukhothai, Phichit, Pitsanulok, Kampangpetch, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Singburi, Angthong, Ayutthaya , Lopburi, Saraburi, Suphanburi, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Ubon Ratchathani, Lei, Khon Kaen, Mahasarakam, Si Sa Ket, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, Kalasin, Surin, Nakorn Ratchasima, Buriram and Prachinburi. The floods are mainly located in agricultural areas and cities in the central plains.

A landslide warning has been issued in 12 provinces: Satun, Trang, Songkhla, Krabi, Chumphon, Chanthaburi, Trat, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok, Uttaradit, Nan, and Mae Hong Son.

For the safety of tourists, access to waterfalls and rafting in the flooded areas is temporarily prohibited.

The traditional tourist attractions on the Thai coast and in the south of the country are currently accessible and open to the public.

Thai government and travel advice

We recommend that all tourists wishing to travel to the endangered provinces check the weather forecasts and seek advice from their travel agency.

More information can be obtained from the Flood Information Line (tel +66 (0)235 65 51) set up by the Thai authorities.

In Thailand you can also reach the telephone information line of the Thai tourist authority on number 1672 to find out the latest status.

'Overstay' : Belgians who cannot extend their visa for Thailand in time due to the floods in the areas of Ayutthaya, Angthong or Supanburi can contact Pol. Lt. Phuen Duangjina via tel no: 083-6941694. After that, one must report to a Thai Immigration Office.

Specific information can also be found on the following Thai government website:

http://disaster.go.th/dpm/flood/floodEng.htm

http://www.tmd.go.th/en